Heaven waited until Gene was ready. Gene Osborn passed away at 9:15pm 11-09-2011 RIP

[Bob Warner]

Gene Osborn of Center Cross Metal Works was just 51 years old when he went "HOME" as he wanted.

Gene's wife Mellenie called me today and told me that Gene had taken a turn for the worst and that I needed to come and see him. I left right away and went to see Gene. Gene was unresponsive when I got there but it was obvious he knew I was there. He passed peacefully with a house full of people that loved him. He had his wife, siblings, many, many kids, a couple grand kids, some really good friends and his dog was laying on the bed at his feet. He did not struggle, he knew where he was going and was looking forward to the journey.

When Gene found out he was ill he wanted to get things in order before his time came. He had a list of things he wanted to do before making his final journey. He worked hard and completed his entire list just a couple days before he passed.

Gene's entire family would like to thank all of the people that knew Gene for being his friend, praying for him and wishing him well in his new home.

Attached is a poem I gave to Mellenie that will be placed next to him during his services.

Thank you all,

Bob Warner

[SharpByCoop]

Thank you, Bob.

Thank you Geno. A Man to admire, then and now.

Prayers from CT.

Jim

[Tom Militano]

Sorry to hear that. He was a good man.

[KNAdmin]

I met Gene 12 years ago when he came over to post at a brand new forum that we created for Rade Hawkins. From the first post that he made, and continuing with the 1000's since, I realized that this was a man who lived his convictions to the extreme. Never before, and not since, have I met anyone who actually lived and breathed with more conviction about his beliefs than Gene Osborn.

If the goal that Gene set was reachable, which many pray that it is, there is no question in my mind that this man arrived at the outcome that he desired. No other man that I have ever met had a more convicted personal desire to meet God. No other man that I have met personally, would I desire that he get the reward that he asked for. If a man is to be judged by his unwavering commitment to his goal, let Gene Osborn be an example to all that knew him. Gene Osborn needed no man to help him keep his faith! Gene Osborn was a true believer!

I'm sure that my words have failed me in this personal testimonial. But I would conclude with this:

"Gene Osborn was a good man. Gene Osborn will be truly missed!

Godspeed, Geno!"
Your Friend!

[cordless101]

Amen! Will miss him. Charlie

[T.WOLFE]

I never met the man, but frrom reading his posts for 8 or 9 years,I could tell that
he practiced what he believed in.His passion for his faith influenced a lot of people.
I don't believe that God asks anymore of us than this.A good man has gone home.
....Beautiful poem, Bob. Tom Buchanan

[Bob Warner]

Here is a message from Gene's wife about the arrangements.

Funeral for Gene
Lucas Funeral Home
1321 Precinct Line Rd
Hurst, TX 76053
Viewing is Friday from 6:00 - 8:00pm
Service is Saturday at 11:00am
Gene requested that no cut flowers be sent, only live rooted plants.

Bless you,
Mellanie

[Ed Caffrey]

Our prayers and condolences go to Gene's family and team at UKK. There is so much I could TRY to say about Gene, and how I felt about him....but suffice to say that he knew.

[huntforlife]

Prayers form CT. Admirable man for sure.

[Bob Warner]

Just returned from Gene's funeral. Nice funeral and reception. Saw some old friends, made some new ones and said goodbye one last time.

Bob

[TexasJack]

Our prayers go out to his family.

The world is a better place because of the time Gene spent here. RIP, amigo.

[xspook2158]

I am a Newbie in this room. May I ask who Gene was ? I meant no disrespect, I just did not know him.

[Bob Warner]

xspook2158,

It's not disrespectful at all to ask about him.

Gene was a moderator at this forum. He had been making knives for 30 years and has helped countless new people get started. You can find out a little more about him at www.centercross.com where he has his own bio.

You are unfortunate that he is no longer with us, you could have learned a lot from him. You still can though because these forums are full of information and advise from Geno.

He was a really good man, a really good friend and as generous as they come.

Bob

[xspook2158]

I have lost a lot of fly tying friends and mentors over the years and I know what it is like to loose a support pillar for the art or hobby that we practice.

Bob, Thank You,

I wish I could have had the privlidge of knowing or talking to him.

Jeff

[Steve]

Thank you, Bob for the call, when Gene passed away. He was about as good a guy as you can find on this ol' earth! Love and prayers for the family and all his many friends.