Jack Pfister, former general manager of Salt River Project, president of the Arizona State University Research Park in Tempe and one of the most influential Valley leaders for many years, died suddenly Monday at his home in Phoenix, family members said.
He was involved in bringing the Central Arizona Project to the state and many other important community efforts.
His death was completely unexpected, said his daughter Suzanne Pfister.
“He collapsed at his home, my mother found him and called 911, but the paramedics were unable to revive him,” she said.
Pfister, 75, had been receiving chemotherapy treatments for lung cancer, but he had finished the treatments about a week ago and appeared to be doing fine, Suzanne said.
In reacting to the news, Gov. Jan Brewer said “he led the Salt River Project, and indeed every civic group and organization on which he served, with quiet skill and uncommon wisdom.”
People are also reading…
She added Pfister was “a vital part of Arizona, a towering force, certainly instrumental in bringing water to the Valley through the Central Arizona Project.”
Pfister was born in Prescott, and, after receiving engineering and law degrees from the University of Arizona, went to work for a law firm in Phoenix that represented SRP. He joined SRP in 1969 and served in various management capacities until he was named the utility’s general manager, its top executive position, in 1976. He remained in that job until his retirement in 1991.
Among his accomplishments at the helm of SRP was a major water rights settlement for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community involving seven Valley cities and three irrigation districts, which was considered a milestone in cooperative water management in Arizona.
President Jimmy Carter tapped him for a national steering committee to analyze the damage from the Three Mile Island nuclear accident.
“Jack Pfister led SRP for more than 15 years with integrity and unparalleled dedication,” said Richard Silverman, the project’s current general manager. “It was Jack’s vision and leadership that helped guide SRP through a period of explosive growth in the Valley and dynamic changes in the utility industry.
”Jack was committed to giving back to the community as well, and his many contributions will leave a lasting legacy of goodwill and compassion. He will be missed by all of us here at SRP.“
After retiring from SRP, Pfister taught at Arizona State University’s School of Public Affairs and served as president of the research park and as the university’s vice president for institutional advancement.
Most recently he served with former ASU President Lattie Coor as a board member and staff for the Center for the Future of Arizona.
Among his community involvements were serving on the Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona Town Hall, Flinn Foundation, Girl Scouts, YMCA, Arizona Humanities Council, Maricopa Community College Foundation and many more.
He also was involved in efforts aimed a promoting racial harmony and securing a state holiday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia; daughter Suzanne; son Scott; brother, Tad Pfister; and many cousins and extended family.
The family said contributions in his memory can be made to the following charities: Pfister Family Scholarship, Maricopa Community College District Foundation, 2419 W. 14th Street, Tempe 85281; and the Wellness Community, 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix 85004 for lung cancer support.
Plans floated to reopen San Manuel Mine as part of regional copper development
