[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 23, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E683-E684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. THOMAS JAMES OSBORNE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2021

  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
Thomas James Osborne, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, 
community leader, and sports enthusiast.
  Tom was born January 5, 1956, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Irene and 
Bill Osborne. Tom was the third of eight children. He graduated from 
high school from Central High School in Billings, Montana in 1974. At a 
young age, he developed a love for adventure, sports, and the great 
outdoors. Tom received a basketball scholarship to Eastern Montana 
College (now Montana State University--Billings) and earned a 
bachelor's degree in Physical Education, graduating in 1978.
  Tom founded the Big Sky State Games, an Olympic-style sports festival 
in Montana, and served as the executive director from 1985 to 1993. In 
addition, he served as the executive director of the National Congress 
of State Games from 1993 to 2003 and assisted in the creation of the 
States Games of America. Tom also served as a member of the U.S. 
Olympic Committee Board of Directors from 1996 to 2000.
  Tom met his wife, Amy (Tompson), during a fly-fishing class in 
Billings in 1995. Tom and Amy began dating, and he immediately started 
a careful pursuit for her heart and the hearts of her children, Ellie 
and Ben. After five years, they were married on November 3, 2001, in 
Midland, Texas, and became a family.
  In 2003, Tom and his family began a new adventure, moving to Colorado 
Springs so that Tom could join Colorado Springs Sports Corporation as 
the president and CEO. It didn't take long for Tom to find his footing 
in the Pikes Peak region. He quickly worked to bring various sporting 
events to Colorado Springs, including the Warrior Games, Pikes Peak 
Airstrip Attack, premier cycling events, youth sports programs, and 
much more, including the Labor Day Lift Off. In addition, Tom served as 
the Chairman of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for over a 
decade and was a member of the World Arena Board of Directors.
  Tom and Amy were members of the Pauline Chapel at The Broadmoor, 
attending the interdenominational service. Much of Tom's work coincided 
with non-profits across the community, helping people in all 
situations, including troubled youth and veterans, to find respite care 
and comfort in sports and the great outdoors. When asked about his 
relationship with the Lord, Torn would say, ``Me and Jesus, (crossing 
his fingers) we're good.''
  Tom is described by his wife Amy, and his many co-workers, as the 
kindest, most supportive, humble, ambitious dreamer they have ever 
known. He had an extensive network of friends, staff, and community who 
often found themselves in awe of Tom's ambition and vision. A few words 
that Tom scribbled inside of a book cover sum up his life perfectly, 
``Bars are meant to be raised,'' and indeed, he raised them.
  Tom is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 20 years, Amy; 
children: Ellie (Cameron) Kuehn and Ben (Kassy) Haughton; 
grandchildren: Charlie Rose and James Bridges; siblings: Doug (Jan) 
Osborne, Pat (Kathi) Osborne, Jeanne (Larry) Fritz, Mary (Michael) 
Andres, Cathy (Mark) Johnson, Jan (Doug) Grotiz, Will (Tina) Osborne; 
and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
  Tom leaves a legacy in which no stone went unturned and no mission 
unconquered. Because of his ability to dream big, countless children 
and adults have a life-long passion for sports and athletics, many of 
whom made a career out of these passions. The lasting impact of his 
influence in the sports and outdoors community of the Pikes Peak region 
will endure and benefit many generations to come.

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