John E Osler

John Edward Osler, 85, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. He was the oldest of five brothers. John grew up and attended school in Pontiac, Michigan.

After earning his teaching degree from Central Michigan University, he taught history and social studies at Reese High School, and eventually returned to Pontiac to teach at Pontiac Northern High School. He married Susan (Hamilton), a young woman from the neighborhood who shared his love of camping and fishing. They raised three children together and have five grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Coaching was his passion! ...from middle school football to high school swimming, and even downhill skiing. But he lived and breathed cross country, which he coached at both the high school and college levels. "Coach O", as he was affectionately known, led two cross country teams to state championship titles; one from the upper peninsula of Michigan and one from the lower peninsula. In 2015, he was inducted into the Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame.

John made it his mission to stay in touch with former classmates and athletes, fellow coaches and roommates, family, and friends. It never surprised his wife and kids when he would run into someone he knew wherever they were traveling. He had an enthusiasm for telling stories and in the end declared he had a good life. 

In the spring, a memorial service will be held in Michigan.