Pubdate: Thu, 08 May 2014
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Kim Pemberton
Page: B12
Cited: VANDU: http://www.vandu.org/

BUD OSBORN A 'TRUE HERO' FOR DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE

Provocative poet devoted his life to the marginalized

Vancouver poet and social activist Bud Osborn, who helped found the
harm reduction program VANDU (Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users),
has died at the age of 66.

Osborn, who lived in poverty himself and was a former drug addict, was
outraged by the living conditions of people in Vancouver's Downtown
Eastside and dedicated most of his life advocating for them, said
longtime friend and VANDU co-founder Anne Livingston.

"His poetry captures the raw horror of being abandoned, poor, cold and
lonely," she said.

"He was so alarmed and convinced he could take steps to
act."

Livingston said Osborn was a tireless advocate, often working 12-hour
days doing his advocacy and reading his poetry at countless church
gatherings and other community events in the evenings.

Osborn was involved with the GTA (Grief to Action), and PRG (Political
Response Group) and had started another group called Creative
Resistance, which advocates for the repeal of drug prohibition and the
"War on Drugs" strategy. He has published five books of poetry
including Lonesome Monsters (Anvil, 1995), Hundred Block Rock (Arsenal
Pulp, 1999), Oppenheimer Park (1998, in collaboration with artist
Richard Tetrault), and Keys to Kingdoms (Get to the Point, 1999),
which won the City of Vancouver Book Award.

East Vancouver MP Libby Davies was a close friend who knew Osborn for
over 20 years. She described him as a "true hero" to those living in
the Downtown Eastside and said he inspired many others throughout
Canada with his words.

"When times were dark and people felt hopeless, he gave us hope. When
people felt they had no voice, his poetry raised many voices and gave
people courage. When people yearned for belonging and community, he
led by example and united people in a common cause for human dignity
and respect," she said in a statement released Wednesday.

"Bud was such a key part in the struggle for the rights of drug users
and the need for INSITE. I have no doubt that none of the incredible
changes we have seen would have taken place had Bud not lead the way
forward."

She added Osborn led by example and showed people - especially those
who were marginalized - that they could speak out.

"I remember the times that people would fall silent as they listened
intently to each and every word he spoke as like a prayer - and it was
as though he spoke to each of us personally and deeply. Such is the
impact this man had," said Davies.

"As we grieve, it is Bud's words that give us comfort:

when eagles circle Oppenheimer Park

we see them

feel awe

feel joy

feel hope soar in our hearts

the eagles are symbols for the courage in our spirits for the fierce
and piercing vision for justice in our souls
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt