Harvard Harv Francis Pfitzer

Harv was born in Modesto, California to Frank and Florence Pfitzer on August 5, 1932. After his father passed away when he was five years old, he moved to Los Banos. As a child he enjoyed staying at his grandparents’ house in the country where he could ride horses and enjoy the outdoors. He attended James Lirk Junior High School and graduated from San Mateo High School in 1950.

Harv pursued his dream of becoming a pharmacist and after many years of intensive studying and working to put himself through school, he graduated from the University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy in 1959. He began his 53-year career as a pharmacist at Clifton‘s Corner Drug Store in Los Banos where he worked for three years. He next moved to Modesto, CA to manage Scenic Drug. After a year of managing the store he purchased the store from the owner and owned the drug store from 1963 to 1993. Purchasing the drug store changed his life. Not only did he become his own boss, he met his future wife Bernice who worked for him as a bookkeeper. Harv and Bernice married in 1975 and together they managed the store. Harv was known for his professional knowledge, being courteous, and focusing on his customers‘ needs, which included home deliveries for his customers. But an increase in chain pharmacies and mail-order drug companies forced him

and several other independent pharmacies to sell their stores because they could not compete with the lower prices. Closing of Scenic Drug was a loss for the local community. Many of his customers had been with him for over 20 years and enjoyed the personal care and the convenience of the Post Office substation that was located in the store.

Selling of the drug store and working for Walgreens Drug Store (Walgreens) next was bitter sweet for him. He looked forward to working less hours. In his own words that were included in a Modesto Bee article on closing of the drug store , “I’m anxious to get out, work for wages, go home in the evening and maybe do some fishing”. He worked for Walgreens from 1993 until 2012 when he retired. While an employee of Walgreens, he helped establish the Walgreens’ store on Oakdale Road and helped Walgreens build a strong presence in Modesto. He had a long and productive career as a pharmacist.

During his 82 years, he also served in the Army from 1954 to 1956, was a dedicated husband, a member of the Elks Lodge, built a Model T car, enjoyed photography and wood working, competed on bowling teams, and enjoyed many days with his wife traveling in their motor home, fishing, taking cruises to Alaska, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Hawaii, and spending time with family and friends. Harv, Bernice, and their family moved to 1.5 acres in east Modesto in 1978 where he once again enjoyed country life.

In June 2014, Harv had open heart surgery and endured much before he peacefully passed away in the presence of his wife Bernice and daughter Bev. He is survived by his wife Bernice Pfitzer of Modesto, CA; his children Beverly Goodwin of Modesto, CA, Diana Borges of Windsor, CA, Ron Borges (Lisa) of Ceres, CA, and Don Borges (Kathy) of Oakdale, CA; his grandchildren Kerri Goodwin Bettencourt (Larry) of Turlock, CA, Chris Goodwin (Savannah) of Modesto, CA, Kathryn Dickerson of Windsor, CA, Brad Borges of Oakdale, CA, Mark Borges of Oakdale, CA, Michelle Borges of Oakdale, CA, Brayden Borges of Ceres, CA, and Misty Pfitzer of Post Falls, Idaho; and his great grandchildren Avery Bettencourt of Turlock, CA and Ellie Goodwin of Modesto, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank Pfitzer and Florence Killian, and his step-sister Kathy Killian.

Memorial contributions can be sent to the Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital in Modesto. He will be missed by many.

Arrangements under the direction of Lakewood Funeral Home - FD1392, Hughson, CA.