A Community Says Goodbye

More than 200 folks gathered at Leschi Park on a warm Sunday summer evening to pay tribute to Robert Pfaff, Leschi Market’s longtime “old-fashioned meat-cutter.” Robert passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on July 9.

Spoken tributes from co-workers, customers, dog owners, and neighbors told the story of a man with a big personality and a generous spirit. We learned of Robert’s buying opera tickets for apprentice workers, his attending Seattle University soccer and softball games to cheer on his fellow apartment dwellers, his offering his parking space to neighbors as well as a key to his front door in case they needed to borrow an egg, his concern for and follow up with co-workers, his penchant for fine cigars and whiskey and, of course, his butchering skills and recipes.

Members of his family came from Ohio and were thrilled to learn of the impact that Robert made on the community.

Blu-Water set up tables providing food and drink to all.

More than $20,000 was raised on a Go Fund Me site sponsored by Leschi Market to cover funeral expenses. Check out www.gofundme.com/leschimarketrobert for more information and to see some great photos and read more tributes.

The event demonstrated how blessed we are to be a part of the Leschi community. And, it proved to be a heartfelt appreciation of the Leschi Market and its employees. Indeed, the response to this remembrance event has the Leschi Market thinking that an annual gathering in the Park should become an annual event. Stay tuned.

~Anne Depue