The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. THOMAS JAMES OSBORNE
______
HON. DOUG LAMBORN
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Thomas James Osborne, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, community leader, and sports enthusiast.
Tom was born January 5, 1956, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Irene and Bill Osborne. Tom was the third of eight children. He graduated from high school from Central High School in Billings, Montana in 1974. At a young age, he developed a love for adventure, sports, and the great outdoors. Tom received a basketball scholarship to Eastern Montana College (now Montana State University--Billings) and earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education, graduating in 1978.
Tom founded the Big Sky State Games, an Olympic-style sports festival in Montana, and served as the executive director from 1985 to 1993. In addition, he served as the executive director of the National Congress of State Games from 1993 to 2003 and assisted in the creation of the States Games of America. Tom also served as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors from 1996 to 2000.
Tom met his wife, Amy (Tompson), during a fly-fishing class in Billings in 1995. Tom and Amy began dating, and he immediately started a careful pursuit for her heart and the hearts of her children, Ellie and Ben. After five years, they were married on November 3, 2001, in Midland, Texas, and became a family.
In 2003, Tom and his family began a new adventure, moving to Colorado Springs so that Tom could join Colorado Springs Sports Corporation as the president and CEO. It didn't take long for Tom to find his footing in the Pikes Peak region. He quickly worked to bring various sporting events to Colorado Springs, including the Warrior Games, Pikes Peak Airstrip Attack, premier cycling events, youth sports programs, and much more, including the Labor Day Lift Off. In addition, Tom served as the Chairman of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for over a decade and was a member of the World Arena Board of Directors.
Tom and Amy were members of the Pauline Chapel at The Broadmoor, attending the interdenominational service. Much of Tom's work coincided with non-profits across the community, helping people in all situations, including troubled youth and veterans, to find respite care and comfort in sports and the great outdoors. When asked about his relationship with the Lord, Torn would say, ``Me and Jesus, (crossing his fingers) we're good.''
Tom is described by his wife Amy, and his many co-workers, as the kindest, most supportive, humble, ambitious dreamer they have ever known. He had an extensive network of friends, staff, and community who often found themselves in awe of Tom's ambition and vision. A few words that Tom scribbled inside of a book cover sum up his life perfectly,
``Bars are meant to be raised,'' and indeed, he raised them.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 20 years, Amy; children: Ellie (Cameron) Kuehn and Ben (Kassy) Haughton; grandchildren: Charlie Rose and James Bridges; siblings: Doug (Jan) Osborne, Pat (Kathi) Osborne, Jeanne (Larry) Fritz, Mary (Michael) Andres, Cathy (Mark) Johnson, Jan (Doug) Grotiz, Will (Tina) Osborne; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
Tom leaves a legacy in which no stone went unturned and no mission unconquered. Because of his ability to dream big, countless children and adults have a life-long passion for sports and athletics, many of whom made a career out of these passions. The lasting impact of his influence in the sports and outdoors community of the Pikes Peak region will endure and benefit many generations to come.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 109
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