George Virl Osmond Sr was the patriarch of one of showbiz's most successful singing clans.

George Virl Osmond, father and patriarch of one of the world's most esteemed entertainment families, The Osmonds, passed away peacefully of natural causes the morning of November 6, 2007, at his home in Provo, Utah. He was 90 years old.The father of nine children, Virl, Tom, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie and Jimmy. George Osmond was born on October 13, 1917, in Star Valley, Wyoming. He liked to be known as "The Wyoming Cowboy," never forgetting his western roots. A devout Mormon, Osmond served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one in the state of Hawaii and one in the United Kingdom. Osmond was also a respected veteran of World War II. He met and married Olive Davis on Dec. 1, 1944, in the Salt Lake City Temple. As he and Olive began their life together, George worked in real estate, sold insurance and worked as a postmaster for the city of Ogden. Little did he know that from such humble beginnings, what would become one of the world's most renowned musical families. George Osmond loved to sing, and taught his children to sing barbershop harmony. It wasn't long before the community and public took notice of the talented kids and they started performing at church functions and at local civic events. Managing his talented sons, George arranged for them to perform at Disneyland in California, where they caught the eye and were mentioned by Walt Disney himself. History was made when the Osmond's were offered a chance to audition for Andy Williams, an opportunity which would forever change their lives. Living for his childrens success, George gave up his life and work in Utah and he and his wife Olive soon moved the family to California when it looked as though entertainment would be the future of their talented family. George believed that family was the most important element in his life and he loved each of his children equally. He believed that families are forever eternal and throughout his life, instilled that faith in each of his children. He loved his only wife Olive intensely, who passed away in 2004. George Osmond lived his life true to his faith and true to his family. He was never heard to say a bad word about anyone and he treated everyone equally and with the utmost respect. He and his wife Olive founded The Osmond Foundation, which would later become the Children's Miracle network, the largest charitable organization of its kind serving children's hospitals worldwide. The Osmond's are of the belief that this should be a time of celebration instead of grief. George Osmond leaves nine children: Virl, Tom, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie, and Jimmy, 55 grandchildren, and 48 great-grandchildren. His legacy will forever be remembered.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Osmond