Dr. Gary Olbrich

Dr. Gary Olbrich, 77, of Lake Oswego, Oregon, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2024.
 
Gary was born on September 18, 1946 in Oakmulgee, Oklahoma to Alvin Paul and Doris Bright Olbrich. After Gary graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1965 as a National Merit Scholar, he headed to Colorado State on a NCAA football scholarship. Gary graduated summa cum laude from Colorado State. He went on to earn his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine in 1973, completing his residency at UCLA-VA Greater Los Angeles in Internal Medicine in 1975, where he was elected Intern of the Year 1973-1974. For nearly 40 years, Dr. Olbrich was a dedicated internist and a proud member, fellow, and former chapter President, of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). He dedicated his career to comprehensive patient care and the compassionate implementation of addiction services.
 
In 1990, Gary met his future wife Maureen McKinney Emrick. A self-proclaimed introvert, Gary found his extroverted match in Maureen. During their 30 years together, the strength of Gary and Maureen’s marriage was underpinned by the much needed balance, and unconditional acceptance, they provided each other. They purchased and remodeled homes in Portland, Nashville, Baton Rouge, and ultimately Lake Oswego. The incredible community of friends and staff at Mary’s Woods in Lake Oswego provided an environment of faith and support during the last years of his life.
 
Gary was a true animal lover. He was never happier than when he was spoiling his beloved golden retrievers or in the company of his treasured feline companions. Gary’s most recent cat, Liam, spent every day by his side while he was in hospice care.
 
Dr. Olbrich was predeceased by his parents Alvin Paul and Doris Bright Olbrich, and his sister Susan Olbrich Watts. He is survived by his wife, Maureen Olbrich, his step-children, step-grandchildren, and step-great grandchild. Services will be held at Our Lady of the Lake on July 26th. Donations in his memory can be made to The Humane Society, Central City Concern, and Mary’s Woods Residence Fund.