It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Obie (Obediah) Pearson Amacker Jr. on January 14, 2025, at the age of 72, after a short and courageous battle with kidney cancer. Obie was born in Richland, WA to Obie Sr. and Hope Sloan Amacker, on June 29, 1952.

Obie is survived by his beloved wife, Kirby (McClelland) Amacker; stepchildren Lauren (Janio) Suppini and Tyler (Emily) Denslow; cherished grandchildren Alex, Cole, Eva and Maya; niece Heather (Casey) Roegner; and former spouses Judy Amacker and Debbie Merlin. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark.

Obie’s extraordinary capacity for kindness and generosity created a legacy that will endure for generations. Through his friendship and unwavering support, he touched lives across communities far and wide. As an adopted uncle to many young people, he fostered meaningful connections that shaped their futures. Above all else, being “Grandpa Obie” brought him his greatest joy, his face illuminating with pure love at the mere mention of his grandchildren.

A lifetime resident of Richland, Obie graduated from Richland High in 1970 before pursuing higher education at Wenatchee Valley College and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, where he played football for both institutions. In 2020, Obie was inducted into the WVC Athletics Hall of Fame for his role on the 1971 football team which won the Northwest Community College (NWCC) championship.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting at UNLV he began his career at Rockwell Hanford before finding his home with Battelle Memorial Institute at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). During a tenure that spanned over three decades at PNNL, his expertise in safeguards and security, combined with his steady leadership, left an indelible mark. His lifelong accomplishments were recognized by the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM) in 2017 with the “Vincent J. Devito Distinguished Service Award” for outstanding contributions to safeguards and security and related nuclear materials management programs. His mentorship guided countless colleagues, inspiring all who had the privilege of working alongside him until his retirement in 2016.

Obie’s lifelong passion for boating led him to play a pivotal role in establishing and growing the Richland Yacht Club, where he served multiple terms as Commodore and other executive positions. One of Obie’s favorite places was on the water with a cold beverage in hand, while listening to Jimmy Buffet or Lynyrd Skynyrd. An avid golfer, he spent his retirement years enjoying regular rounds with his Horn Rapids golf crew.

Two never-missed annual traditions exemplified Obie’s loyal dedication to friendship. The Spokane Homecoming Invitational Tournament, a golf tournament reuniting friends from across the country, will celebrate 50 years this spring, Obie’s large presence will be deeply missed but fondly remembered. Each fall, Obie could be found at Elk Camp in the Blue Mountains, where under the guise of hunting, these friends would strengthen their bonds over campfires, shared meals, and storytelling.

Obie always loved a good story. His stories and impact on others live on through your memories. We invite you to share your stories and pictures of Obie and what he meant to you on the online memory board at: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/LXkAQr69

To honor Obie’s legacy of nurturing youth, memorial contributions may be made to Boys & Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties, supporting the future Richland Teen Center. Your donation will ensure Obie’s spirit and impact continues to inspire opportunities for teens to learn, grow, and thrive. Donations can be made at: bit.ly/obie-fund

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us through Obie’s illness. The outpouring of care and love we received reflects the profound impact Obie had on all our lives. Celebrations of his remarkable life will be held during the summer.