Michael Osborne

November 19, 1936 to November 27, 2018 Mike Osborne greeted each day by opening the door and yelling, “Good morning, world!” Mike embraced life, nature, and people. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Janet; an amazing Dad to Season, Stephen and Karen (Arp), David and Traci (McConnell); and adored grandpa of Gemma and Noah; cherished brother of Janet and Brian Shea, and Margo and Michael Colman. He was a fun, loving uncle to Jenn, P.J., Cathy, John, and Melanie; and called ‘Uncle Mike’ by all his friends’ children. Mike was born in Norwich, England, in 1936. In 1951, he emigrated with his family to Montreal. He met the love of his life, Janet, while skiing in the Laurentians. They married and moved to Ottawa in 1966. In 1975, Mike and Janet started a business and moved to Burnstown to make fibreglass canoes. He expanded his fibreglass and entrepreneurial expertise, making parts for Boeing Aircraft, salad bars, banana chairs, ladder stabilizers, motorcycle sidecars, and mobility vehicles. The year after moving to Canada, Mike went to Camp Otoreke where he picked up his first paddle and found his passion – canoeing. Known as Surefoot, Mike made 52 canoe trips, dozens of these with close friends, and some on his own. He rarely brought a tent, sleeping under the stars. Every spring for 20+ years, Mike shot the rapids of the Clyde River with a posse of paddlers. After he retired, Mike spent the winters skiing the slopes at Calabogie Peaks with his close buddies. Mike passed away peacefully after a brief bout with colorectal cancer. This wonderful man will be sorely missed by many. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Sunday afternoon, December 16, from 1:00 to 3:00, upstairs at Ma-Te-Way Park. Instead of sending flowers, a donation to the Renfrew Hospice or Renfrew Victoria Hospital would be greatly appreciated by the family.