Richard "Dick" Gaffin

Richard “Dick” Gaffin, 75, died Friday, October 31, 2008 at Sanford USD Medical Center. Funeral services will be at 1:30pm Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at Shalom Lutheran Church, Harrisburg with burial with full military honors at Pleasant View Cemetery, Harrisburg. Visitation will begin at 2:00pm Tuesday at Heritage Funeral Home, Sioux Falls with family present from 7-8:30pm. Richard A. Gaffin was born on October 7, 1933 at Sioux Falls to Leonard and Christine (Strand) Gaffin. He attended Shindler Country School District #44 and graduated from Harrisburg High School. He served in the US Army for two years receiving an honorable discharge in 1956. Richard served on the Shindler School Board, was a volunteer member of the Harrisburg Community Fire Department, and a member of the American Legion. Richard grew up and lived on the family farm which has been in the Gaffin family for over 100 years, farmed for awhile and especially enjoyed cattle. He was employed by the US Department of Agriculture as a Federal Meat Inspector and was active with the union serving as President of Local 901, vice president and president of Northern Council of Food Inspection Locals, and Treasurer of the National Joint Council of Food Inspection Locals before retiring in 1996. He was a member of Shalom Lutheran Church having served on various boards and committees. Richard married Clarine Thompson in 1953 at Beaver Creek Lutheran Church which is now at the Augustana College Campus. Richard loved being involved with his children and his grandchildren. One of his greatest joys was his family and the time spent with them. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Clarine of 55 years; a daughter Carla (Grant) Youngworth of Harrisburg and their 2 children Nickolas and Kristin, both of Denver, CO; a son Rich (Amy) Gaffin II of Glendale, AZ and their 3 daughters, Brandi, Sydney, and Bailey; another grandson Jeremy Gaffin and his special friend Laura Peterson of Sioux Falls and a great granddaughter Breeanne Gaffin; a sister Clara Millross, Sun Lakes, AZ and many other wonderful relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Leonard. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the Shalom Lutheran Building Fund or a charity of donor’s choice.