Brian Osborne

It is with huge sadness that we announce the recent death of Brian Osborne.

'For many years Brian was a stalwart member of the committee of the Society of Authors in Scotland, serving many more years than duty required, and subsequently representing authors on the board of Publishing Scotland. He was known as a voice of strong common sense and integrity, as well as for his encyclopaedic knowledge of the world of publishing in Scotland and beyond. But he was also known by those who worked with him as a warm and witty man, whose presence at any meeting always improved it immeasurably. We will miss his wise advice and his sense of humour in equal measure.'

A memorial service was held on Saturday 14th June at St Columba’s Church in Kirkintilloch.

Nicola Morgan

SOAIS Chair

Messages

'I find it hard to take in the fact that no, I am not about to open my email box to find an extremely funny reply from Brian, getting straight to the nub of whatever issue has arisen in the world of publishing. He had an irreverent nick-name for me, borne from a series of 'Reply All' committee emails after something particularly silly had happened, and I will miss that regular reminder of a funny story we all shared. I will miss a lot but to be honest, I’m still expecting an email from him. Does the great library in the sky have an internet café? Brian could well be organising it right now. More than anything though, my heart goes out to his father, who must be shocked beyond words.'

Nicola Morgan

'In the 5 years I spent on the committee of the SOAIS I found Brian to be helpful, well informed, and quietly assured with an intelligent, wry sense of humour.  His common sense approach backed up by experience was also much appreciated at meetings of the Literature Forum where I, along with many others, valued his considered opinion.

I find it almost impossible to believe that Brian is no longer with us and cannot imagine that he will not just walk in to the next meeting or gathering. He was friendly, funny and easy to approach, and will be greatly missed.'

Linda Strachan

Recently the Society of Authors in Scotland instituted a 'mentoring scheme'. Before that we had Brian. Nobody could have been more welcoming, more inclusive, and more congenial than him. He also  did more to shape the Society in Scotland than anyone I know. As a fellow historian he took me under his stumpy wing, and I'll always be grateful for his sage advice, kind words and reckless encouragement. Above all Brian was a great wit and bon-viveur - someone with whom it was always a pleasure to spend time.
 
It seems strange to think of him out there in 'Silken Samarkand', but then Brian was always full of surprises, and he's certainly managed to make a wonderfully enigmatic exit. We'll miss you, 'wee man'...
  
And how beguile you? Death has no repose,
Warmer and deeper than the Orient sand,
Which hides the beauty and bright faith of those,
Who make the Golden Journey to Samarkand.
(James Elroy Fletcher)
 
Angus Konstam

I heard of Brian's death with dismay and even now find it hard to believe that he won't appear at all the summer events where he was such a kenspeckle figure. 

During my time as Chair of the Society of Authors in Scotland I could always rely on him as a fount of knowledge as well as a completely reliable source of good advice.  His acerbic wit was a delight and there was always laughter and good fellowship in Brian's company.  Dr Johnson said of the great actor David Garrick that his death 'eclipsed the gaiety of nations and impoverished the public stock of harmless pleasure; I feel that we in Scotland are the poorer for Brian's passing.

But he had, too, a considerable intellect and a lively and enquiring mind which inspired his travels, often way off the tourist track, to explore the ancient world.  Flecker's 'Golden Road to Samarkand' has been quoted already, but the lines from it which have haunted me are these:
 
'...We are the pilgrims, master: we shall go
Always a little further; it may be
Beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow
Across that angry or that glimmering sea
 
White on a throne or guarded in a cave
There lives a prophet who can understand
Why men are born...'
 
Perhaps Brian has his answer now.
 
Aline Templeton

Exceedingly sorry to hear of the sudden death of Brian Osborne. He was a modest, intelligent man, not in any way self-seeking, and he gave tremendous support over many years to SOAIS. He will be much missed by the Society.

Joan Lingard

The phrases razor-sharp wit, unimpeachable integrity, unparalleled knowledge, kindest of men were all created for Brian Osborne.  He was also one of the funniest men I have ever had the privilege of calling friend.  Ever been marooned in a snowstorm with oor Brian?  You haven't lived!  I finish with this line from a Flecker poem shown to me by our mutual friend, Aline Templeton.
'but surely we are brave Who make the Golden Journey to Samarkand.'
Brian, I pray you loved every minute.'

Eileen Ramsay

'We were very sad to learn of Brian's untimely death. We remember him as a happy man, always smiling and making other people smile as well. We can well remember his reading  from Para Handy, along with Ronald Armstrong, to the Melrose Literary Society. Both of whom we had the pleasure of entertaining before their talk.  He had the crowded meeting room in fits of laughter for a good hour. Whenever we met subsequently we always had a joke.

We send our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.'

Derek and Florence Mills

'The news about Brian was indeed a dreadful shock. It's hard to imagine the SOAIS without him.  His readiness to take on extra duties, his goodwill, humour, cheerfulness and enthusiasms were all so endearing and such charming and central features of the man.

In my short time on the committee, I came to think of him as a true friend and had enormous respect for his willingness to work for others and for his quick grasp of the arcane workings of Scottish Arts funding and the administrative nightmares it generated.

He carried his vast learning so lightly and his books, so solidly based in meticulous research, still rang with his distinctive, wry voice.  He took such joy in everything connected with writing and in sharing his passions with others.

We've lost someone who epitomised the values of the SOAIS and who both lit up and enlightened all who met him.  Brian was a great wee man.'

Bill Kirton

'Didn't know Brian all that well but had sat with him over a drink or two at various SOAiS social events and we'd enjoyed a chuckle or two about books et al. He was very sociable and amusing. My wife's a librarian and also knew him slightly  - we're sorry to hear of his passing.'

Andrew Murray Scott

'Ah the passing time,
many shall feel loss and others a sense of 'one day I shall aspire to the wit and sense of Brian Osborne
Writers don't die they just can't reach the pen anymore.
His limbs can now dance on the highest peak and he shall stand naked in the wind
I never met you dear man but my book shelf has, and there in, shall you live as the great writer you were
find the wind Brian and dance'

Jess smith

'I was so saddened to hear of Brian's sudden death.  I did not know him well but I joined the Society of Authors in Scotland when he was secretary and he was most welcoming and friendly at the early meetings I attended when I didn't know anybody.  He was a constant and reassuring presence!
He will be greatly missed on so many levels and I would like to convey my condolences to his family.'

Gwen Chessell

'I hadn't heard and I am very sorry - please pass my condolences to his family. Brian struck me as a man of humour and salty wit and I liked him very much for that.'

Claire-Marie Watson

So terribly sorry that Brian is no longer with us ~ such a friend to other writers.
 
Alex Gray

Absolutely devestated to hear the news while in Bristol at a crime conference.

Brian will be sadly missed, not only for his untiring contribution to the SOAIS committeee but on a personal level for his humour,  wit and his warm generous personality
 
Alanna Knight

I have only just heard the news.  I am sorry to learn of Brian's sudden death. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
 
Eileen Thornton


If you would like to add your own message, please email Anna Ganley at aganley@societyofauthors.org

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