Osborne leaves $208,000 for scholarships

The estate of Robert Osborne, long-time host of the Turner Classic Movies television series, has left $200,000 to the Colfax Schools Foundation, a fund which generates revenue for presentation of scholarships to Colfax High School graduates. The estate also left $8,000 which will be awarded in scholarships to members of this year’s class. The award this year was made as a prelude for following years, when revenue is expected to be generated by the $200,000 donation once it is added to the foundation’s investment fund.

Osborne, who was born in Colfax in 1932 to Robert and Hazel Osborne, was raised here and his early interest in films derived from work at Colfax movie houses in his high schools days. His father was a teacher and later superintendent of the Colfax School District.

Mr. Osborne graduated from the University of Washington School of Journalism in 1954, and was a long-time staff member of the Hollywood Reporter before he went into television. He retired from TCM in 2016 after 22 years with the network.

The foundation plans to award four $2,000 scholarships from the Osborne donation this year with two awards specified to graduates who plan to study fine arts or performing arts.

The foundation, which also administers grants from other funds, plans to award about $7,000 in scholarships from proceeds generated by the investment fund this year.