John Henry Osgood

John H. Osgood, 71, died on June 7, 2011, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, after a very long illness.

John was born in Tacoma, Wash., on March 9, 1940. He was a graduate of Lakeside Preparatory School in Seattle, Wash. in 1958 and received his bachelor’s of science degree at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash.

John had a passion for cars and driving fast. He spent time before, during and after college racing his beloved dragster at the track. He was very proud that, for a few hours, his team held the world record for speed.

Ultimately his love for cars led him to a job in Seattle, Wash., with Ford Motor Company. In 1973, Ford wanted to send him to Detroit. He did not want to take his children there, so he came to Anchorage to work in the local friendly Ford dealership. John’s career in Anchorage spanned more than three decades where he held a variety of sales and service roles for Stepp Brothers, Cal Worthington Ford, B and C Supply, and Magnetic North and various IT companies. He spent a summer on the oil spill cleanup.

In 1992, he and a close friend started a company, DataFlow/Alaska, to provide IT services. It became a partnership with five friends, and then incorporated. The company started business in 1994. He spent approximately 13 years at DataFlow where he provided contract technical support, with his longest contract supporting the Federal Aviation Administration in Anchorage. John’s personality and endless supply of jokes endeared him to customers and colleagues alike; many who became close personal friends.

John brought computer savvy to his personal life, too.

As an early adopter of home computers and networks, a mutual computer friend introduced him to another computer buff, Deidre Ganopole, a lifelong resident of Anchorage. John and Deidre married in Anchorage July 4, 1995. Deidre was a companion, partner and caregiver for John throughout their marriage and John’s decades-long battle with diabetes. She was at John’s side when he died.

John was an avid fisherman who was often quoted as saying “a bad day fishing beats a good day at work every time.” He and Deidre spent their summer weekends and vacations with good friends and good fishing on the Kenai River. John brought his own flair to spirituality as the “The Pope” of the Church of Our Convenience. Over the years, he officiated life cycle events for dozens of friends. John will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and enduring sense of humor. He had a way of touching people’s lives with incredible and lasting impact. John was “good people” and will be dearly missed.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian A. Van Woert and George H. Osgood.

He is survived by his wife, Deidre Ganopole; three daughters, Carrie Osgood of Anchorage, Kirsten Wolberg of San Francisco, Calif., and Carla Wyrick of Anchorage; three granddaughters, Alyssa Wyrick, Margeaux Wolberg and Annika Wolberg; his cousins, Marilyn and Bill Drescher of California; and his loyal dog, Wolfie. John also is survived by many close friends for whom he cared deeply.

A celebration of life for John’s friends and family is from 4 to 8 p.m., June 22, at the Bayshore Clubhouse, 3131 Amber Bay Loop, Anchorage.

Donations in John’s memory can be made to: The American Diabetes Association 801 W Fireweed Ln No. 103, Anchorage, AK 99503-1893.