Philip James Pfaff

Born on May 26, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, Phil was the son of Charles and Clara. He graduated from Austin Catholic Preparatory School in 1965 then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Detroit. In the spring of 1969, he met Lynda L. Reed. They were married on August 1, 1970. Together they had two children, Heather and Thomas.

In 1969, he began what would turn into his personal mission, coaching and teaching. He was an athletic director, English teacher and coached football, track and basketball.

Phil entered the world of pharmaceuticals and medicine in 1973. He developed an expertise in the business by working in several levels of sales, marketing, advisory panels and contracting. His achievement awards are numerous and include top honors in 1978 and 1980 which resulted in vacations to foreign countries. Being on the ground floor of several start-up operations, he broadened his knowledge by interacting with those who came from other companies and contact with many of the largest universities and medical centers in the country.

His expertise and creativity earned a position on the Advisory Board for the Houston Chapter of the American Heart Association in 1999 his contribution earned the “Corporation of the Year” award in 1999. At the same time, he held a position on the Development Committee for the Museum of Health and Medical Science in Houston where he received the “Volunteer of the Year” award in 2001. With the Texas Medical Association, he served as President of the Tobacco Education Committee.

On August 12, 2000, he was paralyzed in a bike accident. He fought hard to regain his movement and his life. On December 10, 2001 he had the honor of carrying the Olympic Flame in the Torch Relay through Houston. His nomination letter read that “throughout [his experience] he remained positive, cheerful, uncomplaining and used the experience to count his blessings. He has provided enormous inspiration to those of us who, faced with such adversity, might have thrown in the towel.”

His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved talking about Evan, Morgan and Mason to anyone who would listen. He attended as many events as he could to support them. He enjoyed playing games with them, telling them childhood stories and sharing his hobby of coin-collecting. He even taught them to drive on his golf cart.

In his younger years, there were many hunting and fishing trips. Mostly with his brothers and son but occasionally his daughter went fishing with him, too. Later, it was annual golf outings with his brothers and nephews. He also loved history, aliens, reading and writing.

He retired in Montgomery, Texas about 10 years ago where he kept busy with golf, model ship building and as a staff writer for the local newsletter.

Phil is survived by his daughter Heather Pfaff Gartner and son-in-law Hans Gartner, his son Thomas Pfaff and daughter-in-law Heather Pfaff and his grandchildren Evan Gartner, Morgan Pfaff and Mason Gartner. He was preceded in death by his wife Lynda, granddaughter Regan Pfaff, sister Claire Bono and brother Charlie Pfaff.

Phil’s personal mission statement was: To “coach” the members of my team to be successful, prosperous, and happy family members, individuals and business people. To lead by example and give a 100% effort at all times.

Philip James Pfaff will always be remembered as a loving father and brother, dedicated grandfather, loyal friend, mentor and coach. He was an inspiration to all he met.

If you would like to view his work, he has a model of the gunship “Philadelphia” on display at the Nimitz Library at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He also has a model of the Wright Bothers plane in the historical section of the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston, TX.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to TIRR Memorial Hermann https://www.memorialhermann.org/foundation/donate.