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Ag One Foundation

Ruben E. Pahl Family Scholarship

Ruben and Bonnie Pahl

Ag One, the Jordan College and Fresno State lost a dear friend, Mr. Ruben "R.E." Pahl on August 15, 2018. During the Korean War he enlisted in the US Air Force and was assigned to Castle Air Force Base where he was a member of a B- 50 Bomber flight crew. After active duty, Ruben completed his education at Fresno State and received a bachelor's degree in Plant Science and Viticulture. He was a student of Professor Vincent E. Petrucci and later a graduate instructor in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at Fresno State. He was a key volunteer for Ag One's Turf Day Golf Classic for a number of years. Ruben was a longtime supporter of the college and lifelong friend of Vince Petrucci, the two continued to attend Fresno State Football Tailgates even in their 80's. His passion for Fresno State was an inspiration to many.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Ag One Foundation for support of students majoring in the Department of Viticulture and Enology in Ruben's name.

Donate to the Ruben E. Pahl Family Scholarship

 

Obituary

1930 - 2018

Ruben E. Pahl passed away peacefully on August 15, 2018 at the age of 88 surrounded by his loved ones after a valiant battle with cancer. “R” was born in 1930 to Mr. & Mrs. Christian Pahl.

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 California State University, Fresno. 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 and much of his air-to-air refueling was done over the North Pole from Thule, Greenland.

After Active Duty, he completed his education at Fresno State graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science and Viticulture. He then worked at Wilbur-Ellis.

In 1953 he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Bonnie. They were soulmates and will be forever…

For many years “R” was very passionate in promoting and participating in Fresno State Alumni activities; Fresno State Viticulture Alumni; Chi Beta Alpha Fraternity; Bulldog Foundation and Ag One’s Turf Day Golf Tournament.

In 1961 he went to work for American Cyanamid and 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 Johnson (Quentin-Husband) and Cathleen Armas (Matthew-Husband), 13 Grandchildren; his sister: Annette Smith, sister-in-Law and brother-in-Law, Yvonne & Gordon Aman and 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.

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