Lawrence “Larry” A. Osborn, MD, 72, of Albuquerque, New Mexico died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 13. Dr. Osborn spent the majority of his career as an Interventional Cardiologist at the University of New Mexico and notably started UNM’s coronary angioplasty program in 1987.
Though Larry was passionate about academic pursuits and was able to publish many peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, he spent the majority of his career on what he valued above all else: patient care and teaching residents and fellows. So beloved was Larry as a doctor, that upon announcing his retirement after 29 years at UNM, some of his patients left tearful messages on the home answering machine.
Dr. Larry Osborn was an extraordinary man. In his work life, he was a dedicated physician, educator, friend, colleague and mentor. He was often self-deprecating, but he also had a quiet confidence and knew the value that he brought to life and his work. He had incredibly devoted patients, some of whom I am still attempting to gain trust from years after inheriting them from his panel. His former trainees and students learned broadly from him not only about medicine, but also about the martial arts, music, how to enjoy life and to remember the little things that bring joy to ourselves, our friends and colleagues. He is remembered fondly from learners of multiple ‘eras’. He was also an incredibly open and friendly ‘personality’ in the division of cardiology and department of medicine throughout his entire career. As an educator he was careful, patient, kind and generous with his time. He liked to build consensus but was also a master at understanding that differences of opinion could be useful and were not to be devalued. I will miss Larry for many reasons. Not only for the things mentioned above, but also for his signature all black dress code, his willingness to dance alone at a music venue without a care in the world, his Holiday newsletter and his ready smile. Rest in peace, Larry.
Larry was a delightful , joyous friend and colleague cardiologist, while I am an endocrinologist. We came to know each other over the years really outside of the medical school. We both like outside activities, exercise, teaching at the bedside, and generally enjoyed the practice of medicine in an academic environment. Most of our conversations really evolved around expressing ourselves in writing, and with photography. Larry was one of the most spontaneously humerus people I have ever known. I don't know if he ever thought about stand-up comedy, but his Christmas letters were absolutely hilarious. I sort of lost tract of him after I semi-retired about a decade ago, but always looked forward to his christmas note, and emails full of extraordinary photographs that he appeared to have found on the internet. Beauty in Nature was an attraction of his and of mine, and we kept association over the past years in that fashion... occasional e-mails back and forth. I don't have to point out that he was an extraordinary catheter manipulator in the heart, and began that program at a time when it was urgently needed. We have all been grateful to know him, and work with him, and understand that he was always ready to help anyone. Larry was a person who only shared joy and humor , and made any day enjoy more bright light and smiles. It is a pleasure to share my friendship with Larry.
Lawrence “Larry” A. Osborn, M.D., 72, of Albuquerque, New Mexico died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 13th, 2021. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 44 years, Paula J. Dorris-Osborn; his two daughters, Rachael D. Osborn (Gordon Moran) and Rebecca A. Osborn (James Christopoulos); his two grandsons, Finley and Nico Christopoulos, who lovingly gave him the name “G-pop”; nieces and nephew Melissa Carnathan, Sarah Cunningham, Chloe Vaughn, and Geoffrey Bommelaere; sisters-in-law, Karen Dorris (Damian Andrus), Nita Roethe (Jim), Barbara Dorris (Nick Vaughn); and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth D. Osborn Jr. and Mary M. Osborn.
Larry was born on December 31st, 1948 in Phoenix, Arizona. He lived as a young child in Phoenix and Houston, Texas, before settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he lived the remainder of his life. He graduated from Highland High School in 1966 and then, the University of New Mexico in 1970. Larry went on to attend Tulane Medical School, graduating in 1974. After an internship at L.A. County General with the University of Southern California, he returned to New Orleans and worked as a Charity Hospital staff physician for three years at the St. Thomas Housing Project. He then completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Louisiana State University, treating patients at Charity Hospital. Ultimately Larry was drawn to Cardiology, completing his Cardiology fellowship at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. He spent the majority of his career as an Interventional Cardiologist at the University of New Mexico and notably started UNM’s coronary angioplasty program in 1987. Though Larry was passionate about academic pursuits and was able to publish many peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, he spent the majority of his career on what he valued above all else: patient care and teaching residents and fellows. So beloved was Larry as a doctor, that upon announcing his retirement after 29 years at UNM, some of his patients left tearful messages on the home answering machine.
For Larry, medicine was just one of his passions. He was a lifelong student of Shotokan karate, earning his 4th degree black belt in his 60’s; an avid reader of fiction, Anton Chekov being one of his favorite authors; a lover of blues, jazz, and all forms of live music, dancing his way through as many New Orleans’s Jazz Festivals as was possible for a busy physician and family man; and a frequent spectator at indoor track meets after spending much of his younger years as a runner himself.
To know Larry was to experience his extraordinary wit and unique sense of humor, much of it self-deprecating. (Larry was occasionally known to wear a crushed-velvet tuxedo while rounding on his patients during his residency at LSU.) It was impossible to spend time with him and not break out in uninhibited laughter. His youthful curiosity made him an exceptional late-night conversationalist on topics spanning politics, philosophy, and humanity. He was a man of remarkable talent and accomplishment with no interest in the limelight. But most of all, he was kind, gentle, loving, and incapable of telling a lie. To say that Larry will be greatly missed by all who knew him is an understatement.
Due to COVID-19 activity, a memorial service will be held at a future date. If you wish, donations may be made in Larry’s honor to any of the following organizations: Tulane University School of Medicine Diversity and Inclusion Fund, Roadrunner Food Bank, University of New Mexico, or a charity of your choice.
Tulane University School of Medicine Diversity and Inclusion Fund: https://giving.tulane.edu/s/1586/Giving/16/interior.aspx?sid=1586&gid=2&pgid=9371
Roadrunner Food Bank: https://www.rrfb.org/give/give-funds/
University of New Mexico: https://www.unmfund.org/ways-to-give/
Cremation by Direct Funeral Services. For online condolences and information regarding a future memorial service, please visit our online guestbook for Larry at www.directfuneralservicesabq.com.
Some holes in the universe just can’t be filled. Larry is one of those.