BREAKING: Founding member of The Osmond Brothers dies

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Wayne Osmond, a founding member of “The Osmond Brothers” singing group and brother to the famous brother-sister duo, Donny and Marie Osmond, has died.

Osmond, 73, was the second-oldest of the Osmond Brothers singing group, and the fourth oldest of the nine Osmond children.  His family said he suffered a “massive stroke” and passed away on New Year’s Day, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He is survived by his wife, Kathlyn; five children: Amy Cook, Steven Osmond, Gregory Osmond, Sarah Hilton and Michelle Erickson; and 20 grandchildren. He is also survived by his eight siblings: Virl, Tom, Alan, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie and Jimmy.

Below is an excerpt from a report by the New York Times:

Melvin Wayne Osmond was born on Aug. 28, 1951, in Ogden, Utah, to George Osmond and Olive (Davis) Osmond. Mr. Osmond worked in real estate while Ms. Osmond looked after the nine children, raising them in traditional Mormon ways and instilling a love for music in the household.

The fourth of the nine children, Wayne Osmond started performing when he was 6 years old. He could play 18 different instruments, including the bagpipes, the banjo and the clarinet, but he was most proficient at guitar, Ms. Cook said.

In the late 1950s, Mr. Osmond and his siblings began performing in a barbershop quartet-style group at local venues to earn money to help sponsor mission trips. The siblings’ musical prowess gave them the chance to travel.

The New York Times also revealed that Osmond had a brain tumor when he was a child, and underwent rigorous cancer treatment. In 2012, he suffered a stroke that prevented him from being able to play guitar, the report adds.

Brother Donny Osmond, 67, announced Wayne’s death in an social media post Thursday evening. He wrote:

My dear brother Wayne passed away peacefully last night from a stroke. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit him in the hospital before he passed.

Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone. I’m sure I speak on behalf of every one of us siblings when I state that we were fortunate to have Wayne as a brother.

Even though we are separated in this mortal life, I know that by the grace and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will have the opportunity to be with Wayne for eternity.

I love you, Wayne.
Your brother forever, Donny

Another brother, Merrill Osmond, 71, posted the following tribute on Facebook:

When I learned that my dear brother Wayne had a massive stroke my immediate response was to fall to my knees and pray for him to receive the assurance that his mission had been accomplished, and he was successful in this endeavor in many ways. I immediately drove to the hospital in SLC to see him and I was able to say my goodbyes.

My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave as an even greater saint than he came in. I’ve never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolute no guile. An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met. 

His departure from this earth will be a sad moment for some, but for those who are waiting for him on the other side, there will be a massive celebration beyond anything we can imagine.

My brother Wayne endured much. He gave it his all. His legacy will go down as someone who was not only a genius in his ability to write music, but was able to capture the hearts of millions of people and bring them closer to God.

I will miss him tremendously. I am so grateful to have grown up with one of heavenly father‘s greatest sons. Until I see him again, know that he was loved,
Brother Merrill

Wayne’s daughter, Amy Osmond Cook, posted the following statement on Facebook:

Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children. His legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter have influenced the lives of many people around the world. He would want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that banana splits are the best dessert. We love him and will miss him dearly.

I am having a hard time expressing the depth of my sadness that I won’t have my “twin” in my life for a while. But I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him. I am grateful for the incredible memories. I am grateful for his strength, loyalty to our family, incredible talent and energy, and most of all, his love. I look forward to the day when I can see him again on the other side. I love you, Dad.

Other tributes are pouring in:

 

 

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