Schweiger's memory lives on in scholarship fund
by Stephanie Basalyga

Almost one year ago, Forrest L. Schweiger's life ended on the Columbia River.

Forrest, a strapping 27-year-old, died in a construction site accident on the river this past March.

Now Forrest's passion for making the most of every opportunity has been honored by a scholarship fund in his name designed to provide financial assistance for young people interested in pursuing college degrees in construction and related industries.

The Forrest L. Schweiger Memorial Fund, scheduled to award its first scholarships in May, is a fitting tribute to Forrest's dedication to the construction industry, said Dee Burch. Burch, a co-founder of Advanced American Diving Service, serves as fund treasurer.

Shortly after Forrest's death, Advanced American Diving started the memorial fund with an initial $100,000 donation.

Additional contributions soon flowed in. Company employees, customers, vendors and even industry competitors chipped in until the fund swelled to $160,000.

Organizers hope the Forrest L. Schweiger Memorial Fund, already recognized as a nonprofit organization, will grow into an endowment, eventually providing three $4,000 scholarships on an annual basis.

Scholarship information, along with an application form, is available at Advanced American Diving Service's Web site at www.aadiving.com.

Tax-deductible donations to the fund are accepted throughout the year. Contributions can be mailed to: Forrest Schweiger Memorial Fund, c/o Advanced American Diving, P.O. Box 1630, Oregon City, OR 97045.