Obituary of Michael William Osborne

Michael William Osborne, 50, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 29 surrounded by his family following a tragic motorcycle accident. He loved his family immensely and was their rock and best friend. He never met anyone he didn't consider a friend, made everyone laugh in any situation, would go above and beyond to help anyone in need of help, and was always thinking of others. He was a huge hockey fan, including playing, refereeing and watching his beloved Blackhawks. In addition he enjoyed golfing, biking and boating and he loved to cook. Mike was born in St. Marys Memorial Hospital, St. Marys, ON on September 8, 1970. He attended South Perth Centennial Elementary School and St. Marys DCVI. He was an engineering graduate of General Motors Institute in Flint, MI, and moved to Chicago in 2001 from London, ON. He was currently employed by AAA Sales and Engineering and had just accepted his dream job as CEO and President of the Janesville, Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. Michael is survived by his wife, Kathie, whom he married on December 31, 1996, and three children: Amie Zielinski (Douglas), Tristin and Brooke; three grandchildren: Layla, Kolten and Housten Zielinski; brothers Christopher (Kathryn) and James (Rosanne); and his parents, William and Mary Jane Osborne; sisters-in-law Judy Belanger and Debbie Roy; and many nieces and nephews. Michael’s final act of love was to give the gift of life through organ donation. Attended by many was a celebration of life, held on Friday, July 2nd at his favourite haunt called the Dam Bar and Grill not far from his home. He loved the fact that the bar was built beside a river with a dam very similar to the one crossing the Thames in St. Marys. Other celebrations of life may be held in St. Marys at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Our lives go on without you, But nothing is the same, We have to hide our heartaches, When someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you, Silent the tears that fall, Living our lives without you Is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us, Your heart was kind and true, And when we needed someone, We could always count on you. The special years will not return, When we were all together, But with the love within our hearts You walk with us forever.