Harvey Ralph Riffle

Harvey Riffle (Age 90), Born December 10th, 1929, died on April 11th, 2020.  He died peacefully while surrounded by his family. Harvey is survived by his wife Dortha, his son Dan Riffle (Bernie), and daughters Becky (Phil Carlson), Pam (Jim Trull), Peggy (Jon Hoffman), brothers Norman, Donnie (Pearl), Gary (Linda) and Pat, 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Emma Riffle, his brother Duane, his daughter Nancy Ann Riffle, and his granddaughter Megan Grace Hoffman. 

His daughter Nancy and granddaughter Megan must have been among the many who greeted him as he arrived in heaven.  We can only imagine what a joyous moment that was and we look forward to one day hearing Harvey explain how it all took place. Harvey was like King David in the Bible, a man after God’s own heart.  One verse that helps to summarize his life well is found in Acts 16:36. "Now when David (Harvey) had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep…” We believe he heard the words we most long to hear from our Lord Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” God’s timing is always perfect, and it seems fitting that Harvey’s first full day in Heaven would be on Resurrection Sunday. 

Harvey joined the Navy in 1951 and served for 4 years.  He was a radio dispatcher / Morse Code and teletype operator, stationed in Pearl Harbor. When Harvey was discharged from the Navy  he settled in Spokane and was invited to church by the Hemphill family. He met the love of his life, Dortha, at church and proposed to her after 3 dates.  The two wed on June 15, 1957.  Harvey began working for the Idaho Port of Entry and they started their family in Coeur d’Alene.  They moved to Sandpoint when Harvey accepted the position as an Idaho State Policeman.  He loved his job and served on the force for 27 years.  In January 1981, Harvey sustained a life-threatening injury while on duty and spent the next year recovering.  He was determined to return to the State Patrol, which he did for an additional five years.  Harvey retired in 1986.

During his recovery time, Harvey felt the call of God on his life and spent numerous hours studying, taking classes and preparing himself for ministry.  He became a pastor and preached at several churches over the next 22 years.  He enjoyed sharing the good news of Jesus with others and loved to have theological conversations with anyone who would listen. Harvey retired from the ministry in 2010, at the age of 80.  Since then, Harvey and Dortha enjoyed attending North Summit Church and developed many great friendships.

In addition to their 4 children and spouses, Harvey and Dortha were blessed with 12 grandchildren:  Danielle Tan (Jason), Jon Riffle (Rainey), Jimmy Trull (Alicia), Melissa Trull, Hannah Lampe (Nick), Jessica Carlson, Lydia Carlson, Reba Carlson, Hailey Hoffman, Ben Hoffman (Mandy), Greyson Hoffman and Macie Hoffman.  They were additionally blessed with 12 great grandchildren: Calisha Tan, Neveah Tan, Audrey Riffle, Kylan Trull, Wyatt Riffle, Lincoln Riffle, Micah Tan, Atticus Lampe, Scarlett Riffle, Jude Lampe,  Miriam Riffle and Atlas Trull. Harvey and Dortha have loved them all and have prayed for them on a daily basis.

Harvey was a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life for Harvey will be held on Sunday, August 23rd, 4pm at North Summit Church - 201 N. Division Ave, Sandpoint, ID.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International. https://www.gideons.org/donate or call 1-866-382-4253.