Richard Pakkala

They say that when you look back and ask yourself who beyond your parents had the most impact on your life, that most of us will remember at least one great teacher. Coach Pak was certainly that. He helped a lot of boys become men of character and strength on the football field and beyond it. And of course he impacted the lives of many young women athletes as well. I know that he battled his illness in his later years with the same courage he taught all of us to find. He will be missed.

Please know that Coach Pakkala will live on in the successes and accomplishments of those he coached into becoming strong men who learned that sacrifice and success are partners. He will be missed. I started as his equipment manager in his first year and was with him until graduation in 1972. Bill Janhonen

I am sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Even though we lost touch in the later years, I have fond memories of playing golf with Dick and having a couple of beers afterward. And going to football games together. We had fun. We enjoyed each other’s company. Georgette, I am so sorry . You have my deepest sympathy.

Dick was a loving husband ,devoted father and grandfather.Dick excelled in teaching and coaching at Spencer-Van Etten and Cornell. He was an outstanding athlete along with playing golf and bowling. Dick had many friends and liked to have a good time. We will miss his jokes and him

I was very fortunate to have had Coach Pak as a coach at Cornell. He was a great guy who made a positive impact on all of his players. Rest In Peace Coach

RIP u will be missed so many memories when u was a gym teacher. Thoughts an prayers to his Family!

He was such a pleasure to know!

A very special COACH to the Spencer VanEtten are for years.
We will all miss him and remember him!
My thoughts are with his family

Back in the early 70s a school where I taught was expecting Coach Pakkala's football team for some competition or other. The principal didn't know that I was an SVE grad. You would have been very proud to hear him tell about Coach P, the values and behaviors he modeled for his students, and the affection his students had for him. You should be proud.