Obituary of Anthony Sinphanya Olbrich

Anthony (Tony) Sinphanya Olbrich - the name Anthony means “priceless one”, that’s one definition that defines him as a son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. It is with sadness that we announce that our priceless one has left this earth on April 6th, 2024 and is with his God and Lord Jesus now. Tony’s parents, Ted and Sou Olbrich, helped him grow up around the world - born August 25, 1967, in Vientiane, Laos, moved to Illinois, then off to Minnesota, Western Samoa for a short stint and then back to the US. He was gifted with great intelligence working on computers and anything with “tech”. He loved sci-fi movies, sports cars, reading, performing with his trombone, playing volleyball and downhill skiing. The only thing that eclipsed these talents was his passion for Christ. Tony’s brother Emil and sisters Chanta and Hannah all were part of this awesome journey in his life. He graduated with honors from Christian Life High School in Rockford, IL and then went on to Oral Roberts University and graduated with a business degree. It was during this time that he taught himself how to play the guitar, then the piano, the drums, and the bass guitar. He became a praise and worship volunteer and eventually a leader in all the churches he attended. His professional career and spiritual life were intertwined from being a youth pastor and then working at nonprofits to support his family's ministry in Woodstock, IL and in Phnom Penh Cambodia. It was during this period that he met and married his beautiful wife Sandi - whom he loved so, very, very much. Tony’s legacy lives on through his wife Sandi, their children - Jeremy and Jenny, and their grandkids Isaac, Monroe, Malia, and Bellamy. Tony was Sandi’s best friend, confidant, and soul mate, who always said that he had to “travel halfway around the world to meet her”. To his kids, he exemplified what a father should strive for in a family. He shared with them his enjoyment of food, for travel, and his love for family time. He was adored by his grandchildren, and his love was reciprocated back. For the last 3 years, Tony has worked for the FDA as an Enterprise Architect. Tony loved his job, and the people he worked with. Last year, Tony and Sandi relocated to Florida where they bought their dream home near the ocean. Even though living in Florida, part of their hearts were still in Virginia. They enjoyed working on their beautiful mountain top property in Wytheville, Virginia. Tony was a gentle, kind man who sacrificed more of himself to help others. In the face of adversity, he exhibited resilience, and his strength was a beacon of hope, a reminder of faith and an encouragement to never give up. His life is beautifully summarized by the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Tony’s journey was marked by perseverance, love, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, and he did just that. Memorial service will be held at 4 P.M. on Friday, April 12, 2024 at the Grubb Funeral Home with Pastor Darren Smith officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 2 until 4 P.M. at the funeral home. Food and fellowship immediately following the service at Rocky Hollow Farm and Venue. All are welcome. The Olbrich family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville, VA.