Rich Pelletier passed away peacefully on January 14, 2018 surrounded by his family and friends.  Rich was a good friend, instructor and mentor who will be missed by all.

“For those newer to the PHWFF Program, Rich was one of the original “good guys”, his vision was an instrumental, driving force that brought PHWFF to the VAMC in St. Louis.   Last year, PHWFF St. Louis VAMC awarded Rich the Certificate of Appreciation for his dedicated service through the years.   Despite failing health, his compassion for the program and our Veterans never faded.  Rich always wanted to know what was going on, who was doing what and the first to offer help.  Clint and Rich have had a close friendship through the years and where one was, the other was not far behind!  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family while they grieve this loss.  Rich was an excellent role model for putting others first and will be dearly missed.” – Amy Milne, Regional Coordinator – Heartland

Jim Marstiller, Lewis Haynes and Rich Pelletier

James Richard (“Rich”) Pelletier (08/03/1943 – 01/14/2018), beloved husband of Carol Pelletier; cherished son of the late James and Dorilda Pelletier; devoted father of Scott Pelletier and JJ (Amy) Pelletier, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  Rich and Carol have been married for 49 ½ loving years. Rich was a Vietnam veteran (42^nd Bomber Wing, USAF) who had a lifelong love of flying and working on/around aircraft. Upon completion of military service, he attended Spartan School of Aeronautics and earned an Aeronautical Engineering degree.

His avid interests and activities involved spending time with family and grandchildren; pets, animals, and all living creatures; outdoors, fly fishing, Project Healing Waters (working/fishing with veterans), and attending the annual Airshow in OshKosh, Wisconsin.

Rich was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life service will be planned at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery for a future date, to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, Rich requested that contributions can be made to Project Healing Waters or the Humane Society.

“I will remember Rich with a smile on his face and a cast as smooth as glass.  If you have photos or would like to share a story, please feel free to add on the Project Healing Waters – St. Louis VAMC Program Facebook Page.”  – Amy Milne, Regional Coordinator Heartland.