Arlyn Lee Phillips

FLORENCE, Vermont - Arlyn Lee Phillips a.k.a. "Butch" and "Sodbuster" passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2012, at Rutland Regional Medical Center due to complications resulting from an aneurism.
Arlyn was born in Proctor, Vermont June 10, 1947, to Gloria and Jack Phillips of Pittsford.
He graduated from Otter Valley in 1967.
He worked at Terwilligers Service Station in Pittsford throughout high school and then at Smith-Buick in Brandon after graduation. He attended New Hampshire Technical School for auto-mechanics and starting in 1969, he was employed by CVPS for 40 years, first at the hydro facilities, and over the years assisting with the lineman crews as needed, and finally working as a meter reader until his retirement in 2009.
He is survived by his parents Jack and Gloria (Pelkey) Phillips of West Rutland; his loving wife Martha (Mable) Phillips; his "princess" daughter Stacey (Phillips) Coburn and her husband Jamie; and two beloved grandsons, Remington and Douglas of Brandon; his sister, Sharon and her husband David Trombley of Florence; three nephews and their families: Matthew and Marrietta Trombley and son, Logan of Florence; Mark and Danielle Trombley and their children, Peyton and Renee of Pittsford; and Jarod Trombley of
Pittsford; his previous wife, Darlene (Moses) Phillips of Brandon; as well as many cousins and special loving friends.
Arlyn enjoyed many pursuits in life. He was happiest when he was in the great outdoors and tinkering. He cherished his time at a special deer camp in Chittenden where many fond memories were made. Arlyn was
a dedicated Trail Master with the Chittenden Dammers Snowmobile Club in Chittenden, receiving Groomer of the Year in 2011 as well as investing many hours in trail maintenance and safety over the years.
He was a member of the Neshobe Sportmans Club, Moose Club, and the Eagles Club. He was also a dedicated member of the Vermont Tractor Pullers Association since the 70's on account of his love of tractors. That love, kept him busy operating a side business as a brush hogger for many people throughout Vermont. In the winter, he played with his snow plow. Arlyn was known for his toys, the more toys, the happier he was. You never knew what he was going to ride in on - a tractor, rhino, scooter, 4-wheeler,
lawnmower (often mowing all the neighbors lawns too, just for the fun of it), snowmobile, groomer, boat or a myriad of vehicles.
He was also known to be a competitive card player-and he was good!
He has enjoyed instilling his passion for the great outdoors to his grandsons Remi and Douglas, starting as early as buckling their car seats in the rhino and later to muskrat hunting, grooming trails, riding the scooter and boating.
Arlyn and Martha shared seven wonderful years together. During that time they enjoyed camping, bluegrass festivals, boating, fishing and hunting, motorcycle rides, spending time at the Chittenden camp, snowmobiling, and traveling. They traveled to Maine and New Hampshire every summer, and to North Carolina to visit family, but most of the all loved enjoying family and friends, including special friends Stub and Shelly Smith. Arlyn's love for Martha was precious. He made a special trip every night (no matter the
hour) to visit Martha on her 15-minute break, bringing her coffee, holding her hand and enjoying
their time together, he loved her deeply.
Those that knew Arlyn remember him as always having a flashlight, a leatherman, and wearing something camo. His warm heart and sense of humor touched everyone he met. His one-liners and "ditties" will always be remembered - and there were many of them.
Family and friends were invited to attend A Celebration of Life Ceremony on August 27, 2012, at the Brandon American Legion Post #55 at 1 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chittenden Dammers Snowmobile Club, c/o Charlie Robbins, 1447 Station A, Rutland, VT 05701.