Roy Phillips Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nancy Lee
May 13, 2008
Roy Phillips is the reason I am a Unitarian. My first visit to Unity was the day Roy was being introduced to the congregation and I signed on as a member soon after. His sermons are never to be matched in stimulating and thought provoking inspiration.
I left St. Paul in 1980 but kept my membership because I couldn't bear to leave Roy's leadership. I moved to Boulder, Colorado and finally joined the church there in 1992, but it never matched my experience at Unity.
I had Joe in my UU class along with my own son Joe (Joey, Joel) who were the same age. I think they were in second grade or so at the time.
When Roy left Unity I kept hoping he would come to Boulder and have a retired ministry here or in my second home of Frisco, Colorado. A fellow minister told me he had moved to the southwest but didn't know where. I visit Tucson every spring where a college friend's husband died of pancreatic cancer. I never knew Roy was there!
I will never forget Roy Phillips who influenced my life in so many ways. I quote him frequently. He is missed.
Lawrence Winans
May 12, 2008
My wife and I joined the Unitarian Church in the early 1970s when Roy was minister at Unity. Roy and I would occasionally meet for coffee and discuss liberal theology, he and I both being Unitarian Theists comfortable with "god talk" in an increasingly humanist denomination.
Roy conducted the memorial service for one of our daughters and the wedding service for another. He was of great influence on my life and thought. We will miss him.
Virginia Carley
May 10, 2008
My sincere condolences to the Phillips family. I was with Joe at meetings in Tunisia just days before Rev. Phillips was due to arrive in Morocco. Joe shared with us all his excitement of his father’s impending visit and expressed how much his father enjoyed being in Morocco with them. I was shocked to find out about the family’s sudden loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Alexandria, Egypt (formerly of Roseville, MN)
Bill Handschin
May 9, 2008
Please accept my condolences at the loss of Rev. Phillips. Roy Phillips officated at the memorial service for my father, Robert Handschin, in 1997. He was very helpful to myself and to the other members of my family at a time when we were dealing with the grief the loss of my father. It is my hope that you may come to feel some of the comfort that Roy extended to us, and that you will be able to remember the good works and the good times that you shared with Roy.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Joanne Mayo
May 3, 2008
Dear Patricia and family,
What a lovely tribute to Roy. I felt I became acquainted with him through the words and music. Your hearts are aching now, but will be filled with love always. You "Can't Stop Loving" him. May you be comforted by the love of those around you. Fondly,
Patricia and William Hoversten
May 3, 2008
To Roy's Family and Patricia's Family,
Roy was the Minister at Unity-Unitarian Church in St. Paul when we attended there. He was the Minister who married us and made a lasting imprint on our lives. As a very wise man and modern philosopher, Roy touched our lives deeply.
Our lives are all richer for having known him. We can only hope
to pass it on in his memory.
Our Condolences, Empathy and Hope,
Paulette Taylor
May 1, 2008
I met Roy through Patricia, my best friend of 33 years. After an initial period of wariness on both our parts, we settled into a friendship that I will miss greatly. Roy had an inquiring mind, a piercing wit, and a certainty of opinion matched by few. I still can't imagine that we won't be volunteering together at the Sunstone Artisan Fair next fall. I keep expecting yet one more email from Roy to drop into my mailbox cajoling me to support Barack Obama for president. I'll miss the frequent photos of Kenza and Selma sent by an adoring Grandpa, copies of Nick's CD and updates on the six kids who he was so grateful to spend his nearly five "bonus" years shepherding into adulthood. And I will miss the man who spoke of my friend with such love and respect. Hasta la vista, Roy. And, yes, if he gets the nomination, I will be honored to cast your vote for Obama.
Lillian Fisher
April 30, 2008
No one saw it coming
An amorphous big black cloud
It came and went so quickly
And wrapped him in a shroud.
It was followed by a white cloud
Pure as shiny snow
Its droplets fell on each of us
And left an inner glow
From "My Doggeral Diary"
by Lillian Fisher
Kevin & Patti O'Connell
April 30, 2008
We first met Roy when he volunteered for the Artisans Fair. He was always very kind with a genuine smile. He will be missed and remembered by all.
Blair Harmon
April 30, 2008
Roy, I can't believe you're not with us any more. How could someone so full of life possibly be gone? I will miss our conversations, the unique and interesting perspective you always brought to the fore. I will miss watching you with my Mother, watching how happy you made one another (most of the time at least!). I will miss the appreciation you had for things large and small, your boundless curiousity about life and its intricacies. You were like nobody I have ever met, and your absence leaves us all with a void that cannot be fulfilled.
Tracy & Mohamed BenRhouma
April 30, 2008
Our love and prayers go out to the Phillips family. Although we didn't know Mr. Phillips well, we know he must have been an incredible man by the son we know as Joe. We are happy to know that he at least got th e chance to see his BEAUTIFUL granddaughters one last time.
Nancy & Michael Kennelly
April 29, 2008
Dear Patricia,
We so enjoyed Roy's company whenever we had the opportunity to be together. Such an interesting and engaging person - both a strong and caring presence. We are sad for your loss, your combined families' loss, and the loss of a dear member of our Sunstone family. I never had the pleasure to experience one of Roy's sermons, yet reading this guest book brings me to realize that I missed an enrichment in my life. May his many ways of helping others through grief be at your memory's fingertips every moment you have sorrow.
Chris and Dick Reppucci
April 29, 2008
We feel like we knew Roy through his sister Diana and brother-in-law Terry. We are so very sad for all who have lost such a wonderful man.
Elizabeth Kristensen
April 29, 2008
To the family of Roy Phillips:
When Roy was at Unity Church in St. Paul way back in the 70's, he was my friend, pastor, mentor, spirtual advisor ... My family and I loved him very much. His sermons inspired a whole church, his leadership was a gift, and his intellect and wit was truly appreciated by all who knew him. His euology for my late husband, Bud Finn, kept me going and his conseling got me through many months of pain and grief. I loved him very much. My sympathy goes out to his children and his new family of loved ones in Arizona.
Elizabeth Finn Kristensen
Mendota Heights, MN
Elaine Litvack
April 29, 2008
Dear Patricia:
I think you know how I feel. I only hope I can be there for you as you were for me.
Abrazos (hugs) Elaine
Steven Ketchel
April 29, 2008
I have had the pleasure of knowing Roy since he and Patricia moved to Tucson. He was a true gentleman and I always enjoyed talking with him, whatever the topic. I will continue to have pleasant memories of him. I wish the best to Patricia in his absence.
Don & Betty Baker
April 29, 2008
We are very sorry to have to sign this book. Our love and prayers are with you.
Lawrence & Kathy Quilici
April 29, 2008
We offer our condolences to Pat on the loss of her partner and prayerful support with her grief.
Janine Fugate
April 29, 2008
We are so sorry for your sudden loss--and wish you strength, bravery and hope for the future. Love, The Fugates
Erin Buck
April 28, 2008
Dear Patricia, Laura and Blair,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to meet Roy, but it is clear that he was a very loving and generous man, who will be missed by many.
Deepest Sympathy,
Jon and Erin Buck
Kathleen Cassen Mickelson
April 28, 2008
I met Roy through my friend, Patricia Harmon. He was so vital, passionate, funny, intelligent. Patricia, I am so sad that you have lost your beloved partner in life, that Roy's children have lost their father, and that your children have lost an amazing friend.
Dane Smith
April 27, 2008
It's been 10 years since Roy moved on as our minister, but Mary and I still talk about his more memorable sermons, such as those "blue suede shoes.'' His explorations of "The Mystery'' were fascinating and uplifting for us. All our sympathies and empathies are with Roy's family and especially son Nick.
Trudie Ellsworth
April 27, 2008
My beloved minister, teacher, mentor, intellectual and spiritual guide is gone and I am terribly sad. But, I am blessed to be able to read his sermons and reflect on his teachings. He gave all of us the Mystery to contemplate and unfold. I am grateful to his kind family for sharing him with us.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Roy Phillips's name
People and places connected with Roy
Recent Obituaries
How to support Roy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Roy Phillips's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored