Obituary for Willis Williams Osborne
Willis Williams (Bill) Osborne Jr. (1935- 2023) died peacefully at his home in Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC, Canada on April 5, 2023. He was born in Minneapolis, MN, USA to Lucille and Willis W. Osborne, Sr. and is survived by his
sister, Linda.
At the University of Minnesota, Bill graduated with a degree in geology - working summers at Glacier National Forest Service. He served in the US Army during the Cuban crisis and after discharge in 1963 moved to Vancouver, BC where he worked in mineral exploration around the province. Bill returned to studies and received a Masters degree in Geology at UBC. He worked for Noranda for several years, mostly in BC, in geological mapping and drill programs.
Bill founded, managed and served as President of several publicly owned mining exploration companies - exploring and developing many properties in Canada and Africa. He never completely retired and remained active in the financial markets as an investor.
Love of the outdoors, wilderness and winter sports led Bill to build a house at Whistler Mountain BC. where a close
knit group of friends formed his social network. Teaching skiing and winter travel to various ski resorts became an
annual event. As well as hiking, camping, and cycling, Bill enjoyed tennis and volleyball and was active member at
Vancouver Lawn and Tennis Club.
Bill loved adventure and travel and formed strong friendships in Africa and Europe. As well he had a great loyalty for friends in Canada and USA and relationships formed in each stage of his life. He remained constant in his communication with them.
Bill was a fine gentleman with high moral principles and values. He was kind and gentle and generous and will be
sorely missed by his many dear friends.
A private Celebration of Life will be held.
sister, Linda.
At the University of Minnesota, Bill graduated with a degree in geology - working summers at Glacier National Forest Service. He served in the US Army during the Cuban crisis and after discharge in 1963 moved to Vancouver, BC where he worked in mineral exploration around the province. Bill returned to studies and received a Masters degree in Geology at UBC. He worked for Noranda for several years, mostly in BC, in geological mapping and drill programs.
Bill founded, managed and served as President of several publicly owned mining exploration companies - exploring and developing many properties in Canada and Africa. He never completely retired and remained active in the financial markets as an investor.
Love of the outdoors, wilderness and winter sports led Bill to build a house at Whistler Mountain BC. where a close
knit group of friends formed his social network. Teaching skiing and winter travel to various ski resorts became an
annual event. As well as hiking, camping, and cycling, Bill enjoyed tennis and volleyball and was active member at
Vancouver Lawn and Tennis Club.
Bill loved adventure and travel and formed strong friendships in Africa and Europe. As well he had a great loyalty for friends in Canada and USA and relationships formed in each stage of his life. He remained constant in his communication with them.
Bill was a fine gentleman with high moral principles and values. He was kind and gentle and generous and will be
sorely missed by his many dear friends.
A private Celebration of Life will be held.