Stephen West Osborn

Stephen West Osborn, age 87, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2017 in Lansing, Michigan.

Born March 31, 1930 in Lansing, Michigan to Evelyn (Evans) and Burr Osborn, Stephen grew up in a three generation household with his grandparents and brothers. He attended East Lansing Public Schools and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, then a professional degree in architecture from the University of Michigan. He went on to take short courses at M.I.T. and studied a year of seminary at the University of Chicago. As a practicing professional he worked diversely as an architect, city planner, and designer in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Ohio, and Lansing. He also spent time in Wichita, Kansas. Stephen retired in 2013 after 38 years with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

Stephen was an active member of several churches, including People’s, Edgewood United, Unitarian Universalists, and the Red Cedar Friends, and others. He served as president of the local United Nations Association twice, was active within the Tamarisk neighborhood, and participated in various city committees and projects regarding East Lansing development. He contributed to numerous charities and was passionate about the environment, peace, humanitarian issues, and spirituality.

Stephen devoted himself to his passions. He was passionate about music, art, and writing. He played various instruments and was prone to composing short pieces of music. A skilled artist, he spent countless hours drawing and sketching – illustrations for his stories, portraits, or anything that caught his eye. As anyone who knew him would attest, he was constantly writing – thoughts, music, stories, letters, or notes. In his twilight years, he authored a book, Down Deep, a science fiction novel that relayed his thoughts on the environment and spirituality and left behind many other writings.

Stephen’s greatest passion in life was in camp country, where he spent his happiest moments volunteering his time with young campers, assisting in all aspects of camp life. His volunteer activities resulted in his recognition as Ista Wakicupi, a Lakota name meaning “He of the Gifted Eye”, a truly appropriate moniker.

Stephen is survived by his daughters, Laura Bhat ( Sanjay Bhat) and Sharon Osborn; his older brother, David of Burbank, California, his former wife, Marilyn Moorman, with whom he had two daughters; nephews; nieces; and grand nephews. He was preceded by his younger brother, Kenneth, and his parents.

Services will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing Chapel on Monday, September 11, 2017, at 7pm. A visitation will begin at 6pm, and a reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a charity of the donor’s choice.