Bill Osborne 1914-2003

Lessons with Bill Osborne

This is what Bill loved to do on a typical weekend at the field. Teaching kids fly model airplane was his passion in life. There is know one I admire more and I miss him dearly.
Heman Lee

Bill Osborne quietly passed away, October 11th 2003.

Bill started building model gliders and planes in 1927 with one of his first constructions being "The Spirit of St. Louis". Bill attended Frank Wiggins Trade School to learn the art of model building and at that time they were rubber powered. His first gas-powered airplane was a tether trainer powered by an Olhson 60.

A flying club was formed and their first contest was at Woodstock Park in Alameda with a club from Berkeley. In 1945, as a member of the Alameda Junior Chamber, along with Roland Cecchettini, a project was developed to obtain a flying field.

Working with then Mayor Winthrop Brandschied, City Manager Don McMillan and Superintendent of Recreation Otto Rittler, a flying field was located across the road from today's present field, which included one grass and one back top circle. When Alameda once again provided them with what is today Bill Osborne Model Airplane Flying Field.

Bill has given of himself in many ways to the youth of our community, especially, as Bill puts it, the little kid who can't afford it".

Bill has worked with and received support from the Alameda Tines Star providing publicity and business firms such as Alameda Hobby Craft, Cox Hobbies of Santa Ana and Westware Rental Products of San Francisco, who provided many items for the children at little or no cost.

In 1945 as a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, along with Roland Cecchettini, Bill Osborne developed a project to obtain a flying field in Alameda, California. Working with then Mayor Winthrop Brandschied, City Manager Don McMillan, and Superintendent of Recreation Otto Rittler, a flying field was approved and located across the road from today's field in southern Alameda. It included one grass and one blacktop circle.

It is a fitting tribute that the City of Alameda has recognized one of its most outstanding volunteer individuals and appropriately named this field in his honor.