Leslie Osburn, 87

Leslie Osburn, 87, was born June 27, 1922, in Corvallis, to Effie Lenora Chaffin Osburn and Claud Osburn, and passed peacefully on Nov. 6, 2009. His entire life was spent in the Bitterroot Valley. He attended grade school in Victor and graduated in 1940 from Hamilton High School. In 1942 he married his high school sweetheart, E. Maxine VanBlaricom. Their 67 years of marriage was blessed with five children, 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. His working years were spent at Safeway, Rocky Mountain Lab, and Osburn Dairy, which was founded by his father. After retirement in 1985 he helped his youngest son, Darryl, with his businesses. Les was a devoted family man with high principles and strong moral values. He had a quiet demeanor and a strong sense of humor. His early farming days followed him throughout his life and every year his family and friends could count on a bountiful harvest from the garden he tended. He took his family on many camping, fishing, hunting, and backcountry trips throughout the Bitterroot Mountains. His time in the mountains with his family was very important to him. He instilled in all a deep love and respect for nature and all outdoor activities that continues to pass from generation to generation. He was preceded in death by siblings, Louise, Jamie and Ernie. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maxine, who continues to reside at the family home in Hamilton. He is also survived by his brother, Glen, and wife, Phyllis, of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Also surviving are his children, Dennis Lee Osburn and wife, Carolyn, of Polson, with two children, Troy and Trevor; Vicky Lynn Osburn Gardner and husband, Davar, of Kalispell, with five children, Todd, Tonia, Tyler, Tracy and Trent; Rodney Jay Osburn and wife, Valene, of Polson, with two children, Thad and Tara; L. Darryl Osburn and wife, Jackie, of Hamilton, with two children, Kyla and Talicia; and Lori Ann Osburn Allred of Tremonton, Utah, with three children, Trishia, Levi and Laci. He will be missed by all. Those wishing to honor him with a memorial are encouraged to donate to Marcus Daly Hospice, 1200 Westwood Dr., Hamilton, MT 59840; or the charity of their choice, in Les s name. A graveside service for family members will be held at the Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton. The family wishes to invite all friends to the casual reception that will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the community room at the Daly-Leach Chapel to celebrate his life, and share the many memories he has left us with. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.