Richard "Dick" Joseph Pfilf

A Life Dedicated to Service, Adventure, and Family

Richard "Dick" Joseph Pfilf, born December 27, 1929, at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away in Sparks, Nevada, on July 24, 2025. Dick was the son of Frank J. and Virginia (Hale) Pfilf and grew up in the city, always yearning for open spaces and the adventure of the outdoors.

He is predeceased by his parents; sisters Ethel Michalek and Janet Pfilf; and daughter Amy Reagan. He is survived by his wife, Donna Lamb; daughter Julie Goodwin (Fred); grandson Chris Reagan (Aubrey); granddaughter Erica Reagan-Hackett (Kim); great-grandson Nathan Reagan-Hackett; great-granddaughters Lucy and Reese; and former wife, Helen (Oleshefski) Pfilf.

Early Years and Education

From childhood, Dick was drawn to the wide-open spaces. At 14, he spent four formative summers on his uncle's Texas cattle ranch, riding horses and working hay bailers, a world away from city life. After high school, inspired by the career possibilities in forestry, Dick applied to the University of Idaho's forestry program, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1953.

Career in Service and Leadership

Dick's career began as a lookout and smoke chaser in Montana in 1949, followed by work for the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine in 1951. The beauty of the land and camaraderie among colleagues left a profound impact on him. Upon graduation, Dick joined the Mount Hood National Forest as a permanent employee but soon fulfilled his ROTC requirements by joining the U.S. Air Force. As a fighter pilot, he flew F-89 Scorpions and F-94 Starfires, retiring from the military as a captain in 1972.

His Forest Service journey continued at Mount Hood, where he married Helen Oleshefski, his first wife. Their story began with a chance meeting in Milwaukee, blossomed into a quick courtship, and led to marriage in Oregon. In 1961, Dick and Helen's first daughter, Amy was born.

Dick's leadership roles spanned the country. In 1963, he became District Ranger at Dale Ranger District, Umatilla National Forest, and later Walla Walla Ranger District. In 1967, Dick and Helen's second daughter, Julie, was born. He then served as Deputy Supervisor of Huron-Manistee National Forest in Michigan, Supervisor of Clearwater National Forest in Idaho, Supervisor of Shasta-Trinity National Forest in California, and finally returned to Mount Hood for his last assignment. His Forest Service career spanned 33 years-marked by dedication, compassion, and a profound respect for nature and the people he worked with. He retired on February 28, 1986, but stayed active in the National Association of Forest Service Retirees until his death.

Family and Relationships

Dick's personal life was rich and complex. He cherished his relationships with his wife Donna, his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He met Donna Virginia Lamb in Oregon when she was working at the Zig Zag Ranger district, marrying her on May 5, 1986, in Gresham, Oregon. He then followed Donna to Virginia where she worked as the National Air Quality Manager for the Forest Service National Office. While Donna worked, Dick dabbled in real estate, joined his community's HOA board, and served as Executive Director of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees. Eventually, they moved back West settling in Sparks, where together, they embraced retirement with adventure, traveling internationally and scuba diving in Bonaire's reefs and exploring lands in Belize, Egypt, Australia, and Thailand. Dick's love of horse riding, born in Texas and continued into his late 80s, continued to his last homestead with horses "Midnight" and Donna's "Nellie." Through the years, Dick kept in touch with many of his old Forest Service buddies and made many new friends along the way.

Passions and Reflections

Dick's love for the outdoors shaped his life and career. He spoke fondly of sunsets from high places, the variety of work, and the friendships formed along the way. Even in challenging conditions, he found joy and meaning in his work. His stories of cow country, timberland, and travel reflect a man who lived with curiosity and courage. He always had a cowboy song or a poem by Robert Burns on the tip of his tongue and was the life of every party. He always had a bottle of ice-cold Bombay Sapphire gin on hand for any occasion.

Legacy

Dick Pfilf leaves behind a legacy of service to his country and stewardship of its wild places. He will be remembered for his sense of adventure, his commitment to family, and his ability to find beauty and meaning wherever he went. His influence will remain in the hearts of those who loved him, the forests he tended, and the stories he shared. May Richard "Dick" Joseph Pfilf rest peacefully, forever remembered for a life well-lived among the trees, skies, and loved ones he cherished.