 Conductor’s
passing
In August 2006, after being on a two week
vacation to the North Pole with his wife Joyce, Tom Osborn returned to Los
Angeles International Airport, and collapsed when disembarking from the plane.
He had a massive heart attack and died. We were all saddened by his untimely
passing. It was only a week before the Project: Brahms that the CWOTO Orchestra
(now Thousand Oaks Philharmonic) was to perform that weekend.
Since Tom was looking forward to conducting
the concert and everything was scheduled and in place, his wife felt that the
concert should go on. It did, with Tom’s spirit present, the soloists and
orchestra gave outstanding performances.
A formal tribute was given to Tom during
the second concert at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The orchestra, guest
conductor, and each board member participated. Board members each shared a
personal experience that they had with Tom, some were poignant, others humorous,
but all focused on Tom’s love for music and education.
Shortly thereafter, the family arranged for
a memorial service, which was attended by nearly 1000 people at Forrest Lawn in
Hollywood. As was fitting, the service was filled with music performances given
by members of the CWOTO Orchestra (now Thousand Oaks
Philharmonic), the LA Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl
Orchestra, the Downey Symphony, and the Roger Wagner Chorale.
The Osborn family has established Thomas
Osborn Endowment Fund. To donate, checks or money orders bay be sent to:
Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, PO Box 4195, Thousand Oaks CA 91359.
For more information or to make a donation with credit card please contact
Edward Francis.
The board is in process of a conductor
search, and for the next two seasons we will invite several different conductors
to lead the concerts. It is hopeful that one of them will emerge as the new conductor
choice. We have based our criteria on many of the elements that Tom has
established. We are grateful for the years Tom dedicated himself to our
mission, and we will miss him.
Edward Francis
Founder/Executive Director
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