Vale Frank Osborne

Known to all as Frank, he was 87 years old.

Frank’s journey in the surf lifesaving movement, in which he would devote so much of his life, began in 1958 when he obtained his Bronze Medallion at Era SLSC.

Although he joined one of Sydney’s smallest and most isolated clubs, the young man rose quickly through the ranks to become a familiar face on the lifesaving scene and was highly regarded as a loyal clubman.

Over the years he served in many positons including but not limited to Club Captain, Vice Captain, Junior and Senior Vice President, social organiser, Chief Instructor, First Aid Officer as well as achieving 100% patrol attendance on a dozen occasions.

Frank held three Life Memberships in the movement during his lifetime. He achieved Club Life Membership in 1968, Branch Member in 1979, and was elevated to this exalted status at a State level in 1996.

While he contributed across all areas of the movement it was the areas of lifesaving, training, and education that remained a core passion and he took his talents to Branch level.

During his summers spent serving Sydney Branch he held many roles. Some of his achievements include a 7 year stint as Vice President, a member of multiple committees Chief among them Resuscitation (1955-2005), gear improvement and gear inspection.

He was also an assessor and examiner for over 4 decades, and played an important role in the establishment of the first SLS Helicopter Rescue Service in 1974 – 76 including the training of HRS members

In 1977 he was selected and travelled to the USA as an Australian Representative at the World Lifesaving Conference.

His considerable contributions have not been forgotten by his Branch with Surf Life Saving Sydney releasing a statement on Thursday.

“Over his many years of dedication to the Surf Life Saving movement, Frank Osborne made significant contributions at club, branch and state level.

He was a valued member of the Sydney Branch serving in many positions with distinction which was recognised with his elevation to Life Member to the Sydney Branch in 1979.

On behalf of Surf Life Saving Sydney we wish to acknowledge his service and send our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family at this difficult time.”

A service honouring his life will be held in the South Chapel, Woronora Cemetery on Friday 9 March at 11am.

SLSNSW wishes to extend its sympathies to Frank’s family and friends.

His was a life well lived.

Vale Frank Osborne.

 

Friday 2 March 2018