Dick LaFave was a lifelong Pacific Northwest Swim Official who began his officiating career after his son entered into competitive swimming in 1968. Under mentorship of well-respected officials, Dick moved through the officiating ranks from a timer to stroke-and-turn judge, meet starter, and then meet referee at various levels of competitions.
Dick’s well-recognized expertise and experience was shown when he was called on to officiate in leadership positions, high school and college dual meets, Washington State High School Championships and Pac-10 College Championships, NCAA Division II National Championships, and Special Olympic Championships. He was a deck referee at the Western Zone Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah. He organized and presented clinics for Pacific Northwest swimming officials.
In addition to volunteering as an official, Dick served as a member of the USA Swimming committee that unified deck-officiating procedures nationwide. Also, he served as the Pacific Northwest Swimming Officials Chairman for an extended term, providing leadership in all aspects of officiating. In 2003 Pacific Northwest Swimming presented Dick with the Conoco Phillips Outstanding Service Award in recognition of his dedication and many years of service to the swimming community. He gave his time and expertise selflessly for over 30 years.
To honor his memory, the Dick LaFave Official of the Year award was established in 2008 to recognize officials within PNS Swimming who exude the qualities of leadership and volunteerism. Thank you, Dick, and the following award recipients for your dedication and contributions within PNS!
- 2023 – Aline Bensen, Kay Dupont, and Lorraine Masse
- 2020-2022 – award suspended due to Covid-19
- 2019 – Melinda Dickie
- 2018 – David Guffey
- 2017 – Nick Siripipat
- 2016 – Dave Warren
- 2015 – Bob Keller
- 2014 – Linda Vicik
- 2013 – N/A
- 2012 – Teri White
- 2011 – Rick Cox and Connie Sholdra
- 2010 – Ken Breiding
- 2009 – Teri White
- 2008 – Dave Coddington
