Name: Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park
Address: Austin, TX

Thinking of George on his year anniversary. I know it is hard and for that I am sorry. He was a good man!
Marcia Smith ( Mrs Gene)

We are missing George, as are all his loving family and friends. He was a frequent and willing volunteer to help us with Mobile Loaves & Fishes and numerous other ways of serving those in the community that needed the most compassion. He was so kind and caring. And always helped us laugh. "Love doesn't die. He still loves you and you still love him."

I kindly remember my days of working with George when we worked in R&D for Reynolds Metals Company back in the early 70's. I am so sorry to hear the news of his passing. He was one of the more capable persons I have had the privilege to work with. We worked together and went canoeing. He was exceptionally bright, good humored, and outgoing.  I will always treasure having known him.

Clarita always talked about the Oswald family and the enjoyable times, particularly with George and Fred. George and Kim were always enjoyable to be visit.  Since, having to sell the motorhome and my health, I know I will not be visiting Austin anytime soon.  I do hope I get to see George’s family sometime in the future.  George made an impression on all he met, particularly by his friendliness and intelligences.  He sincerely will be greatly missed by not only his family; but his friends and those he helped.

Dear Kim and Family,
Thinking of wonderful George on his passing a year ago.  We have fond  memories of special times spent with George and each of you at Westlake UMC.  May you experience peace knowing your husband and father was a blessing to all.  Much love, Wes and Lynne Hook

I am so sorry for your loss. George was such a wonderful guy. He was always fun to be around and so positive. I have many fond memories of him joking around with my brother, Jackie. He was his best friend. Even if it had been a long time since we had talked, it seemed like it was just yesterday.  I think about George and all of you often.  No words can really express how much he is missed. 

RIP, Geo…many fond memories of our times at Aberdeen Proving Ground

Kim and Family,  George was Drew's Army buddy.  Our last face to face memory of him was when he attended Drew's 70th birthday party in our home in NM two years ago.  I loved having him celebrating in our kitchen with us.  We have wonderful memories and pictures of their Army stint in Aberdeen, MD!  RIP, friend!

A good friend with whom we shared many wonderful memories from Army days to the present.  There was always laughter and a love of music and playing basketball and taking trips to the Outer Banks in George's van, going to Kim and Geo's wedding, and seeing them when they visited Massachusetts. Our prayers are offered for Kim and Justin, Nick, Devon, and Carlyn,  

Heartfelt condolences to the entire Oswald family for a life well lived and loved.  Veronda L. Durden

I had the privilege of working with George for several years both while he was at the City of Austin and Espey Consultants.  He was a great mentor.  His leadership and management style were an inspiration to those around him.  His dedication to his profession made him a pillar of our community and beyond.  My condolences to the Oswald family.  

In addition to sharing a pew and Sunday School at WUMC with George and Kim for many years, George and I would occasionally serve on Mobile Loaves and Fishes together- usually on his regular, 3rd Monday of the month team. George always had a ready smile for everyone that we served, as well as all of us in the truck.  It was always great fun to go on a MLF "run" with George and his friend Jonathan, because their humorous stories usually led to great hilarity as we drove from place to place.  George was warm, gentle and loving with everyone I ever witnessed him encountering.  I miss him greatly.  Kay

Living with the Oswald Family as their Aupair back in 1999 was a LOT of fun. I not only got to taste George's world-famous brisket, but I got to witness Kim and George raising four energetic, unique, brilliant and totally remarkable kids. I didn't quite understand in the beginning, how so many people could live under the same roof and function the way that they did. But with Kim and George at the helm - a fabulous team - they managed a work-life-family balance that I will always admired. 

And props to George and Kim, for never giving me too hard a time for my late-nights out with the Astro Chevy van. 

It was a privilege and a pleasure to have known George. I give credit to both George and Kim for encouraging me to become an artist. When I had no idea who I wanted to become, George gave me a cassette tape compilation of live recordings of some local singer-songwriters ( Shawn Colvin, Kacy Crowley, and a few others). The music resonated with me, and so off I went to soak up more music that was similar in style. That same summer Kim gave me a copy of Julia Cameron's 'The Artist's Way'. They both were two big influencers who helped me find my own path with heart. I will forever be grateful. 

I will miss George's Holiday updates. It was so obvious that Kim and the kids, meant the most. My heart goes out to all of you. 

Sending love and virtual hugs from Nova Scotia,
Christina



George and Kim sat in the pew behind us at church each Sunday.  What a bright light he was during the passing of the peace!  His warm smile and handshake were so friendly. He will be missed by so many at the church.  

George lived life to the fullest. Much has been written about his work and his love of music and family. He was also one of the founders of the ACME Hike Club. His love of the out doors took a group of us backpacking to many beautiful places in the west: Yosemite, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Wind River Range and Banff, BC. He was so full of energy and wanted to share his love for the outdoors with others. He taught us all a wonderful lesson in how to enjoy life. One of my favorite memories is when we were canoeing on the Buffalo River.  At camp one night he pulled out his "electric" yoyo and demonstrated "around the world" with the yoyo disappearing in a whirl of colored lights into the forest never to be seen again. Rest in Peace George.

I remember George as a quiet but faithful presence at the children's
activities.  He was fully engaged and could not be missed,  though he did not call attention to himself.  He seemed very happy to let others have the stage.  I was not surprised to read the loving comments of those who worked with him, and how they  appreciated his style of dependable leadership and the personal interest he took in seeing them succeed.  George exemplified the best of so many human characteristics.  

By the time I met George in 1990, he had already established himself as Austin’s godfather of storm water management.  As we traveled across Texas working with CDM,  I appreciated his brilliance, humor and competitiveness that kept us both gainfully employed for many years.  He was the ideal boss who enjoying mentoring, laughing and, (as great leaders do) challenging the status quo.  Our paths would cross again at the City of Austin where George further cemented his legacy and continued to champion his flood programs and staff.

My favorite George memory is from a “work” trip to Little Rock where we had some mean BBQ with his brother.  Count me as one of the many people whose life and career were made better for knowing George. 

Dee and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Kim, the children and the extended family.   Peace to all.


George had an immeasurable influence on my life as I worked alongside him and learned from him for nearly a decade. He shared his knowledge and experiences without holding back and always had a very positive energy with his booming laughter often heard throughout the office. We'd spend a lot of time talking about city politics and live music, especially when SXSW would roll around and he would tell me of the live music experience he had the day prior. You were a dear friend and mentor and I honor your memory and positive impact on the world you've left behind. Goodbye Geo.

George was my boss, a mentor, and most important.... a great friend.  He was well known as a driving force in Austin’s flood early warning system.  His work continues to save lives.  That is a fine legacy. 
I remember George bringing fresh squeezed lime juice to make the best poolside margaritas.  I didn’t think our last lunch get together would be our “last lunch together”.  RIP my friend.  I’ll always remember the big guy with fondest memories. My sincere condolences to you Kim, and the kids. 

George was one of the most influential people to me when I joined the City of Austin in 1998 along with many others that I have had the privilege and honor of serving with.  He was bigger than life and a strong presence working on many difficult issues with many of us in the trenches.  But his calmness, respect and also kindness to others was very much appreciated and still is.  We will miss you George but there will be a very special place in our hearts  from here on!

I had the privilege to work with George and live in the same neighborhood for several years. George was a mentor to me – and a mentor to my mentors. He leaves a huge legacy in the engineering community in Austin and beyond. He definitely made the world a better place. My family will miss his curbside visits on his regular bike rides around the neighborhood. I’ll miss his giant voice and handshakes. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Oswalds.

I have many fond memories of George or  Geo, as would call him. We spent a few years together in the US Army stationed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds as Science and Engineer specialists. Rest in Geo and my sincere condolences to your loved ones 

I worked with George from 1995 till he retired from the City of Austin. Along with my boss, Nancy McClintock, George tackled some of the most difficult problems and projects in City flooding. Both he and Nancy diffused many contentious issues and always considered the citizens' point of view in making decisions. He was also a sweet person, light hearted and funny. It was a privilege to work with George. May your memory be eternal. 

I had the pleasure of working with George at RPS Espey towards the end of his career.  He was always such a positive and encouraging presence in the office.  And, he was the only one who could get away with wearing shorts to work.  He introduced me to Mobile Loaves and Fishes, which is a great organization!  In my next job with the City of Austin, I would regularly hear of his many contributions and the marks he left there.  I am thankful I had a chance to get to know him and work with him and will miss seeing him at ASCE meetings.  I extend my sincerest condolences to the Oswald family.

Susan and I had the privilege of working under the direction of George at the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department for several years.  George was very supportive of his staff and was always there to help when things got very difficult such as in times of emergency response during and after disastrous Austin flooding, and oversight of numerous and complicated construction and buyout projects. George looked after his staff, and we always felt that he had our backs.  He treated his staff as equals to him, and was a tremendous communicator because he listened more than he spoke.  He was a wonderful boss!  

George recognized a need in other people to become involved in projects that were outside of their comfort zone.  So 13 years ago he asked me to work with him with the with the Mobile Loaves and Fishes mission.  I was hesitant at first, but through George’s leadership I found this to be one of the most rewarding efforts of my life.  I will miss him dearly. 

We send our deepest sympathy to the Oswald family. 


Jonathan and Susan Janek

When I think of the great minds that lead Austin's flood risk reduction efforts, George Oswald is right up there, a leader in reducing flood risk for Texas.  Always a calm teacher and excellent mentor for young engineers.  I am so lucky I got to work with him and witness first hand his passion for helping communities build critical infrastructure.  His imprint on Texas will forever be here, protecting us in the form of policy, concrete and rock, and those that were fortunate enough to gain knowledge by working at his side.  Condolences to his family during this time of mourning, George was a gift, thank you for sharing him all these years.

I worked for George Oswald, P.E. in the Watershed Engineering Division of the City of Austin's Watershed Protection Department. He oversaw the growth of the Division following the 1981 Memorial Day Flood and worked for the City of Austin well into the 2000's.  The City of Austin, through the work of the Watershed Engineering Division, became a nationally-recognized leader in floodplain management during this period. 

I enjoyed working for Mr. Oswald at the City of Austin and appreciated his intelligence and leadership style.  I also enjoyed his sometimes quirky sense of humor.  During one workday lunch during in the late 1990's, George presented a slide show of his family’s recent vacation to the mountains.  He used a Kodak Carousel projector.  It was the last slide presentation I ever saw and maybe the only one ever seen by some of the younger staff members.  George was an advocate for the latest technology for floodplain management, but I think he got a chuckle out of his old-school slide presentation. 

My condolences to his family.


George was a quiet pillar in our church. With a servant heart he put God first, then family, and the rest fell nicely into place. He was a strong example of commitment and service, what it really means to be a Christian.  We will miss seeing you at church George but we will continue to feel your presence in spirit.

I'll never forget George.  He was a big guy, whose heart was even bigger.  It tickled me to make sure he got the only King-sized bed at Mo-Ranch for the first Family Retreat in 2015.  

I'm so sorry for your loss, Kim.

George is a one-of-a-kind, generous, full of love & laughter Friend. 
It is through the talents and time he shared with Mobile Loaves & Fishes, preparing and serving food to those less fortunate on the streets of Austin, TX, that George really shared his generous spirit with those who needed it the most. George, bringing along family (Nick, Devon) and friends (Gary, Jonathan) made his mark with humor and compassion, in serving the men, women, and children, living on the streets of Austin. From the beginning of this outreach with Westlake United Methodist Church, George served beside, and in front, and always above the rest of us. George found his way to continue serving, even during the pandemic, even when cancer was in control. So missed. So loved.

I was lucky enough to have worked with George during my early years at the City.  He was larger than life and loved telling the story about the time he busted into the kitchen at 3am to scare the bejesus out of his college-aged kids so they wouldn't eat the quiche he was bringing to work the next day.  The following years when he would bring in quiche, we'd ask if he had to save it from his kids; he almost always responded with a smirk and "not this year. They learned their lesson a few years ago."  I'm sorry to hear of his passing - my condolences.


George was great mentor! I especially appreciated that he was strait forward and that we could have open and honest discussions. A fun memory is that George enjoyed collecting rocks. I still have some polished rocks he gave me after one of our site visits.  

I mourn with the family during this time and pray that God will give you comfort.  

I was so fortunate to have George as a friend and a boss at City of Austin not once, but twice.  His energy, intelligence and above all his open, honest and genuinely caring nature made great places to work and grow.  Teresa and I will always remember enjoying the beach near San Juan del Sur with Kim and George.

My deepest sympathy for your loss.  May your loving memories sustain you in your grief.

OBITUARY

George Edward Oswald

13 December, 1945 – 14 October, 2020

Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park

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