Richard Enz

Obituary of Richard W. Enz

Our father Richard W. Enz, (98), of Tempe Arizona passed away on March 14, 2023. Richard was born in Nutley New Jersey on November 13, 1924, the second son of Paul and Frieda Enz, first generation Americans who immigrated from Switzerland early in the 1900s.

Fondly known as Papa Dick by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he served in the US Navy during World War Two, and moved west to Arizona after the war where he lived the rest of his life. A graduate of the University of Arizona in Agricultural Engineering, Dick worked as a soil scientist and hydrologist for the Soil Conservation Service from the late 1940s through his retirement in the 1980s. He was instrumental in predicting snow melt and water runoff after actively climbing the mountains of Arizona to conduct snow surveys. His data analyses, forecasts and land management expertise helped many desert communities responsibly manage water use.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, his brother Paul, and his wife of a lifetime Betty. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Donald (Billie Jean), Connie (Paul), and Cathy (Jim), his seven grandchildren and his twelve great grandchildren.

In the latter years of his long and productive life, he actively engaged in community and church activities alongside his wife, supporting the First Congregational Church of Tempe, and the Tempe Historical Society to name just two of his charitable interests. Dick gave generously to his family helping each generation enhance the quality of their lives.

Dick had a passion for the majestic western landscapes which he hiked, skied, snowmobiled, and photographed. His children will always remember family visits to national parks, very long hikes, learning to identify trees and scrubs, and of course being called back to camp for dinner with his melodic and distinctive alpine yodel. He too has heard a yodel which has called him home.

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