Stanley Russell Riffle Jr.
Stanley Russell Riffle Jr., 73, of Point Roberts, Washington, passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2018. Stan – also know among family and friends as Lee – was the son of Stanley Russell Riffle Sr. and Mary Jo (Spreitz) Riffle, and the loving husband of Jollena (Thompson) Tylor, whom he met in a kindergarten class in Santa Barbara. Although his four final years were complicated by cancer and heart problems, Stan nevertheless took his diagnoses with a grain of salt. Ever the entertainer, he filled the room with laughter and swapped stories with those around him until the very end. Stan found his final rest while in the care of staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham, Washington.
Stan is survived by his wife, Jollena Tylor (Pt. Roberts, WA); his brother, Lewis, brother, Laird, and sister-in-law, Paige Riffle (all three of Santa Barbara, CA); his daughter, Jenny Riffle (Vancouver, WA); his son, Jason, daughter-in-law, Janelle, and grandson, Elias Riffle (all of Tucson, AZ); and his stepdaughter, Janice Tylor Waterman and son-in-law, Ric Waterman (both of Tsawwassen, BC). He is preceded in death by his father, mother, sister, Marijo Riffle, and by his former wife – Jenny and Jason’s mother – Dianne (Sinkola) Riffle.
Stan wore a number of professional hats in his lifetime. He officially began his path towards architecture upon graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1967. That fall, he trained for military service at Fort Belvoir, VA. Stan was transferred overseas in 1968 as a first lieutenant with the US Army Corps of Engineers to points in Germany and Belgium. He concluded his tour as a General’s Aide in 1970, having contributed to the relocation of NATO SHAPE from Rocquencort, France, to Mons, Belgium. Upon returning to the US, he resumed residence and began his own architectural practice in Santa Barbara. Stan maintained his studio here for 36 years, developing a portfolio of work comprised of projects in California, Arizona, and Washington. After moving permanently to Pt. Roberts in 2006, he continued his practice until informally retiring in 2013. He was a proud Mozos Camp member of the Rancheros Visitadores in Santa Barbara, and looked forward to attending their annual ride for several years after relocating to Washington. Stan also took an active interest in the Point Roberts Volunteer Fire Department, serving as a Whatcom County Fire Commissioner from 2011 until 2017, when he reluctantly retired mid-term due to his declining health. Family, friends, clients, and colleagues alike will remember Stan’s generous and disarming nature, his knack for storytelling, and his irreverent and relatable sense of humor.
Two services are being planned to honor and remember Stan. The first will be held at 1:00 pm on February 21st at the Point Roberts Fire Hall. The second will be held in April at the Riffle family home in Santa Barbara, with an exact date to be determined.
During the course of his illness, Stan was profoundly touched by the personal sacrifice he witnessed and medical care he received. In keeping with his final wish to give back, his family has asked that any contributions be made in the form of a blood donation. Facilities will be on hand during services held at the Point Roberts Fire Hall. Santa Barbara residents who would like to donate in his honor are encouraged to contact the Tri-County Blood Bank.
“Illegitimi non carborundum.”