Richard George Leifried

Richard George Leifried, age 84, of Henderson, Nevada passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023. He was Born in Orland, California on May 16, 1939. Richard joined the Air Force soon after graduating high school. While serving in Texas in 1961, he met and married Patricia Simpson, and they had two sons: Richard, Jr. and William.

Richard lived a quiet life of service. He loved working with children from being a Scout leader with Webelos, to coaching and forming teams for baseball, basketball and football. He played softball and while in Okinawa organized adult softball teams.

Richard served over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, at Dyess AFB, Vietnam, Okinawa in the 1st Operations Squadron, and at Nellis Air Force Base in the Aggressor 64th Fighter Weapons Squadron. His military career took him all over the world before retiring.

After retirement in July 1979, Richard got a degree in business and worked in retail for 21 years. During this time he served on several citizen committees for the city of Henderson. Richard also logged over 28 years of volunteer time with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, which he loved dearly. During his time with the Master Gardeners he salvaged native desert plants that would have been destroyed for relocation throughout the valley, co-authored a children's book on native plants, identified plants on the Oliver Ranch and Spring Mountain Ranch, participated in numerous Audubon Day activities, answered phone questions regarding care of plants in the Mojave Desert and much more. Because of his long service with the Master Gardeners, his last activity was to help with information for a written history of the Master Gardeners of Southern Nevada. Richard was awarded many certificates for his work and was given the status of Master Gardener Emeritus in 2020.

Richard's greatest enjoy in life was his family. He spent many happy hours going to school activities in which his grandchildren where involved. He will truly be missed.

Richard is survived by his wife, Patricia; sister, Linda; son, Will and grandchildren: Nicholas, Drake, Mason, Cailyn, and Cullen; and his great grandson, William; as well as, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Marvin, Bob, and Ted; and his son, Richard, Jr.

A private service and burial will be held at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to the Cancer Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Leifried family.