Stanley Henry Pfister of Willow Creek passed away peacefully on Monday, January 16, 2023, surrounded by family. Stanley, known to friends and family as Stan, was born on March 14, 1950 in Fresno the second of four children to Hank and Doris Pfister. He remained there until graduating from Fresno State University in 1972 with a degree in history and then began working toward his teaching credential, which was completed a year later.

Stan joined the US Forest Service, first working in southern California before moving north and finally settling in Orleans in 1978. In the 32 years he worked for the Orleans Ranger District, Stan served as an Engine Captain, Helibase Manager, Timber Prep Specialist, and Fuels Management Officer. Maintaining our natural resources was close to his heart, and he worked diligently with community members to best manage cultural resources for local basket weavers. He was also an EMT and volunteer firefighter with the Orleans Volunteer Fire Department. He was happiest working outdoors in nature, and would often reflect proudly on finding the perfect job that paid him to be in the woods. Stan was not one to remain idle for very long, so shortly after retirement and moving to Willow Creek, he went on to work at Ace Hardware for nine years, as well as serving as a docent, board member, and president of the board at the Willow Creek China Flat Museum.

He was always willing to go the extra mile for anyone who asked and could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. An avid Giants and 49ers fan, he was seldom found without a baseball cap and a big smile. Stan thoroughly enjoyed reading, loved spending time spoiling his granddaughters, always appreciated a good meal, and took in as many Humboldt Crabs games as he could.

Stan is survived by his wife of 43 years Sally, son Kevin, daughter-in-law Tara, daughter Lisa, granddaughters Alexis, Elsie, and Olivia, sister Kathy Echols, and brother Jim Pfister. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Steve. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. A celebration of life will be held later this summer.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Stan Pfister’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.