He was raised in Lodi, California where he graduated from Lodi High School in 1949. He played football and was on the track team.
He attended Fresno State University (CSUF). In 1951, during the Korean War he enlisted in the US Air Force. After extensive training, he was assigned to Castle Air Force Base where he was a member of a B- 50 Bomber flight crew. He transferred to a KC-97 air tanker & much of his air-to-air refueling was done over the North Pole from Thule, Greenland.
After Active Duty, he completed his education at CSUF graduating with a BS Degree in Plant Science & Viticulture. He then worked at Wilber-Ellis.
In 1953 he married his high-school sweetheart & love of his life, Bonnie. They were soulmates & will be forever…
For many years “R” was very passionate in promoting and participating in the Fresno State Alumni; CSUF Viticulture Alumni; Chi Beta Alpha Fraternity; Bulldog Foundation; Ag One Turf Day Golf Tournament.
In 1961 he went to work for American Cyanamid & held several positions including supervisor of the Western District Product Development. He retired in 1991.
He was affiliated with the following Industry Groups: California Entomological Society; California Pest Control Advisor Association; California Weed Science Association; and Western Agriculture Chemical Association.
His hobbies were: Golf (Past Member of Fort Washington); an avid tennis player, winning many CCTA events; gardening – especially growing grapes in his arbor; touring many wine growing areas and enjoying their fine wines.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie whom he had been married to for 65 years; his three daughters: Christine Pahl, Cynthia & Quentin Johnson and Cathleen & Matthew Armas, 13 Grandchildren; his sister: Annette Smith, Sister-in-Law & Brother-in-Law, Yvonne & Gordon Aman & many loving nieces & nephews.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Ag One Foundation Ruben E. Pahl Family Scholarship Fund for support of students majoring in the Department of Viticulture and Enology (2910 E. Barstow Ave., Fresno, CA 93740). www.agonefoundation.org/pahlfamily.html
Visitation will be held at the Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel on Monday, August 20, 2018 from 9:00 - 10:00 am (202 N. Teilman, Fresno).
A Graveside Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Belmont Memorial Cemetery at 11:00 am (201 N. Teilman, Fresno). A reception to follow in the Oak Room at Stephens & Bean.
