Benjamin Franklin Osborn

Benjamin Franklin Osborn, II., 74, of Prescott, formerly of Indian Wells, California, died peacefully April 19, 2009.  Loving, devoted husband of Virginia Osborn, ?The First Lady,? his partner for 54 years  Beloved and cherished father of Sean, Cynthia and Kevin and adored grandfather of Kathryn, Brenna, Scott, Benjamin, Caroline, Lauren, Alex, Stephanie and Natalie.  Son of Curtis Boggs Osborn of Mt. Vernon, Illinois and Ina (Mackenzie) Osborn of Pulrossie, Scotland.  Ben is also survived by his sisters Edna, Helen and Janet and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss his warm spirit and generous heart.   Ben was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois on June 12, 1934, and after leaving school to seek his fame and fortune, ended up in California, where he began a successful sales career with American Standard.  From American Standard he joined Gaffers & Sattler and on to Republic Corporation as their Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing.  At Republic, and their subsidiary Republic Pictures, Ben and Virginia met and mingled with the elite of Hollywood, and were often seen at Jimmy?s, La Dolce Vita, and the Palms.  Ben later moved to Fleetwood Enterprises, and then to Whirlpool Corporation, where he won numerous awards and honors.  After retiring from Whirlpool, Ben represented Caesar?s Palace.   Following his Whirlpool days, Ben and Virginia relocated to the Palm Springs area, where they spent many happy years in semi-retirement entertaining their friends and family.   Ben was a larger than life figure with a quit wit and hearty laugh.  Generous, loving and thoughtful, he strove throughout his life to make those around him feel loved and appreciated.  He left a large imprint upon those who knew him and his presence will be sorely missed by all.