Rev. David Riffle, 80

Rev. David Riffle passed away Aug. 16, 2022, at the Hospice House in Hayden, Idaho. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, at the English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Fr. Dave was born Aug. 19, 1941, in Kellogg, Idaho, the youngest of three sons born to Hugh and Madeline Riffle. Fr. Dave’s brothers, Douglas and Donald, as well as Fr. Dave were ordained Catholic priests in the Diocese of Boise. Fr. Dave was ordained May 20, 1967.

He was very active in so many areas of his Catholic faith including Cathada Religious Education were he began search programs in Idaho. He also worked with “Hotline” in Boise and directed the crisis team. He began a weekly Catholic radio program in Boise. Other special assignments he had were the Catholic Communications Center (he created, produced, directed and marketed radio and TV spots.) Fr. Dave also provided TV spots nationwide and to other English-speaking countries.

From 1974-1990, he was a transactional analysis therapist and did therapy groups and communication workshops throughout Idaho and the northwest. Fr. Dave was very involved with marriage encounters working with Worldwide Marriage Encounter. He helped develop “TV and Values” weekends and worked on Marriage Encounters from San Diego to Anchorage for five years.

In his spare time, when he could find some, he enjoyed fishing and hunting in the state he loved, Idaho. He also had his private pilot’s license; he flew single engine aircrafts for 25 years. Fr. Dave always said, “Flying was my therapy”! He also enjoyed working and living on acreage south of St. Maries with friend of nearly 50 years, Sandy Angel. They later moved to Hayden, Idaho. Fr. Dave retired at the end of his assignment in Bonners Ferry in 2006.

Fr. Dave is survived by his friend, Sandy and cousin Susan (John) McGinnis. He was preceded in death by his parents and both brothers, Douglas and Donald.

Visit Fr. Dave’s memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.