Deseret News | Reader comments: Osmonds laugh, cry as they eulogize their father, grandfather, friend

Reader comments
Osmonds laugh, cry as they eulogize their father, grandfather, friend

osmond fan | 3:37 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

When I was young; my parents took our family to see The Osmonds perform at the Marriot Center in Provo. It was really amazing to be there even if we were in the nosebleed section. Then growing up as a family we watched the Donny and Marie show. Then later on Donny and Marie had a talk show I used to watch EVERY DAY!! I guess you could say I am an Osmond fan through and through. I am sad that they lost their father and patriarch to their family; but truly his legacy of love and the joy of performing lives on in all his posterity. What a wonderful family. Thank you for all the GREAT memories.

Mark W Clark | 4:39 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

There are no words that can comfort a family with the passing of their father. Only their faith & TIME will heal the sorrow in their hearts. I lost my father in 1992 & then my mother in 1996 & I still miss them! I know one day when it's my time I'll be reunited with them again. I think a person really never gets over the passing we just learn to live our lifes with it. My heart, my prayers are with the Osmond family.

Cora | 4:58 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

I never had the opportunity to see The Osmonds perform in person but I have always been a fan. I am so very sorry for their loss. Losing a loved one is very hard, I know, I lost my Mother last year and am still having a hard time with the loss. I will keep the entire Osmond family in my prayers. Thank you to the Osmond family for the wonderful gift of entertainment you have given to us all.

Comments continue below

Paulene Angela | 5:09 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

I have been thinking of the family the whole day. I am based in Spain but orginally from the UK and the Osmond Family have been in my heart for the last 30 years. God Bless you all and keep that light shining you bring so much joy and love to countless people we are all with you. xxx

AZ Regards | 5:09 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

I have a high respect for the Osmonds. A class family with many of the same problems and issues as we all have on only shared with the world. The Osmonds got me into more doors on my mission in 1977-1979 than anyone else. Thanks for staying the course. I could not do it.

To the whole Osmond family my regards and condolences. Thank you for your courage to make a difference.

Denisexx | 5:22 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

The Osmonds have been in my Life Always. My Mum sat me down with her to Watch Andy Williams and The Osmonds appeared. I have followed them since and feel like they are my family too. I met Father Osmond on a few occasions in the latter years and I felt that he spoke to me as one of his own.
I know that he will be happy to be with Olive again and that they can both look on together now at the family that they have produced. They will always be remembered in our hearts.

carol | 5:53 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

I have been seeing you in my dreams and praying for you. I have lost almost everyone in my family. My mother died in 2001 of heart disease. My father died in 2003 of lung cancer, and my husband died in 2004 of suicide. I am still unable to deal with that. We were all a very loving family. I praise God though that I have my son who is a fire fighter and studing to be an auto mechanic, and for my three sisters who are with me through thick and thin. I am poor, but I am blessed. Thank you for your inspiration

Jamie | 6:40 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

I was very sorry to hear about the loss of the osmonds great patriarch. He was a great man and he raised an amazing family. My heart goes out to them as work this trying time.

Carol D. | 6:44 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

I have followed the Osmond Family since the 70's. They are truly inspirational. If only we can all have a little bit of "Osmond" inside of us, this truly would be a better world. God Bless the entire Osmond Family, you're in our thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous | 7:22 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

to lose a parent is extremely hard and trying; to become an orphan in devasting...however a man i was fortunate enough to become a friend of mine once said "you are never truly an adult until both of your parents are gone; i pray i am a gray-haired great grand-father before that happens" that friend was John F Kennedy, Jr. My daddy died almost 2 years ago; it was and is still one of the most difficult and wonderful moments in my life. Daddy's are here to lead, guide and show us the way.They are there to praise and give constructive criticism, teach us respect, dignity and honor; and first and foremost tell us they love us and give us a big hug when we need it. While my family is not nearly as large; the love, respect and dignity this family has chosen is in the utmost respect of the word "family" and I am honored to have witnessed parts of it.
As I have been, you are all truly belssed to have a family that believes in this and while words cannot express or relieve the pain you are feeling, the love you have will heal. God Bless.

Utah County Fan | 10:04 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

Well this has come circle for me , to see you at the beginning of your career , to the Oprah show
and now the mantle has been passed to next generation of Osmond's following the death of your Father . In a world full of fear and sorrow your family shines forth as a beacon of light , hope and faith. Honoring your parents legacy will be easy because of how you have been taught . Plan a reunion now every year on the Anniversary of your parents , the world needs more Osmond's .. God Speed
and God be with you till you meet with them again..

Tina P. Jones | 10:22 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

I have had the priviledge of thanking George and Olive Osmond in person for their rightous examples of faith and hard work. I am an "Osmond convert" and proudly share that with all who ask how I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
As a young girl my walls were plastered with the Osmonds faces. At age 13 I joined the church with my father.
Now as a wife and mother of four I rejoice in the rightous choices my children are making with their lives. The Osmonds examples changed the course of my life forever.
I once showed up at the Osmond home with an invitation for Jay to attend a BYU preference dance with me. Father Osmond graciously accepted the invitation from me and said the boys were on tour in Asia. He then said, "if I weren't married, I would go with you." What a kind, good man.
I ache for you but rejoice with you in the knowledge that you have of forever families.
Time is but a moment, eternity is forever.

Big fan | 10:35 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

Your family is an inspiration to so many. Your loss is so hard I am sure but with the faith that you have you will be with your parents forever. You all have a great and wonderful spirit about you that watching you on Oprah today was an inspiration to me. Thanks and may the Lord's blessings be with you during this time and always.

From Sweden | 11:10 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

Many fine members came in contact with the church due to the Osmonds, who are great missionaries. Their music isnt bad either

Guitarist | 12:54 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007

I am a rocker. I am influenced by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Creed, so many others.

The Osmondsï¿½ 8-bar intro into the song ï¿½Love Me,ï¿½ with Donny singing lead, is a great exhibition of heavy guitars. Heavy, smokin' melodic guitar distortion, I love it. Bought the tune on a 45 rpm vinyl that I still own. Those eight bars have made a significant musical contribution to my understanding of rock music. Everybody needs to hear the call...some hear it in the song of the birds, some hear it in the foghorn, and some hear it in rock music. The Osmonds have helped me there.

George Harrison once said something along the lines of, ï¿½The search for most things can wait, but the search for God cannot wait.ï¿½ The Osmonds, under George's and Olive's leadership, appear to have understood this also.

Rest in peace, George Osmond, influential man.

John B Sheffield | 4:02 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007

Warm Memories can never be taken away and All the Osmond Family will have them of Father George Osmond now re-united with Mother Olive Osmond.

Tears flow at loss, I know well with my Dear Mum and Dad, but they are often tears of Joy for the Reward they have no received.

You are all in my Prayers, I grew up with you and you have given me great joy, inspiration and strength.

John

Donna Trapp Merrill | 5:12 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007

The saddest part of loosing someone close is that you can't see them daily, hear their words of wisdom in person, see their smiling face, hug them and feel that love from that hug. But as the Osmonds know and believe that as hard as it is to not have those wonderful things they will be reunited as a eternal family after this life. What a blessing to know and have that gift from our Heavenly Father. This family has wowed people with their talent and strengthened people with their love of the gospel. By their example they have made people stand a little stronger on their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Hats off to you as a family "Osmond Family". May the lord keep you happy and healthy always to fullfill his purpose for each of you.

Just A Fan | 6:19 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007

I have come full circle as an Osmond fan. As a child and teenager, idolizing the entire Osmond family, to more recent day, and getting to know them better as individuals because their access to their fans is undeniable. The last time I saw Mr. Osmond, I had the honor of sitting with him, Merrill and Virl. He sat and listened to our conversation, ate his pie (he loved his sweets!) and then sang some old memorable songs with Merrill. This man who did so much for his sons and daughter was now being cared for and nurtured by them. There is no doubt in my mind that the love they had for their Dad was overflowing in their hearts. We "gals" as he called us will always remember this special time shared with such a special man. He gave so much throughout his life for his family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mr. Osmond. I'm sure you were greeted in heaven with the words "Good Job my faithful servant!" Love to all the Osmonds.

Ursula (UK) | 7:08 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007

i also respect and inspiration, also influenced by both Olive and George Osomd. your mom and dad have given your life, love and career, i'm sooooooooooo grateful to your both mom and dad for bring THE OSMONDS to our world and make us feel love. Thank you Olive and George Osmond for every thing and to the osmonds, virl, tom, alan, wayne, merrill, jay, donny, marie and little jimmy osmond please carry on the good work and you you all in may 2008 and i can't wait.

Ursula May Kavanagh (UK)

Frederick of Logan | 9:03 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007

When my wife and I were missionaries in Mova Scotia, we drove all the way to Palmyra to see the pageant because Donny Osmond was there performing. That was in 1997. They had one of the largest turnouts in years just because D.O. was there. After each performace and before, many of us had the chance to see Donny face to face and shake his hand.I am old enough to remember when the Osmond family joined the Andy Williams show. I have followed the family throughout their career. God bless them at this particular time. Loved the Oprah show. We shed a few tears. Our prayers are with you.

a branson friend | 2:50 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

George Osmond was an amazing man. I count it a privlege to have been able to spend a few brief moments with him from time to time. His children loved and respected him, and I know they are missing him terribly. George continued throughout his life to be a great Missionary for The Church, and it was his and his family's influence, in part, which led me to The Gospel. I had the opportunity to thank Mr. Osmond for this, and for having shared his amazing family with all of his. Father Osmond, you are loved, and missed. Your life will continue to be an inspiration. And to the Osmond family, you continue to be in my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers. Thank you for sharing your Sweet Father with the rest of us! "May God bless you and keep you in His tender care".

Barbara A | 3:19 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

Anyone who has ever had any contact with one of the Osmond family knows the kind of influence George Osmond had. He and his wife Olive raised a family of men of integrity and honor and a daughter of great compassion and love. We should all be so lucky as to present that kind of gift to the world. My condolences to the family and I also know they will be with both of them again.

Sue T. | 5:31 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

I never actually met Father Osmond (Saw him at a distance on the Donny & Marie Talk Show once, Marie was sitting on his lap). I, however greatly admired him (My Dad could have taken a couple of lessons from him)and All the Osmonds. This man traained his children well. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to all the osmonds at this time. Osmonds, You're the BEST!!!!!

millie l | 7:19 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

I have been an admirer of the Osmond family for years....I, too, know what it is like to lose a parent....just know that someday you will be with them again....your parents are together in Heaven...they will always be with you...God BLess you....

Toni D. | 10:15 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

My hearts go out to the Osmonds.I know your Father George Osmond will live on in your memories of him and in your hearts forever.Your parents will proceed to be great missionaries in the celestial kingdom with Our Dear Heavenly Father.I know you will always be a close knit family forever.Your strength in each other will be carried on.Your love for each other will get you through these tough times,for you know that your parents wil be there for you all.i know there presence and the spirit was there during the funeral of your Father.i know I felt it stronghly when I was there at both your parents funeral.Your father was a truly great and wonderful person,Great father.son friend and grandfather etc.He will be missed dearly.Love to you all,Love Toni

:LauraLee Slocum | 10:50 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

Thanks to the honest and respectful reporting on the passing of George Osmond. It felt like being threre to us readers who respectfully keep a distance. This is a gamily who shined their light in the darkerst corners of the Earth, and when I was 12 living in Chicago and first met them, I asked my mother what was a Mormon! Noqw 3 decades later I have raised a great family and serve as a Young Women President here in Idaho. I saw the light, found out much more, and my posterity is blessed from this fine Osmond family who taught us well by the example of how they lived. Much love to them! From a nana in Ammon Idaho

chief | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 11, 2007

I was in the University Mall back in 1979 buying things for my first child and so was Donny and his wife--my brush with stardom in person. I watched the Osmond's perform thoughout the years.

Ann | 4:04 p.m. Nov. 12, 2007

My Heart is heavy today - It breaks my heart that you are all greiving today, as our all of us. I met George and Olive about 7 years ago (i think) and it was at the Rivera in Las Vegas. It was during intermission and I saw them across the room. I went and spoke to them (even though my husband insisted I leave them alone and respect their right to privacy) I am so grateful to have done that. George and Olive displayed nothing but absolute joy and humility. I praised and thanked them for sharing their children with the world, I too found the church through the example of their Children. I can't thank them enough. Donny- May you know that you are loved more than you probally can imagine. I love you for all you have given me and don't even know it. May you take comfort in the great Plan of Salvation and the knowledge that you will be together again, He is with Mother and will be waiting to greet you all at the feet of the Savior. Until then know our hearts go out to all of you - all our love !

Peggy B. | 11:39 p.m. Nov. 12, 2007

I too want to express my condolences to your family. I am an LDS member and a fan of many years. George and Olive had to be wonderful people to have such a wonderful family. I have had a very hard year this year myself. I lost a brother, a brother-in-law and a friend. I also lost my job. If it were not for my faith, I don't know what I would have done. The Osmond family has been an inspiration to me just about all my life. I too remember Donny when he joined the Andy Williams show. You have a blessed family and I know you will miss both your Parents, but we know you will see them again. I love you all and pray that more families can have what you have. Keep dancing Marie. I enjoy that show anyway and you have made it a bit more special. Just keep doing what you do. I also loved the doll you made for Opray! (I love dolls!) I will remember you all in my prayers. The world is a better place with all the Osmonds in it. Thank you for your example and God Bless you all!

Kathy Dalton | 7:49 p.m. Nov. 15, 2007

I wish to extend my sympathy to the Osmond family.
George's children are an inspiration to us all and their parents instilled such great values in them. Are they perfect? No one is, but the love and respect they have for each other is so evident. If only we could all have this special bond. I have never seen the Osmond's in person, but I hope to one day. I have followed your careers and every time I see you, it puts a smile on my face. God Bless all of you - you are truly unique.

sally anderson | 10:11 a.m. Nov. 20, 2007

dear osmonds, it breaks my heart to hear about father. iw as saddened the day that i heard this. and i still am and always will be. its hard losing a parent. i lost my daddy 6 years ago/. you heal in time but its always hard to lose a parent. my deepest sympathies are with you all love, your biggest fan sally anderson / columbus,ohio

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