Wayne Osmond has been remembered as a “saint” by his devastated brother Merrill.
The singer’s family announced on Thursday (02.01.25) he had died peacefully aged 73 on New Year’s Day surrounded by his wife and children, and even though no official cause of death was given, his younger sibling said it came after a huge stroke.
Merrill, 69, who was the lead vocalist and bassist in The Osmonds alongside Wayne and their siblings, posted on Facebook after news broke of his passing: “When I learned that my dear brother Wayne had a massive stroke my immediate response was to fall to my knees and pray for him to receive the assurance that his mission had been accomplished, and he was successful in this endeavour in many ways.
“I immediately drove to the hospital in SLC (Salt Lake City, Utah) to see him and I was able to say my goodbyes.
“My brother was a saint before he came into this world, and he will leave as an even greater saint than he came in.
“I’ve never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolute no guile. “An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met.
“His departure from this earth will be a sad moment for some, but for those who are waiting for him on the other side, there will be a massive celebration beyond anything we can imagine
“My brother Wayne endured much. He gave it his all. His legacy will go down as someone who was not only a genius in his ability to write music, but was able to capture the hearts of millions of people and bring them closer to God
“I will miss him tremendously. I am so grateful to have grown up with one of heavenly father‘s greatest sons.
“Until I see him again, know that he was loved, Brother Merrill.”