Remembering George W. Osborne

The El Dorado Irrigation District (EID/District) mourns the passing of George W. Osborne, who served on the District's Board of Directors for more than two decades and became one of the longest-serving board members in EID's history.

Osborne was first elected in 2001 to fill the remainder of an unexpired term representing Division 1, and was returned by voters in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2020. He served as Board President in 2002, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2017 and 2020, and as Vice President in 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2019, stepping down at the end of his term in 2024.

His tenure coincided with some of the most consequential infrastructure work in the District's history.

Chief among it was the transfer of the Sly Park Unit from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to EID - a milestone that gave the District local control over its largest water supply.

Also completed during his service were the Pleasant Oak Main replacement project, the state-mandated Forebay Dam Modification, and the Main Ditch Piping Project.

The Sly Park Intertie, now underway, will add a key redundancy for District-wide operations, including both planned treatment plant maintenance work allowing for much-need deferred aging infrastructure replacements, and emergencies to help maintain water service during infrastructure outages.

The Forebay Dam work proved critical just a year after completion, when it helped maintain water operations during the 2021 Caldor Fire. That same fire devastated the El Dorado Canal flume system, causing over $29 million in damages to the water delivery system for approximately one-third of the District's water supplies annually.

During Osborne's tenure EID also completed multiple water transfers that brought new non-rate revenue to the District, secured a water contract to exercise the District's Permit 21112 right at Folsom Reservoir, and renewed its 40-year Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license for Project 184, maintaining local control of all Project 184 water supplies.

'He never shied away from challenging situations'

El Dorado Irrigation District Operations Director Dan Corcoran served under Osborne's leadership for more than 20 years.

"Fresh off four decades of public service protecting our community at CalFire, Director Osborne was elected to the District's Board of Directors in 2001, and service faithfully until his physical health finally required his second, much-deserved retirement in 2024," Corcoran said. "Even though his body began to show signs of six decades of public service, his mind remained sharp and his steadfast support for the best interests of our community never waned."

"Never one to shy away from tackling challenging situations, even when such actions may not have appeared popular at the time, Director Osborne was a staunch supporter of decisions that represented the best interests of our entire community."

He pointed to Osborne's early work improving the District's credit rating and the Sly Park transfer as his most significant contributions.

"In the two decades since acquiring Sly Park with then-President Osborne signing the transfer agreements, the District has weathered two extreme droughts utilizing Sly Park's water supplies at its Board of Directors determined, rather than be subjected to the federal government's allocation process. Without this change, those droughts would have had drastically different outcomes on the community's viability during these austere times."

Staff, he said, will remember Director Osborne for his persistent call for service. "He would often refer to staff as 'the troops' and make an effort to recognize their contributions when the District faced challenges conditions within its complex water systems, often behind the scenes, to keep our community running. The troops will carry on their service in Director Osborne's honor."

'A dedicated public servant, a proud firefighter, and, most importantly, a good man'

"George brought a unique blend of dedication, humor, and genuine warmth to the Board. While we didn't always agree, our discussions were always memorable," said El Dorado Irrigation District Board President Lori Anzini. "I'll especially remember the time he sent me a small piece of paper with two pennies taped to it to offer his 'two cents' at a Board meeting. He did it with that familiar twinkle in his eyes, and it was a reminder that even when we disagreed, we could still share a laugh."

"George was a dedicated public servant, a proud firefighter, and, most importantly, a good man," Anzini said. "His commitment to fire and water issues, his willingness to serve, and his wonderful sense of humor made him a pleasure to know and work alongside."

"Rest in peace, George. Thank you for your service, your friendship, and the memories. You will be missed."

General Manager Pravani Vandeyar recalled Osborne's generosity to a newcomer. Although Director Osborne's tenure predated Vandeyar's arrival, he continued to offer any help or information that he could as a testament to his calling to community service. "George offered support and willingness to answer questions or discuss issues when I stepped in as the new EID General Manager, and this was consistently what he did even when he was sick," she said. "Everyone regularly talks of George Osborne's many positive contributions to EID's legacy. I am honored to have known him."

Director Paul Penn, who now holds Osborne's Division 1 seat, put it simply: "George Osborne was a man devoted to his community, with a larger-than-life personality who loved his time on the EID Board. I sit in his seat, but I can never fill his shoes."

A life of public service

Before his election to the EID Board, Osborne spent 41 years with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, retiring as Chief of the Amador-El Dorado-Alpine Unit. He managed fire and emergency service operations and became a P.O.S.T.-certified peace officer.

He served as President of the Placerville Rotary Club in 2005 and remained active in community projects long after.

In 2024, the Board adopted a resolution honoring his service and recognizing his guiding principles of integrity, transparency and ethical standards - qualities the resolution credits with helping balance the District's infrastructure needs against keeping rates as low as possible without compromising safety or reliability.

On behalf of the entire El Dorado Irrigation District, we extend our deepest condolences to George's family, friends, and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.