Paul Osburn ’78

On the morning of December 16, 2022, just shy of his 67th birthday, Paul Osburn went to be with Jesus. He had been diagnosed with AML Leukemia just one week earlier and passed in peace surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Paul was born in Grand Rapids, MI to parents Alvin and Betty Osburn. In 1978 he graduated from Hope College where he studied Physical Education, played football for four years, and met the love of his life, Barbara Arneson. He and Barb were married in 1979.

Paul was a teacher and football and basketball coach (“Coach Oz”) at West Ottawa High School in Holland, MI from 1978 until 2010. During his tenure he affected countless lives of students and athletes. In 2010 he changed careers and began a small business, Trouble Free Lighting, manufacturing and selling LED work lights. In 2015 he and Barb moved to Allegan MI to start Shady Creek Farm with their son and daughter-in-law, where they currently operate a life restoration ministry, Rockside Ranch Great Lakes. While in Allegan, Paul was also a leader in planting a local church, Refuge Ministries. He did all of these things motivated by Jesus.

Paul Osburn was the strong shoulders on which his family leaned. His love for them and others was without boundaries. He did everything with passion. He was not motivated by earthly accomplishments but by his desire to serve others. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Barb Osburn, children Ben ’06 (Annie), Zach ’08 (Jordyn), Jake ’13 (Sheridan), Aster (Danny) Bennett, Dawit, Yednay, Douglas, Rudy, Frehiwot, KhainNayMin, EhWahPaw, EhLerWah; and 12 grandchildren. The hole left by his absence can only be filled by the assurance of knowing he ran his race as the Lord had set out for him and is now hidden with Christ.