Services for Obra
tonight and tomorrow

Sanford "Sandy" Obra was at Farrington High School's gym, working in the concession stand at a volleyball match, completely in his element as a wrestling coach in the offseason.

Obra, who guided the Farrington girls wrestling team to a state championship in 2004, died Sept. 13 doing what came naturally to him: helping his student-athletes reach their dreams.

While cleaning the concession stand, Obra, 56, suffered an arrhythmia of the heart and collapsed, athletic director Harold Tanaka said. CPR was administered to Obra, who was taken by ambulance to The Queen's Medical Center.

The team was raising funds for a preseason wrestling trip to California.

"He was a vital part of our wrestling program. He had dedication to the kids. His life was about the kids. It was unbelievable, his work ethic." Tanaka said.

Obra taught at the alternative learning center of Pearl City High School, where he previously coached football. The wrestling coaches at Farrington are a tight-knit group, and Tanaka expects Obra's legacy to continue.

"We have some other coaches who will pick up the slack. The girls are gonna dedicate their season to him," he said. "It's a tough loss for us, but we'll move on and dedicate everything to him."

Obra played linebacker and center at Saint Louis, earning honors in 1966 after the Crusaders' Interscholastic League of Honolulu championship campaign.

Obra is survived by his wife, Dee Dee, and three daughters. Services will be held today, 7 p.m., at Mililani Downtown Mortuary. Call after 6 p.m.

Mass will be held tomorrow, 10:30 a.m. at Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, 712 N. School St. Call after 8:30 a.m. Cremation to follow. Private scattering of ashes. Casual attire.