Lester A. Paff
October 19, 2008
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Service Details
Lester A. Paff, 63, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2008. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and the funeral will be Thursday, October 23 at 10:00 a.m.
Lester was born in Norwalk, Ohio to Elmo and Frances Paff. He earned his law degree from St. Louis University and was most recently an Assistant U.S. Attorney. He married Lynne Patterson in 1966. He enjoyed golf, sports, gardening, biking and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Missouri and Iowa Bar Associations.
He is survived by his parents; wife, Lynne; daughters, Jennifer (Kim) Ogle, Jessica (Will) Heidbreder; brothers Toby Paff, Tony Portero Paff, Bradley Paff; sisters, Rachel Paff-Weakly, Lois Paff-Bergen; and grand-daughters, Emma and Chloe Ogle and Grace Heidbreder.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family, who will direct them toward Half the Sky Foundation, which provides support for Chinese orphans. Lester loved children and was an avid advocate for them.
Brian Marchant-Calsyn
08/11/2010
In 1989 I was arrested with LSD by the Postal Inspection Service. I was given the opportunity to cooperate and did, testifying against others, wearing wires and working undercover for Postal Inspectors over the next five years. Both Mr. Paff and Postal Inspector Larry Holt made that possible and I believe it was because they felt mandatory guidelines were going to ruin my life as a first time offender. When I was sentenced in 1994 Mr. Paff recommended a boot-camp instead of prison. What he never knew was that August 3rd, 1994, the day I self-surrendered in Lewisburg, PA, is also my sobriety date. Many times over the last 16 years I have thought of reaching out to him to say thank you and sadly have put it off. Last week as I celebrated my sobriety date I decided to call him and thank him. When I looked up the number and called I learned of his tragic passing. I would like Mr. Paffs family to know that because of his compassion there are four children who have never known a father who drinks or drugs. Because of him, I have been happily married to the same woman who stood beside me when the gavel came down. I chair an AA meeting at a county jail, help others achieve sobriety and this can all be traced back to Mr. Paff and Mr. Holt sticking their necks out for a dumb-kid. Thank you Lester and God bless you and your family.
Vivian Van Vleet
10/28/2008
To Lester's family:
Words cannot express my heartfelt sorrow for your loss. Lester was a wonderful co-worker. We shared many discussions about our children, our work, and ife in general. We laughed about many things that others might not find so funny, and I miss his laughter. Several years ago we played softball together and shared a competitive spirit for the game, but mostly we enjoyed being with friends. Many times I would say to Lester "I know you share this with me because you know I will pray for you." My prayers for Lester blessed us both and I will cherish the moments and discussions with Lester forever. When I last spoke with Lester on the phone, we had the opportunity to share the love we have for each other as friends and our conversation ended with words of endearment. Lester was not into "earthly things" and I'm confident that the Lord has taken Lester into his loving arms and said "well done my child."
May your fondest memories of Lester keep a smile on your face and hope in your hearts.
Debby Grimm
10/24/2008
Dear Lynne & Family:
My heart and prayers go out to all of you. I was truly blessed when Lesters journey through life crossed paths with mine here at the U.S. Courthouse. His friendship will always be treasured by me. I write the following poem in memory of a wonderful person and kind and gentle man.
IN MEMORY OF LESTER
Work hasnt been the same lately, and I can clearly see,
When I look across my desk, the guest chair is sitting free.
Its the one that Lester sat in, when hed stop, and wed chat.
I look at it and wonder, where the heck is Lester at?
My head says hes in heaven, but my heart wont let him go,
He influenced my life so much, did I ever let him know?
So sincere and caring, always a smile on his face,
Does he know how much Ill miss him, did he leave a small trace?
And then I look across again, and see the chair is filled,
With stories from my friend, Lester, the ones he always spilled.
They fill the room with laughter, and with kindness, and with hope,
With these thoughts of him inside my head, I pray my heart will cope.
Debby Grimm,
Secretary to Judge Longstaff
Laura (Lo) Auclair
10/23/2008
Dearest Paff Family:
You guys know how much I love Lester, and I will always hold him close in my memory. The past twenty years of my life are definitely richer having known him and also having experienced first-hand what so many others have pointed out here, that he was one of the most genuine, loving, committed, accepting and passionate people I've been blessed to call a friend. He shared my same quirky sense of humor and welcomed a good story with an open grin. He appreciated above all things, the three Fs: family (foremost), food (custard, anyone?) and fun (GOLF). Most of all, he was the most tremendous example to me of what makes a great father, which will be - I believe - his greatest legacy to his children, their spouses and grandchildren.
I am absolutely heartbroken about our loss, and I will miss Lester dearly.
With great love and deepest sympathy,
LO
Bob Dopf
10/22/2008
Les
Friend Colleague Fellow Kibitzer
Between us we settled all of the worlds problems.
If they had only listened to us.
I will forever cherish your smile and shared thoughts.
Peace be with you, my friend.
Peace be with you.
Bob
Roy Prieto
10/22/2008
Mrs. Paff,
I realize this is a very difficult time for you and your family and I just wanted to pay my respect to you all.
I regret that I was not able to see Les one last time before he passed because I wanted to let him know that as an attorney and a friend, he had a positive impact on me.
I had the privilage of working with Les on several cases and in doing so I came to respect and admire him. I learned a lot from working with him.
Please accept my sincere condolences and know that you are all in my prayers.
Rodrigo "Roy" Prieto
Senior Special Agent
ICE Office of Investigations
Des Moines, Iowa
Stephie Tran
10/22/2008
Dear Lester's family,
My heart goes out to you in your time of loss. I am honored to have known such a noble man as Lester. I will always have fond memories of Lester and will immensely miss his laugh and smile. It was about this time three years ago that I had my first federal drug case. Lester was my opposing counsel. You will never know that though. He treated me with such respect and dignity that I have since considered him a dear friend. I will immensely miss you dear friend.
Lora and Russ (Retired Special Agent, IRS Criminal
10/22/2008
DEAR LYNNE AND FAMILY---
Words alone can never adequately express the overwhelming sadness and great sense of loss when a talented and caring man like Lester is taken from us. The time was too soon for him to leave us.
We remember with fondness all of what Lester accomplished and who he was--skillful and serious prosecutor, loyal and dedicated civil servant, and a true and fun-loving friend. Russ always thorougly enjoyed working with Lester and sharing many times of successfully getting the job done, while also having an abundance of humorous times and good laughs.
Both of us value our get togethers with the two of you. We recall great conversations and banter--whether it was at Baker's Sherwood Forest, retirement parties, the U. S. Courthouse, or elsewhere.
We celebrate the honor and joy of having known Lester.
Although the days ahead will be difficult, we truly hope that many wonderful memories of your time together will sustain you and give you strength.
With our hearts filled with great sadness, we extend our deepest sympathies to you.
Most Sincerely, Lora and Russ Talbot
Kevin Marshall-Postal Inspector
10/23/2008
I was deeply saddened by the passing of Lester.His humor and wit and dedication to the job kept me going day after day. I worked many cases with lester when I first moved to Des Moines in 2000 and we spent alot of time together. Lester brightened my day and the days of alot of people he came in contact with. There is only one "Lester" and he will be thought of often by me.
Polly Anderson
10/23/2008
To Lynne and Les' Family:
I was deeply saddened to learn of Lester's passing. I worked with him from 1978 to 1982 and about 3 of those years I was his secretary at the DOT General Counsel Division in Ames. He was one of the most easy-going laid back people I have had the priviledge of working for. He used to start dictating a letter to me walking down the hall before I even saw him which left me scrambling for something to write on.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all today. Lester will be missed.
Linda Jensen, US Postal Inspector and Ron Jensen,
10/21/2008
It is with heavy hearts that we send this message of condolence to the much beloved family of Lester Paff.
Lester was goodness personified and was driven to do the right thing at every turn. His good humor, smart intellect and golfing fortitude will be greatly missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him. We were honored to have worked with Lester over the years and so saddened to hear of his succumbing to this horrific disease.
Les, hit em' long and straight up there,
until we meet again friend, god bless.
Amy Brooks & Jeanne Strassburger
10/21/2008
Paff and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear about Lesters passing and our thoughts are with all of you right now. We know how much Lester meant to all of you and you have our deepest sympathies.
Love,
Amy and Jeanne
Ken Dales
10/22/2008
To Lesters family;
I was saddened when I heard the news, Lester was a friend and mentor to me. He and I worked numerous cases togehter while I was on the DEA task force. Lester was a gifted Prosecutor who loved his job, but more important, loved his family. I had a chance to play basketball with him in Altoona, and Lester had a great deal of fun as we did with him. He was a good man! And will be missed.
John Griffith
10/22/2008
I am deeply saddened to learn of Lester's passing. He was a great colleague, mentor and friend. He was truly committed to doing the right things in life and was a great inspiration to many people. He was a wonderful husband and father. I will always remember his great humor and generosity. We will all miss him greatly.
John Griffith
USAO, Washington, D.C.
Ron Longstaff
10/22/2008
Having joined the Court in l965, I've had the opportunity to observe many US Attorneys and their assistants. Lester was an outstanding representative of that office. He combined his considerable courtroom skills with a unique combination of common sense and compassion resulting in fair treatment for defendants. Lester sincerely cared about everyone including the people he was prosecuting. Simply stated---No one ever did it better--No one ever will. I'll miss his cheerful greeting each time we encounted each other. But I retain many great memories of this wonderful man.