John Oss might be the most decent man I’ve ever known. He and has family took me in during a terrible period in my troubled teenage years and treated me like a person. I sat at their dinner table and attended church with them.  John helped and counseled me in ways my own family simply didn’t. We played dozens of games of racket ball together and I was always amazed a man of his age and size could move so quickly. I never did beat him and in my youth, found that aggravating. John used to spend a few evenings a week at a halfway house teaching inmates to read and work on GED prep. When I was fifteen, I didn’t understand it, but at nearly sixty now, I understand it completely. He was simply driven to make the world a better place and he was doing his part. He was a truly spiritual man. My memories show John and Ruth Oss in parental roles in my life more than my own parents appear. Just as I said in Ruth’s obituary, the world is a lesser place with John Oss in it. I had need seen him in thirty years or so and yet, I’m still deeply hurt reading this obituary.

Sorry sorry to hear about the loss of John.  Prayers to the family for this remarkable husband, father, grandfather and friend to so many.  I was told by my friend Larry Bush, who we both worked with John at Vandenberg AFB in the early 80's about your loss.  Our paths did cross some time later while he was up in Denver and remember having a wonderful visit with him.   

V/R
Bill Owens

Ruth and Sons, We just saw John's obituary. We cannot express our sorrow at his passing but know he is with the Lord. John was a great friend and we have so many happy memories. We especially cherish the time we spent with you at dinner when you visited Albuquerque. May he rest in peace and God grant you consolation.

Love, Jay and Mary

I met John & Ruth in 2005. We had a warm, loving friendship from that time on.  We played  Mexican Train  weekly  and Rummicubs every chance we had.

My husband Jim and I went on the European Cruise with John, Ruth, Mike and Peggy.  It was the trip of a lifetime! 

John was a giving, loving, loyal friend. He was a blessing to all who knew him. He never spoke of himself, but raved about the children he met in school programs through the Optimist Club.

When Jesus returns to establish His Kingdom on earth, He will have a huge reward for the good work John did on His behalf.  I'm looking forward to seeing them both again!





(3 of 3) A few of us still get together for lunch from time to time.  Your dad was a regular part of that group.  I believe this photo was taken on November 15, 2019.  Your dad will be missed, but it's a comfort to know he was a Christian.

(2 of 3) This is a group photo of those who worked the proposal.  There's no mistaking your dad on the right.  Norm Smith is directly in front of him, and I'm the scrawny guy to his right.  This photo dates back to the 90s.

(1 of 3) I got these equations from your dad when I was a young engineer.  As I recall, they were on the inside cover of one of his textbooks, and I made a photocopy knowing they would come in handy.  Dr. Norm Smith and he were the go-to guys back then for such answers.  Norm and John worked side-by-side doing performance analysis on a very complex system that we were bidding at the time.  They had the weighty responsibility of showing, through mathematical analysis and modeling, that the system would meet requirements.  We won the bid.

On the evening of Sunday, June 14, 2020, Ivan and his four brothers met with their mom and dad on what would be their last Zoom call with their dad, John Per Oss. John planned well to ensure that their mom-his wife Ruth- would be wrapped in the comfort of his well planned preparation for his departure.

John passed away suddenly late last night following that call, knowing that his rocket was cleared for launch. For those unaware, John was an esteemed rocket scientist and physicist for the United States Air Force. Even at death I couldn’t get him to tell me what he really did, but from his historical documentation from NASA and work with the Air Force, I am betting it was pivotal in development of our air and space security.

In addition to a stern and loving father of five, John was also a much loved member of his church community and a fervent supporter and member of the Southeast Denver Optimist Club. He and Ruth spent many years not only cheering on the accomplishments of their eleven grandchildren but also celebrating the accomplishments of many of Denver’s at-risk children.

As for me, I am one of his daughters-in-law. He was a country mouse who complemented my big city roots. His gregarious presence made us laugh and often left us in confusion with his art of the tangential conversation. We differed to extreme ends on politics and I did not share in his religious background or pursuits. However, there was never one moment that I didn’t believe he respected me as a person who he could challenge intellectually, and most importantly, share in the growth and celebration of my family. After all, he raised five wonderful sons, one of whom I am lucky enough to call my husband.

John, may you Rest In Peace, and know we will take good care of Ruthie.

John was a Mountain of a man!   I was always in awe of his presence!  He was so great to be around and to just talk to.  He had the greatest stories and loved his kids and Ruth.  He lived his faith by being there to lend a helping hand,  Starting Men's bible study, and even leading with a prayer in a sticky meeting at work.  I'm going to miss this great man so much!  God bless you John and your family.  Lift off to that great journey to heaven!

John was such a kind and benevolent man. I remember his big smile and welcoming demeanor when I timidly visited St. Philip back in 1985 for the first time. He quickly put me at ease and made a point of talking with me each time I came. He & Ruth were so involved in their faith and mentors to many. Mark & I send our sympathies to Ruth and his sons and their families. May you find peace in the promise of eternal  life for John and reflection on the many memories of happy times spent together.

OBITUARY

John Per Oss

March 5, 1940 – June 14, 2020

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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