Feb. 19, 1935 – Jan. 16, 2025
Richard Obenaus died unexpectedly at home on Fish Creek near Friday Harbor, WA on January 16, 2025, at the age of 89.
Born February 19, 1935, in Salzburg, Austria, he graduated from Austrian State Technical Institutes Salzburg and Hallein. In 1954, after completing his engineering studies before reaching the age of twenty, knowing little English and with only a few dollars in his pocket, Richard left his family and hometown Salzburg, Austria, in search of his dreams. Departing from Holland on an immigrant ship bound for Canada, he spent his first two years in Vancouver, B.C.
He moved to San Francisco in 1956, officially immigrated to the United States in 1958. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1959, Richard spent a summer at the Ranger training facility at Ft. Benning, GA., followed by a ski instructor assignment to the U.S. recreation complex in Berchtesgaden, Germany.
Richard discovered San Juan Island in 1964 and bought real estate. He and his wife Kathy moved from San Anselmo, California to San Juan Island in 1986, living at Cape San Juan on Fish Creek enjoying their own dock in front of the home. Both were avid scuba divers. They were adventurous, travelling extensively in their Pleasure Way RV exploring much of the U.S. including Alaska, and Mexico.
Highlights of Richard’s civil engineering carrier are 6 years with De Leuw, Cather Co., San Francisco, 21 years with Bechtel Corporation, San Francisco; and, during his semi-retirement, 15 years with San Juan County Public Works Department, Friday Harbor. He was project manager/engineer for the Historic Court House restoration, the Fair & Exhibition Building, several road/bridge projects, and all marine/waterfront projects for the County.
Richard was an avid Coast Guard licensed mariner owning, cruising and racing several sail boats. His last boat was the 35’ trawler “GYPSY FIRE” which he and Kathy cruised extensively, including B.C. and SE Alaska. For many years Richard was an active member of the Tiburon Yacht Club, San Juan Island Yacht Club, the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club, and U.S. Power Squadron.
He wrote a Chronicle of his life describing the war years, his family, loves, failures and successes; his passion for boats and sailing; of life and death. With his wife Kathy, in 1986 he moved to his paradise at Cape San Juan, on San Juan Island, Washington, having found the American Dream – and his dreams.
He is survived by his wife Kathy, sons Branton (Jennifer), Daren (Michelle), grandson Eric, granddaughters Ava, Ainsley, Celia, and Grayson, and sister Erika Schmalkoke.
