In Loving Memory
December 14, 1932 - January 23, 2010
Arthur Alden “Artie” Osborne, age 77, of Sunny Lane, died at his home on Saturday, January 23, 2010, with his family at his side.
Artie was born in Newport, NH on December 14, 1932, the son of the late Robert W. and Phyllis G. (Gamsby) Osborne and was a life-long resident of Sunapee. He went to Sunapee schools graduating from Sunapee High School and served his tour of duty in the U.S. Army. During the summers from 1956 to 1958, Artie and Dick Leone, with whom he shared the maternity ward at the Carrie F. Wright Hospital and graduated with in 1950; worked with the Lester Colby Company with Artie driving the hot top truck, as well as for Sunapee’s Road Agent, Colby. He began his work with the family business of Osborne’s Garage and Marine in Sunapee Harbor and also delivering oil for his Uncle Alden. Driving “mailboats” at the age of 16 on Lake Sunapee was something he enjoyed. In the 1990’s, Artie and his son, Richard, began the restoration of his 1929 Ahrens Fox fire truck, which has been used in parades and special events. Artie has always liked antique boats, going to shows and regattas and skiing on Mt. Sunapee in his younger days. He enjoyed his Friday dinners out and Saturday night dancing, not to mention the many dinners cooked on his pontoon boat on his beloved Lake Sunapee. Traveling to Florida, Canada and places in between every year to visit family and friends was something Artie looked forward to. He gave freely and selflessly of his time to help many, never looking for recognition. Artie is an honorary member and Past Master of Lake Grange, and a past member of the Sunapee Planning Board. He has served for nearly 54 years on the Sunapee Fire Department. Artie served on the Tanker crew for many years and since the late 1980’s as Captain of the Tanker crew.
He is survived by his wife, Leena Mark Osborne, of Sunapee; they shared 25 years together; his son, Richard K. and his wife, Charleen, of Sunapee; his daughter, Virginia “Ginny” L. DeFranco and her husband, John, of Palm City, FL; 2 grandchildren: Marcus A. Ricker and Lucien K. Osborne; 2 step-children, Corrie L. Toffoli, of North Carolina; and Michael B. Mark. of California; 1 step-granddaughter, Jasmine A. Larson, her husband, Zach, and step- great grandson, Rowan, of Georgia; an aunt, Rachael Osborne, of Merrimack, NH; his best friend of over 50 years, Lee Salonen, of Sunapee, and several cousins. In addition to his parents he was pre-deceased by his brother, Phillip G. Osborne in 2002.
Our History
The Original Osborne's Garage & Marine, Inc.
From the 1920's - 1988 the Osborne family ran their marine business out of Sunapee Harbor. They specialized in Glastron and Silverline Boats, Old Town and Mansfield Canoes,and Sunfish Sailboats and Johnson Motors. Along with full service and sales, you could rent boats as well. The original Marine business was located in what is now the Lake Sunapee Historical Society. The business was then moved across the street and that building is now owned by Sunapee Harbor Riverway and Harborside Trading Company is now in residence. In 1988 The family sold Osborne's Garage & Marine but the family stayed in Sunapee and continued to be involved in many ways with the boating community.
We're Back
The Osborne family just couldn't stay away and now the little boy who played at the marina all day is all grown up and starting his own business! Osborne's Marine has more than 40 years of experience in the Marine Service Industry. We hope you will join us and appreciate the atmosphere of a small family business. We are dedicated to making your boating experience as easy and carefree as possible.