Obituary of Anthony Wayne Osborne

Anthony Wayne Osborne, also known as local professional wrestler “Tough” Tony Borne, passed away the morning of Friday, August 27th, 2010 in his home located in Oak Grove. Tony lived a great 84 years surrounded by family and friends. He passed due to unfortunate medical problems he endured after getting a pacemaker placed in his heart. Born July 13th 1926, in Columbus, Ohio, Anthony Osborne began wrestling in high school and then in the US. Navy. Soon after, without knowing it, Tony began his wrestling legacy when Columbus promoter Al Hart convinced him to give professional wrestling a shot. Starting off in the wrestling business wasn’t easy for Tony by any means. “When I got into the business, I slept in a gym in Chicago Illinois, on South Halestead Street, Karl Pojello’s gym. I slept in the gym, and the only heat in the wintertime was from the hot water tank” he said. “Back then, $25 to $35 was a good payoff. I was born 30 years too soon.” Tony Osborne was a natural when it came to professional wrestling. He wasn’t the biggest guy, but he definitely made up for it in personality, charisma, and his ability to put on a show. “I had to move, I’ll tell you. At that time, anybody over 240 was a freak. I was only 5’9” and about 225.” Not only was Tony outstanding in the ring, but he had heart. He also had quite the mouth, he could talk. He got the crowd going like no other. He was always known for his chattering before his matches, and everyone loved it. Borne first performed in the Pacific Northwest and would decide to settle down in Oak Grove, Oregon in 1963. He was widely known and wrestled on the cards from Texas to Utah to Idaho throughout the 1950’s. When inducting Borne into the ring around the Northwest newsletter Hall of Fame, Mike Rodgers wrote “Tony Borne was Portland wresting throughout the 60’s and early 70’s. He held the NW title nine times and tag titles 19 different times. His team with Lonnie Mayne is still remembered as the most successful in NW history as they held the tag titles 10 times.” “Tough” Tony’s last match was in October of 1981. “Your body tells you,” he said. He hadn’t planned on quitting, but the business wasn’t quite the same anymore, and at the time he was also successful in the real estate business. Tony got into the real estate business in the 70’s and was also a licensed superintendent for the American Kennel Club and always enjoyed tending to family’s gardens. He had always been a very involved, compassionate, loving man. Proceeding in death: Evelyn McGee-Mother, William Osborne-Brother, Glenn Osborne-Brother, and William Burnett-Brother in law. Survivors: Wife- Nona Osborne; daughter Toni Rae Osborne-Foy and husband Chris; son-Matt Osborne; Grandchildren; Anthony Osborne, Lani Foy, Lacey Foy, Rena Osborne, Tegan Osborne, Matthew Osborne. Great Grandchildren: Alissa Osborne, Alexis Osborne, Anthony Osborne. Sister- Norma Burnett. Nephew-Mark Burnett. Niece-Sherrie Burnett. Niece Barbara Burnett-Horvath and husband Mike. Sister in law Emily Osborne. Nephew Glenn Osborne and wife Sheryl. Niece Diana Osborne-Bernard and husband Jim. Niece -Vicki Osborne-Jahn. Family is planning a memorial celebration at the Milwaukie Elks Lodge that will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Tony to Shriners Children’s Hospital.