March 31st

Phil was a gentle hearted, loving father who worked hard at his job and loved the community of Ruston where he lived. He loved his children so and wanted the best for them. He joined the PTA to be involved at their school; he helped them with their homework and read books to them changing the tone of his voice for each character in the story. Pictures his daughter drew hung on the cupboards in his kitchen. He loved to cook and was a master at cooking steak, roast, chicken, salmon, you name it! He was very talented with wood working and built a sturdy step stool for me to stand on while washing dishes. The sink was too high for me to reach and he was thoughtful to notice and find a solution. He loved photography and we often took long walks through Point Defiance Park. He cared about the Town of Ruston so much that he served over seventeen years on the Town Council seeing that the roads were maintained, trees were planted and families were happy.

I can still remember our first date – coffee at the Lobster Shop. I remember asking him later why we had coffee at the Lobster Shop when there are so many coffee shops around and he said he wanted to take me some where special because I was a special lady. My eyes swell with tears as I think back on this.

I still remember Phil and the love he had in his heart. Happy Birthday Phil!