Obituary of Wilber Glenn Pifer

Wilbur (Bill) Pifer, loving husband and father passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at the age of 89 after fighting a valiant battle with esophageal cancer. Bill was born on October 5, 1930 in Wadsworth, Ohio, to Elden and Rose (Blacklock) Pifer. He joined the Air Force in 1948, at the age of 18, serving proudly until 1952. He left the military and attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie; where he met his future bride, Nancy. Bill worked in Canada in the oil business for a short time; followed by joining Lockheed Missiles and Space in the Sunnyvale, California area. He spent the greater part of 35 years working as an engineering manager at Lockheed where he led teams who created and built sophisticated space satellites. Bill was known as a talented troubleshooter who could diagnose and fix complex mechanical and electrical issues of some of the most advanced equipment ever put into earth’s orbit. Bill was married to Nancy (Peterson) in June 1954 and they recently celebrated their 65th anniversary together. Their relationship was based on a profound and everlasting love, along with a mischievous humor. They raised son, Daniel and daughter, Elisabeth; regularly providing them unconditional love and encouragement. Bill was dedicated to caring for his immediate and extended family over the years and will be fondly remembered for his generosity and fatherly guidance. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; Elden and Rose, sisters; Helen, Evelyn, Lois, Sue and brothers; Lester, Myrl and Ernie. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, children Daniel and Elisabeth, brother Pete and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill’s final resting place will be at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California. A memorial service will be held in Roseville for friends and family to celebrate his life sometime in the next few months. He was a strong and compassionate patriarch for his family, and an incredibly caring Uncle to many devoted nieces and nephews. Bill will be remembered for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his kind and gentle spirit.