Dick LaFave began his officiating career after his son’s entry into competitive swimming in 1968. Under the mentoring of well respected officials, Dick moved through the officiating ranks from 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. Dick continues to provide official training clinics, mentor new and experienced officials and volunteer his time as an official in support of numerous swim meets.In addition to his volunteering as an official, Dick served as a member of the USA Swimming committee that unified deck-officiating procedures throughout the nation. 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. Working diligently to improve the quality and professionalism of officiating, Dick’s dedication, experience, strong work ethic, and volunteerism continue to benefit Pacific Northwest Swimming, coaches, officials, and generations of swimmers.