Richard "Obie" Oberweiser Memorial Scholarship Grant

The Richard "Obie" Oberweiser Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated first responder who served as an EMT-I and volunteer firefighter. Established by his family, this scholarship aims to support students pursuing careers in emergency services. Applicants must be current or former graduates of Chelan or Douglas County with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Obie's commitment to healthcare and his passion for helping others continue to inspire future generations.

Richard “Obie” Oberweiser was a beloved father, brother, son, friend, and mentor. When asked how his day was going, he would answer, “way above average” even at the end of his short, but remarkable life. He passed away on February 18, 2018, after a five-year battle with prostate cancer. His life was dedicated to healthcare, often as a first responder. Whether it was during his hours working as an EMT-I on an ambulance or on a helicopter with the St. Vincent Hospital HELP LIFE flight team, he was passionate about medicine. His service didn’t stop when he was off duty. He was frequently seen providing first responder care on accident scenes around town and working as a volunteer firefighter. He was known to be kind and loving, whether those in his care were the smallest of children or the eldest of their families. His medical kit always included stuffed animals for the littles. He was usually able to put a smile on patients’ faces with his incredible sense of humor. Obie never hesitated to be the first in or the last one out of an emergency; his bravery and leadership are admired and spoken of often by his colleagues. Obie’s family has established this scholarship to honor his memory and help students explore careers in first responder emergency services.

Eligibility

Current or previous graduate of Chelan or Douglas CountyHave a minimum of 2.5 GPAPursuing a career in first responder emergency services