Father Donald J. Riffle, 76

Father Donald J. Riffle, beloved priest and gifted homilist, died suddenly on January 3, 2013, as he was beginning a month long vacation on Kauai, Hawaii. Fr. Riffle was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on April 10, 1936 to Madeline and Hugh Riffle and was raised in Osburn, Idaho, near Kellogg. He enrolled at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon at the age of 14 and spent his collegiate years at St. Edward's Seminary in Kenmore, Washington, graduating in 1954. His summers were spent working in the Polaris, Bunker Hill and Lucky Friday mines. Fr. Riffle did postgraduate work in theology for four years at St. Edward's and was ordained a Diocesan Catholic Priest in Colfax, Washington on May 19th, 1962.

Fr. Riffle's first assignment was at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Boise as an Associate Pastor, and he also taught at St. Theresa's Academy, the predecessor of Bishop Kelly High School. He attained a Master's Degree in Education Administration from the University of Idaho in 1967 and served in many Idaho Parishes including Our Lady of Lourdes, 1964-66 and St. James' Parish, 1971-74 both in Lewiston, St. Gertrudes's Academy in Cottonwood in 1970 and St. Mary's Church in Boise, 1974-84. He returned to St. John's in 1984 as Pastor, a position he held until his retirement in 1998. He served as Executive Director of the Idaho Catholic Foundation from 1998-2001, and was recently named Honorary Chairman of ICFs Capital Campaign, "Envisioning our Future."

Fr. Riffle was a great advocate of Catholic Education and served as President of the Bishop Kelly High School Board of Directors for several years. He was instrumental in the multi-phase expansion of Idaho's only Catholic High School. He established endowment funds for ongoing support of bricks and mortar projects and educational programs at BK, St. John's, and St. Joseph's School. He was a true visionary.

Fr. Riffle was an avid golfer and continued to score in the low 80's well into his retirement. He also remained active in serving many parishes from Boise to Hawaii up until his untimely death, and his "Joke of the Week" was legendary at Sunday Masses.

Fr. Riffle was a talented manager, as well as a humble and generous man. His works of charity were many, from providing scholarships to several students to complete their college degrees, to giving aid for asylum to Bosnian refugees, and funding homes and cars for people who needed help without regard to their religious beliefs. He touched innumerable lives and gave sincere comfort and wise counsel to many parishioners and people throughout his religious life. He will be remembered for his astute mind, sincere demeanor, and the ever-present twinkle in his eye.

On May 19th, 2012, Fr. Riffle celebrated his Golden Jubilee of 50 years in the priesthood. A Mass and reception were held at St. John's with over 300 people attending. He felt it was a highlight in his life.

Fr. Riffle was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Fr. Douglas Riffle. He is survived by his younger brother, Fr. David Riffle of Northern Id., cousin Susan McGinnis of Hayden, and cousin Nancy Williams or Peoria, Ariz. and countless friends in many states who loved him dearly, including his special friend, Sharon Grisham.

Services were already held.