Robert William "Bobby O" OSBORNE
OSBORNE Robert William “Bobby O” Robert William Osborne “Bobby O”, aged 60, of Middle Cove, passed peacefully away on January 12, 2021, after a courageous and inspiring battle with cancer. Bob died at home surrounded by his loving wife Paula; his cherished sister Sue and his precious dog, Skye. Predeceased by his loving parents (Dick and Doris). Leaving to mourn Paula, his beloved wife; Sue Mahon, his darling sister; her husband Joe and Joseph, his forever loved nephew; his cherished mother-in-law Mary T. Ryan (Chapel's Cove); Petria Rossiter, his long time colleague and close friend; as well as many sisters and brothers-in-law; and a large circle of close, life-long friends. Also left to mourn is a huge community of 5-pin bowlers across Canada. From the messages received, it was appropriate that we call Bob “The Legend”. He attended 61 national competitions, won gold, silver, bronze and all-star national awards. He loved the game, the sport and the competition but mostly, he loved the competitors and they loved him. He was appreciated as a businessman, unrivaled as a competitor and loved as a gentleman. Although he had a trove of precious memories, each one special to him, his proudest was winning a national gold medal at his own bowling lanes, Holiday Lanes – the first proprietor in Canada to do that. We know his bowling friends will miss him every bit as much as he will miss them. Bob was a true gentleman; honest to his core, generous to a fault, hard-working, driven to succeed and strong of spirit. A real family man, Bob revelled in the times spent with them, whether it was at Sunday dinner at his Mom and Dad’s or at their cabin in Chapel’s Cove, which rang with laughter, love, larking around and always resonating with the sounds of music and song led by his darling Paula and her siblings. Bob began his working career welding at the Dockyard in St. John’s until fate afforded him the chance to begin his dream job – owner of Holiday Lanes, a place always close to his heart, previously managed by his father, Dick. His passion for bowling is legendary, as is his love of a good time. At tournaments, he led many a party through until dawn, and lost many a pair of spoons! Special thanks to Dr. Dawn Armstrong and the entire team at the Cancer Clinic for their tireless care and compassion. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be at Carnell’s on Freshwater Road on Friday, January 15 from 12 - 8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held from Mary Queen of Peace on Torbay Road, on Saturday, January 16 at 9:30 a.m. and is by invitation only, due to Covid restrictions. For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be livestreamed with the link available at www.carnells.com Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre. “ So fill to me the parting glass And drink a health whate’er befalls Then gently rise and softly fall Good night and joy be to you all.”