Photo by Bob Rink A.J. “Jack” Pfister

Salt River Project has been making history for more than a century by bringing water and electricity to the Valley. But in July, it marked a more somber milestone: Its longtime former general manager, A.J. “Jack” Pfister, collapsed in his Phoenix home and died at the age of 75.

Pfister oversaw the company during its boom years, from 1976 to 1991. During that period, he helped pass the state’s first comprehensive groundwater-management law, oversaw a major water-rights settlement for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community involving seven Valley cities and three irrigation districts, and developed SRP’s environmental policies. Pfister also overhauled management practices and made customer service a top priority (he actually called customers to hear their complaints). And on Christmas, he personally delivered chocolates to SRP employees.

After Pfister retired from the company, he taught at Arizona State University and continued to serve as a leader and mentor in the state. For that, he was frequently called “rent-a-dad” and “rent-an-executive,” according to his family. In the end, Pfister had the distinction of being a leader in all aspects of the state’s business, education, community and government circles.

All this from a man considered “too rowdy” as a teen to be in the National Honor Society.

“He knew the importance and value of good leadership and good public service,” says Suzanne Pfister, Jack’s daughter. Also, she adds with a laugh, “There was a genetic defect toward community service.”