Wayne Archie Osterhout passed away March 23, 2011 following a lengthy illness, at Royal Inland Hospital. He was born to E.F. (Jake) & Mary Osterhout in Glendive, Montana on December 30, 1922.
His early years were spent in Big Timber Montana, where he graduated from high school. Enlisting in the navy, he served as Chief Petty Officer for a tour of four years on the Pacific.
While in the service he met and married the love of his life, Norma Jean Eberhart on June 11, 1945. Wayne and Norma ranched in the Big Timber area and raised a family of seven children. In 1962 he moved his family to Ashcroft, B.C. Wayne was noted for his extraordinary ranching abilities, with a green thumb for everything he grew, and was an accomplished well water witcher.
Wayne had many varied interests in retirement. He was an avid fisherman. He published four complete family trees, and collected and perfected historical family photos. He spent many hours and weeks with family in B.C. and Montana, and was duly noted as the family historian. Wayne was noted for his great sense of humor and big smile for everyone.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Jake Osterhout, sisters Loria Volker, Edwina Bevel, and daughter Marcia Jo.
Wayne is survived by his loving family, his wife of 66 years, Norma, of Ashcroft, B.C. and sister Joyce (Don) Haas of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Wayne’s children: Cinda (Gerr) Benner of Chase, B.C., Linda (Charlie) Hull of Benton City, WA, Wayne (Audrey) Osterhout of Prince George, B.C., Dan (Adelyn) Osterhout of Fairview, AB, Jillene (Rene) Fex of Oroville, WA, Scott (Jan) Osterhout of Cache Creek, B.C.
Wayne has fourteen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.