Robert Leonard Osborn Jr.

Robert Leonard Osborn, Jr. went to be with the Lord on April 3, 2023. He was born on September 20th, 1932 and preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Vivian Clydine Osborn (Newby), parents Robert Leonard Osborn, Ruby Lee Osborn (Martin), and sister Kathryn Austin (Shelby). He is survived by his daughters, Rochelle Lynn Mohamed (Mark) and Robyn Lee Osborn-Walker (Guerry Duncan) and Granddaughters Megan Smith (Bradley), Elisheva Mohamed, Dr. Lauren Mohamed DNP, Dr. Rachel Walker DO, Camille Walker, Elizabeth Walker and great grandsons Gabriel Alvarez, Kaiden Smith, Wyatt Smith and Apollo Smith.

Robert enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was active duty for 4 years serving as a Duplicating Machine Operator from April 2, 1952 to April 1, 1956, additionally earning his GED in February of 1956. After discharge he joined the National Guard serving an additional 4 years and honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant. He worked at Luke Air Force Base for 23 years retiring from Federal Service in March of 1976 before accepting a position at Honeywell from which he permanently retired.

Robert and Vivian were both baptized at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Poway, California on June 23rd, 2002 with granddaughters Rachel, Camille and Elizabeth.

Robert led an active and colorful life. In his early years with his close childhood friend, Donald Marshall, he hunted, fished, flew airplanes and raced boats. Donald recalls a shocking time when Robert began spending an unusual amount of time at a roller skating rink before learning he had met Vivian. Robert was 16 years old and Vivian was 14 years old. They married four years later. This, however, did not interfere with Robert’s love for the outdoors, being active and competition.

Robert earned his Commercial and Instrumental Pilot License in March of 1958. He enjoyed flying and racing boats when he was young, winning an Arizona State Championship boat race after gutting his boat, seats and all, to reduce weight. In addition to flying and racing boats, Robert actively hunted deer, elk, javelina, rabbit, frogs, and many species of birds in addition to fresh and saltwater fishing. Robert was awarded $70 ($600+ in today’s equivalent) by the Arizona Live Stock Sanitary Board for taking a mountain lion on September 2nd, 1967. This mountain lion became a rug that was the center of his family room for many years. Robert travelled with purpose to hunt all six species of North American Quail and had a male/female pair of each mounted with their corresponding ecosystem. He even had a good run with his beekeeping hobby, keeping hives in orange groves and in the desert under mesquite trees for flavor. He also kept two hives in the backyard.

As part of his bird hunting, Robert had two German Shorthaired Pointers that became part of the family. Cholla and Trina were from champion lines and not only his favorite hunting dogs, they won many Championship Awards in their own right. Cholla and Trina bore many litters of puppies that were highly sought after in the hunting and competing communities. Robert became a member of the German Shorthair Kennel Club and was often asked to Judge Field Trial competitions after he was no longer competing with Cholla and Trina.

Most important, Robert loved his family. He never failed to maintain the family tradition of the summer trip to San Diego, which extended from years with Vivian, his mother, Rochelle and Robyn and occasionally their friends to years with his granddaughters and his great grandson Gabe. After his girls left home, Robert showed his love for Vivian as they traveled the world on cruise after cruise. Knowing that this rugged hunting man hung up his waders and shotguns for a tuxedo to wine and dine the love of his life while cruising the world warms our hearts.

Robert Leonard Osborn, Jr. will be buried at the Arizona National Military Cemetery on April 28th, 2023 at 0900.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Osborn family.