When JFAC heard the budget request for the state's Permanent Building Fund this morning, a long-familiar participant was missing. Tim Mason of the state Division of Public Works told the joint committee that Larry Osgood passed away nine days ago. Osgood, a mechanical engineer, was state public works director under several governors, starting with Cecil Andrus, until his retirement in 2005. Since retiring, Osgood served in several capacities for the city of Caldwell, including public works director; he used a wheelchair due to injuries from a car accident before he started his state service. "He enjoyed very much working with JFAC," Mason told the committee members. "When I go back this morning, I'll be missing getting a phone call from him critiquing my presentation."

JFAC Co-Chair Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, said, "I'm truly sorry to hear that. We loved having him with us. He'd roll in in his wheelchair, and did a fine job for the state those many years." Osgood's obituary in the Idaho Press-Tribune said, "Larry lived his life believing that life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath."

---

---