Robert W. Pfeiffer

Robert W. Pfeiffer, D.C., D.A.B.C.O., a Pendleton resident, died Friday, February 7, 2014, at his home. He was 85 years old. A Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, February 22, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pendleton Free Methodist Church, 1711 S.W. 44th Street, Pendleton, OR 97801, with a dinner afterward. Sign the online condolence book at www.burnsmortuary.com. Burns Mortuary of Pendleton is handling arrangements.

Robert was born to Norma Mea and Carl E. Pfeiffer February 21, 1928, in Lewistown, Montana, and at age two and one half moved with his parents and older sister to Eugene, Oregon. He worked alongside his father on their fruit and nut farm as well as performed other jobs while in high school, saving his earnings for college.

A body slam onto their couch at age 13, with a face plant into the plaster wall, culminated in a serious neck and head injury. The injuries healed after treatment from his neighbor, a chiropractic physician. This first introduction to chiropractic commenced his life-long interest in and love of the profession.

He worked as a journeyman carpenter after high school with chiropractic school in sight, until he was inducted into the Army, 1950. Although the Korean War was on, Sergeant Robert W. Pfeiffer, First Class Quartermaster Corps USAR, deployed to Germany for mop-up and peacekeeping duties. He was lead cook for the 200 troops as well as for the generals who sought out his kitchen for their superior tasty meals. He transferred to the Army Reserve, 1952, and received his honorable discharge, 1955.

He seized every opportunity to ski while in Europe. He boasted 47 years as an avid expert alpine skier and served many seasons on ski patrol. He sought every opportunity to master photography. In his younger years, he became a private pilot of small planes and mountain climbed most of the mountains from northern California to northern Washington.

He commenced study at Western States Chiropractic College, Portland, Ore., after he returned from Germany. He graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 1956. He received his license to practice as a chiropractic physician, 1957. He practiced for a summer in Alaska and two years in Heppner, Oregon, before returning to Portland for two years at a community college. He built his office and set up practice in Pendleton, 1962, where he remained until his home going. He attended an advanced course in chiropractic orthopedics and earned his Diplomate of American Board of Orthopedics, 1977.

Dr. Robert Pfeiffer was a member of the Oregon Chiropractic Association; the American Chiropractic

Association; and the American Council Chiropractic Orthopedists. He served in the Oregon Workers Comp Examiner Pool, the Oregon State Board Examiner Pool, and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiner Pool. He was a former president of the Oregon Association of Chiropractic Physicians and a former Trustee Western States Chiropractic College.

In 1993, Dr. Bob married Lee Taylor (Hughes) graduate of OHSU, former trauma, cardiac/intensive care nurse. They worked as a team and they co-authored the booklet Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and PostConcussion Syndrome, which held their greatest interest. He authored several articles in chiropractic journals regarding diagnosis and treatment of spinal problems. They traveled to teach chiropractic and naturopathic continuing education classes throughout Oregon as well as Hawaii, California, Arkansas, and Iowa; and he taught initial and continuing education classes to Oregons certified chiropractic assistants. He was a friend and mentor to numerous colleagues.

He cared deeply for both family and patients. Dr. Bob prayed for his patients, and numerous times he saw them regain their health. His compassionate, strong, yet tender hands provided a quality life to many patients. He lived a full and active life until God called him home. Those left behind will look for him where he will be waiting at Jesus feet.

He is survived by his wife, Lee Pfeiffer; Jay and Marie Hughes, his adopted parents, Pendleton, Ore.; and Ray and Lili Hughes, brother and sister-in-law, Sammamish, Wash. Also, five nieces and their families survive him: Norma Alice and Michael Aerns with 3 children and 3 grandchildren; Shirley and Tim Longworth with 2 children and 6 grandchildren, all in Springfield, Ore.; Barbara and Irve Fullerton, with 3 children and 4 grandchildren, Dallas Fort Worth, Texas; Louise and Rich Reinke with 4 children and 4 grandchildren, Stanley, Kansas; and Loretta and Shawn Ghormley with 2 children and 1 grandchild, Amarillo, Texas.

Roberts mother Norma, and father Carl, and sister Dorothy Duval preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, Dr. Bobs request was to give back to his chiropractic school where a plaque will hang in his honor. Please make checks out to University Western States – Development Department. On the memo line put: In memory of Dr. Bob Pfeiffer. Mail the check to: University Western States – Attn: Development Department, 2900 N.E. 132nd Ave., Portland, OR 97230-9919

Patricias phone is: 503-847-2591. Please call her if you have any questions on how to donate or wish to use a credit card.

Dr. Robert Pfeiffers patient medical records are stored at Gary Zimmerman, D.C., 409 S.W. 4th St., Suite A, Pendleton, OR 97801. Phone: 541-276-1097.