((L-R) Jake and Josh Eckstein | Photos courtesy of the Eckstein family)
What began as a hat-pass in truly tragic circumstances, yielding $6,000 from the colleagues of Jake and Josh Eckstein, who died in 2019 while driving in icy conditions to their trades jobs in Prineville, has now blossomed into a lasting legacy benefiting other young people looking for opportunities in similar lines of work.
The Jake & Josh Eckstein Memorial Trade Scholarship Fund, created by Scott and Phyllis Eckstein in 2022 in memory of their sons, awarded four $1,500 scholarships to students in Crook and Deschutes Counties this year. The fund, operated by The Oregon Community Foundation, doubled the number of scholarships this year in large part to donations made starting in December 2023.
“We could not have hoped for a better outcome in fundraising this year,” said Phyllis Eckstein. “Our community has completely rallied around us. Giving these young people a chance to pursue careers that are meaningful, well-paying and respectable is the best way we can think of to honor our boys and keep their memories alive.”
The Recipients:
Owen Clark received the award a second time and will finish his welding certification education at Treasure Valley Community College in Idaho at the end of 2025. He plans on owning his own business as a professional welder here in Central Oregon.
Orrin Rosebrook, a graduate of Crook County High School, plans to attend COCC to become certified welder and has a goal to become a pipeline welder possibly in Texas inspired by his employer. Rosebrook was a leader in his NJROTC and led 85 cadets performing color guard and various community service projects.
Jonathan Villalobos, a graduate of Crook County High School, plans to attend COCC and become a welder and pipe fitter, after which he hopes to own his own welding business. Villalobos is inspired by the idea of helping his family.
Owen Smith, a graduate of Bend Senior High School, plans to attend Portland Community College to become a journeyman electrician. He has been inspired by his family, particularly his uncles who are tradesmen. Smith is an accomplished martial artist, achieving black belt status. He also emphasized community service in his application.
Jake and Josh received valuable training at lineman college that helped them secure trades jobs in Central Oregon, excelling in their short careers, making a solid living wage with good benefits. Jake was making $70,000 at 21 years old when he passed. The scholarship fund supports Central Oregon students pursuing careers in technical education (CTE) programs in the construction, mechanical, and technical trades.
“This scholarship is a legacy for our boys and for us. It is the way we keep their memory alive while engaging with our community and providing the opportunity for young people to see that the trades are a wonderful way to work and live in Central Oregon,” said Scott Eckstein.
During the holiday season of 2023, Harcourts The Garner Group Real Estate Agency partnered with the Ecksteins and became a major sponsor in raising funds for the scholarship. The agency, who works with brokers specializing in new construction, understands the importance of boosting the trades and helping young people find a path to agency and business ownership in their hometown.
“As a business that works in tandem with builders and tradespeople nearly every day, we cannot think of a better way to support the young people in our community who have dreams of building great careers in our area,” said Erica Davis, co-owner of Harcourts The Garner Group Real Estate Agency.
With a donation from Harcourts The Garner Group Real Estate Agency matched by the Discovery West Builders Guild, along with monies raised by restaurants Washington, Poke Row, Mountain Burger, all in Bend and Wild Ride Brewing and CuppaYo in Redmond, along with Fortis Construction Inc., Southland, TaylorNW, SteelFab, Rosendin, and WPI contractors that took part in donations in 2024, more than $100,000 was raised from December 2023 to April 2024.
“There is a new energy around the trades that we can feel right now,” said Phyllis Eckstein. “We are so excited about helping these young people reach their full potential and come back to do great work in our community.”
The Oregon Community Foundation’s website is one way to give to the scholarship. Applications open November 1 and close March 1 of each calendar year.
All donations are tax deductible.
