Nancy Obymako February 20, 1948-December 1, 2011

On December 1, 2011, Nancy Obymako, beloved wife and friend to many, passed away at the age of 63. Nancy was loved by many in the Sisters community. She moved here from Yellowstone to work with her husband Michael, who became the general manager of Hoodoo Ski Area from 1981 to 1999. Nancy was the human resources manager for Hoodoo until 1999, when she started working for Jan Baker Facilitates. Nancy continued to provide Oregon businesses and nonprofits with her expertise in human resources even after she moved to Florida in 2010.

Nancy will be remembered for her ready wit, her sage advice and her zest for life. She loved her big dogs and would walk them in the forest behind her home in Tollgate. Nancy loved the ocean and visiting the Oregon Coast. She learned to scuba dive with Mike and they put that hobby to use on trips to Clear Lake and the Florida Keys. When Mike bought his second motorcycle in 2009 (the first one was when they were dating), Nancy's inner 'kid' was right there behind him on the bike, ready for adventure. Mike and Nancy drove the new motorcycle 2,000 miles around Florida on a single trip in 2009.

Nancy met Mike in 1965 in Keene, New Hampshire. They were high school sweethearts. The Obymakos moved to Southern California in 1969. In 1975, ahead of what was to become the fashion, they bought an RV and traveled the national parks. Mike and Nancy celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on October 29, 2011.

Nancy had friends from coast to coast. People were attracted to Nancy's optimism and good sense. She always had a 'full dance card' of appointments with friends for coffee, dinner, dog walks and phone calls.

Nancy was as generous with her time as she was with her spirit. She served for eight years on the Saving Grace board of directors, did countless hours of fundraising for Saving Grace, and was a founding member of Saving Grace's project to engage men in the movement to stop domestic violence. Nancy always volunteered for whatever special projects Saving Grace needed.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Michael Obymako, of Pompano Beach, Florida, and hundreds of friends.

A celebration of Nancy's life will be held Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Rosie Bareis Sanctuary in Bend. Remembrance in lieu of flowers to Hospice.