[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 148 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2063-E2064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING W. IRVING OSBORNE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a gentleman who 
lived a life of tremendous achievement in the world of business but for 
whom the first priority was always family and friends. W. Irving 
Osborne, Jr. passed away on November 1st at his home in Lake Forest, 
Illinois at the age of 97. In an area where many captains of industry 
reside, Mr. Osborne was seen as an elder statesman of business.
  After his graduation from Yale University in 1926, Mr. Osborne soon 
embarked on a career with his family's business, Cornell Paperboard 
Products. He rose to serve as president and CEO of the company which 
was acquired by St. Regis Paper in 1957. His leadership and business 
acumen drew the attention of his peers, and in 1961, Mr. Osborne was 
named president of the legendary Pullman Car Company, becoming chairman 
of the board in 1966.
  He believed in a consistent approach to business and proven 
management techniques that could be applied to very diverse companies. 
His expertise earned Mr. Osborne appointment to an advisory board of 
the National

[[Page E2064]]

War Production Board which worked to maximize industrial output during 
World War II. During the course of his career, Mr. Osborne served on 
the board of directors of numerous major corporations such as Baxter 
International, the pharmaceutical and medical device producer, Pabst 
Brewing, one of the legendary Wisconsin breweries, Boulevard Bank of 
Chicago, the First National Bank of Lake Forest, and Belden 
Corporation, an international manufacturer of electronic equipment.
  Following his tremendously successful career, Mr. Osborne chose to 
retire in 1974. He was free to pursue his love of golf and was an avid 
bridge and gin rummy player. But his greatest joy by far was his role 
as patriarch of a large and loving family. Over the years he proudly 
saw his family grow, first with his three daughters, Gwendolyn Lincoln, 
Adrienne Ives and Karen McGovern, then eight grandchildren and, 
ultimately fourteen great-grandchildren. And while he reveled in 
hosting his family at this home at holidays well into his 90's, his 
family had the blessing of learning from his wisdom and wealth of 
experience.
  For 53 years, Mr. Osborne shared his life with his wife, Elsa Armour 
Osborne who passed away in 1985.
  Our community has lost one of its true leaders; a role model for 
future generations of business leaders, and a respected man active in 
civic affairs. Most importantly, a proud and loving family has lost its 
patriarch. I join with his many friends in expressing my condolences to 
the Osborne family upon the passing of this remarkable man.

                          ____________________