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Philip Brown Obituary

As the one best able to identify the people, events and circumstance which shaped my life, I authored the following account before my death.
Philip W. Brown of Williamsburg, 72, recently departed the wonderful life he was granted on Oct. 8, 1940. His late parents, Raymond M. ("Coca-Cola") Brown, Sr. and Evelyn M. Brown taught him to be honest, respectful of others. His five older brothers taught him by example to value intellectual curiosity, the arts, nature's beauty, higher education, physical fitness, a sense of adventure, innovative problem solving and craftsmanship.
Childhood years were happy times for Phil in Hampton, exploring the neighborhood "jungles,' searching for fascinating articles washed up on nearby beaches, building model airplanes, and taking care of the family horses and hunting dogs. There was bird and duck hunting with his father and brothers, learning photography and darkroom techniques, attending five 2-month summer camp sessions near Brevard, N.C., sailing local waters, and spending time with friends Godfrey Smith and Keene Garvin.
In later years Phil's mother, Evelyn, set his standard for courage with how she coped with the sudden accidental deaths of three grown sons, Peter, Dean and Ray, and health problems of her own.
Following graduation from Woodberry Forest School in 1958 and Davidson College in 1961, Phil entered the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate Program. Awarded his wings in 1963, he was assigned to the USS Forrestal- based Fighter Squadron 74 as an F-4 fighter pilot. In 1967, following two deployments to the Mediterranean and one to Southeast Asia with Fighter Squadron 144, he left active duty to fly F-8s and A-4s in the Naval Reserve and earn aeronautical engineering degrees from Georgia Tech and Princeton universities.
Peter, Wynne and Catherine Brown were born of his 1968 marriage to Donna Young Coxsey. Donna's child, Laura, was adopted, as were four others: Jai, Mary, Keith and Kelly. In 1986 this marriage ended in divorce. Phil was thankful for the steadfast kindness and support of Donna's mother, Doris Young.
The NASA research pilot position he held 1974-2001 at the Langley Research Center was Phil's "best job in the world." His mentor, office head Jim Patton, and his fellow research pilots were engaged in fascinating and rewarding flight research. Working with smart, motivated and creative engineers and technicians at Langley, was a continuing pleasure. The NASA Exceptional Service Award and induction into Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame were among the public recognitions of Phil's contributions to aeronautics.
Phil gained two valued step-children, Misha and Joshua, in 1994 when he and Janet R. Derrig married. She brought him joy as a companion, confidant and more recently, a caregiver.
As NASA retirement approached Phil designed modifications for incorporation into a new, Romanian-built, one-of-a-kind variation of a Russian airplane. Its purpose was to conduct flight research as a private venture.
His good NASA friend, Dale Bowser, was invaluable in this effort, acting both as an advisor and airplane mechanic. Other NASA friends made significant contributions. Unfortunately, the onset of Phil's terminal illness and the limitations it imposed led to the closing of this venture.
Large family holiday celebrations hosted by nephew David and Jenny Brown of Williamsburg were a particular pleasure and followed a seven-decade-long tradition established by Evelyn. Post-retirement participation in NASA activities, the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society and the Virginia Jaguar Club, as well as the renovating of the family home were enjoyable to Phil.
As disease symptoms worsened and Phil was often confined to the family home, he enjoyed visits from friends and family members and learning new digital photo and video techniques. Caleigh the Westie, Phil's constant companion, was a wonderful therapy animal, as were rescue cats Alley and Cosmo. As an agnostic deist, he awaited death with trepidation but with hope for a peaceful afterlife realm.
In addition to his wife, Phil is survived by children Laura, Peter, Jai, Wynne, Catherine, Mary, Keith and Kelly; step-children Misha and Joshua Derrig; and numerous grandchildren. Two older brothers, John of College Park, Md. and David of Yorktown, also survive.
Doctors Kerbin, Miller, Kersh and Volz provided expert medical treatment and advice as did the Williamsburg Sentara medical staff. Jan provided loving care until his last day.
A time of gathering will be held 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, July 6 at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg. Online condolences can be offered at www.nelsencares.com and www.vagazette.com

Published by Virginia Gazette from Jul. 2 to Aug. 1, 2013.
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We were saddened to hear of Philip's death. Our family enjoyed many good times with Wynne as she was growing up. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.

Catharine Freda and Melissa Freda Jeffrey

July 1, 2014

My love, it has been a little over 8 months since i lost you, and i miss you every single day. I hate being alone and without you, but I picture you with your brothers, mother and pop who preceded you, and i hope our little Alley cat is with you also. Dr Bates promised me you caught her as she went flying by! Caleigh misses you, you were her favorite, and she still sleeps where you normally would beside me each night. I love you, i always will, and my life and journey without you will never be as happy as when you were with me. I miss everything about you and hope you will find me quickly when i join you. You know how much i hate traveling alone! Felipe, i love you madly and miss you more than you could ever know. Hugs and kisses. Jan

March 4, 2014

Phil was a memory beyond compare....Barb and I really did consider it an honor serving him every day @harbour......... Small black and white latte with shaved white and dark chocolate...and a fresh cranberry scone......loved his passion for a myriad things including that wonderful Jaguar.........we celebrate your Life Phil and send Jan our very very best...

John Stein

July 13, 2013

Janet , Deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband from both my mother, Edith, and me. I never had the honor of meeting Phil but he must have been an absolutely amazing and most interesting man. I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Barbara Elliott

July 11, 2013

Jan,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was fortunate to fly with Phil and to learn to be a better pilot from him. He was an inspiration.

Warm regards,
Rick

Rick Shay

July 11, 2013

Jan -
I met Phil in VF-74, the Navy's first F-4 Phantom squadron, when he was a brand new Ltjg and I was a new Lt. Because he was often my wingman, I knew then what a remarkably good avaiator he was. And, he was so likeable and such fun - hey, we knew how to have fun, and I loved his spontaneous laugh and sense of humor. I remember how well he handled dangerous situations and how steady he was when it was important. I really, really liked that man. It was a privilege to know him - take him for all in all, we will not see his likes again.
You have my sincerest respect and regard.
Buz Ausley

July 8, 2013

Phil and I were regulars at Harbour Coffee. We had many wonderful conversations on all sorts of topics. Phil was one of those people you immediately like and with whom you are instantly comfortable. He often joined our little coffee group and we shall all miss his quiet intelligence and his friendly countenance. Here's to a life well lived and generously shared with others.

Ray Alie

July 7, 2013

Family of Phil Brown - We both worked with Phil for many years at NASA. Phil was an excellent, dedicated pilot and engineer as well as a good friend. Our deepest sympathy.
Bill and Sandy Mims
Ormond beach, FL

Bill and Sandy Mims

July 7, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dear Brown family,
John (am ex-navy pilot and NASA engineer)and I knew Phil from NASA days. I worked in the clinic and we all just loved Phil. He was one of the many great pilots we had out there and it was a pleasure to know him, I hope he and John cline are swapping flying stories now. John pulled the ejection lever in December. You have my condolences in the loss of your loved one.
Pam Gebhart-Cline

July 6, 2013

I worked with Phil for over 20 years doing piloted simulation and flight test research. He taught me a lot. Phil was the consummate professional, while being friendly and respectful at the same time. Beyond his technical and piloting expertise, he demonstrated by example how to approach many situations at work and with others. I always valued his opinions and often bounced things off him for advice, but mostly, I will miss his smile, easy manner and friendship. So sorry I was not able to come to the gathering. My condolences to Phil's family.

Jay Brandon

July 6, 2013

To the Brown Family & Friends: I am sorry to hear about Phil. I met him while I worked at the Wellness Center. He definitely was a joy to meet and know. He helped make it easy to show up at work at 6am to meet and greet him and his fellow 6am work out buddies!

Rhonda

July 6, 2013

Mrs. Brown,

I am so sad to hear that Mr. Brown passed away. I will be praying for you and your family during this time. I hope you know you can always count on your extended Walsingham "family" in times of need.

Much love,
Corinne

Corinne Buescher

July 6, 2013

To the Brown Family - You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We knew Phil and Caleigh from visits to the Williamsburg Airport as our daughter, Anna, was learning to fly. They were often there having lunch and visiting. He always had an encouraging word for us all. He will be missed and our hope is that you will be comforted by the many wonderful memories you have as a family. Richard, Ellen and Anna Brown

Ellen MikaBrown

July 6, 2013

To Phil's Family- I met Phil at Kinks, Quirks and Caffeine on a regular basis as we would seem to always arrive at the same time for our coffee or chai. We also enjoyed watching Kaleigh and Zack play together and Kaleigh always got a bite of cookie - or two!! He was a wonderful man and very interesting to talk with. We even talked a little NASA since my husband works there. I am very sorry for your loss but know he is finally without pain. He put up quite a fight!!

Lee Schuster

July 6, 2013

As part of the team that traveled for NASA on many of the research projects, Phil was one of the greatest individuals I had the good fortune to work with, not only on the ground but in the cockpit. His brilliance along with his daring spirit has left me with many fond memories of our flight research adventures and years spent at NASA.

My deepest sympathy to the family Phil cherished so much.

Robert "Bob" Peterson, Sr.

July 6, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the Brown family. I met Mr. Brown at his daughter, Laura's, graduation at Hollins College back in 1984. No words can really take away the pain of the loss that his loved ones feel at present, but please know that friends and family hold you near and dear in their hearts at this most difficult time.

Karen Hufford

July 6, 2013

To the family of Phil…I offer heartfelt condolence for this time of pain. Phil was truly a special man and an exception aviator…he rode some of the best rides ever made. I had the pleasure of working with Phil on many aircraft and projects; we also shared a love for antique cars and photography. Phil will be missed, but I'm sure the lives he's touched with never forget him...thoughts and prayers of comfort for his family.

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Dwight Elliott

July 6, 2013

Ronald Smith

July 6, 2013

I JoNell Smith, am writing for at the request of my husband -Ronald Smith. He cannot do it himself. We send our deepest sympathy to the family. My husband last saw Phil at the "Old Timers" meeting. He enjoyed working with Phil on research Flight tests at NASA. Phil will be missed by many people.

Ronald and JoNell Smith

July 6, 2013

July 6, 2013

To The Brown Family ...
Phil would often join us for coffee at the coffee shop in the morning . ( Caleigh was always with him ) Phil always the gentleman. He will be missed but not forgotten. Thinking of your family.
Blessings

lorri & noel veden

July 6, 2013

Thinking of the family at this sad time and remembering Phil, I got to know Phil by working on his beloved Jaguar XK120 and was lucky enough to meet him at the recent Jaguar event in Richmond and have a chat, a true gentleman and a pleasure to have known and worked for him.
god bless

Paul Moffatt

July 6, 2013

Dear Jan, May you continue to feel the light of his love surround you. Blessings

Liz Thomas, Chaplain

July 5, 2013

Dear Jan,
I am so saddened to hear of Phil's passing. You both were so strong and courageous. My heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family during this time of grief.
Kim

Kim Heiter

July 5, 2013

My dad, Bill Parady, worked with Phil on the F106 project at NASA and enjoyed seeing him regularly at the "old-timers" gatherings. Phil and Lee Persons are a large part of the very fond memories my dad has of working at NASA all those years. In March, in the midst of his battle, Phil took the time to attend my dad's 80th birthday celebration. I cannot express what that meant to us, but particularly to my dad. Phil made him feel very special that day just with his presence. I'm sure that is but a small example of Phil's impact on the people who had the good fortune to know him. We send our deepest condolences to your family.

Tracie Parady

July 5, 2013

Jan, my deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband. I feel as though I know him after reading that astounding obituary. It is easy to see why you valued so much the extra time with him. I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Emmy Hanks

emma hanks

July 5, 2013

Dear Jan,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry I am. Hold on to your memories, and let them guide you during this time of sadness.

Rosa L. James-Alston

July 4, 2013

Dear Jan,
I was saddened to hear of Phil's passing. Phil and I shared an office when he first came to work at NASA Langley Research Center. I had the pleasure of working with him conducting in-flight propeller noise measurements and stall/spin flight research. Phil was more than an exceptional research pilot; he was an excellent engineer, too. He made significant contributions to the planning and preparation of flight experiments and to the analysis of the data collected. Phil was modest about his capabilities and accomplishments, was a great person to have on your research team, was a good friend, and a true gentleman. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.

Paul Stough

July 4, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. I enjoyed the many years of working and flying with him at NASA. We worked on many projects together, and I especially enjoyed the stall-spin program, I was one of the crew chiefs and he was the pilot. We spent a lot of time at Wallops for that program. I remember that saftey was of the utmost importance to Phil when he was in the cockpit.
My thoughts and prayers are with Phil's family during this time of sorrow.

Buddy Burcham

July 4, 2013

Dear Jan,

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers.

Blessings to you all,

Shannon

July 4, 2013

Dear jan,
I am so sorry for your loss...I know you both fought valiantly
...you are in my thoughts and prayers

Cass

July 3, 2013

My sympathies are with the family of Phil,
my friend from VAHS.

Arthur Dorsey

July 3, 2013

Jan,
Nina and I will truly miss Phil and will remember the dinners with the both of you and Bill and Fran Schultz. I had hoped that Phil would have had the Jag at New Kent Winery in September.
I will look for him and his camera.
I know he will be there somewhere.
GBU!

Dick & Nina Pitman

July 2, 2013

Janet, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Janet Hauser

July 2, 2013

CATHERINE,so sorry for your loss.May GOD give you and your family the comfort you need at this time

July 2, 2013

Jan, I extend the sympathies to you and family at your loss on behalf of the Davidson Class of 1962 -- the class with which Phil continued to identify even though he jumped ahead of most of us and earned his degree in 1961. Blessings to all of you, as you now reorient to a world from which Phil himself is now absent but which continues to be enriched by an abundance of good memories. --John Goodman, Class Secretary, Davidson '62

John Goodman

July 2, 2013

Jan, I am so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. He was truly a great friend, an outstanding gentelman, and a super pilot. Memories of our time together at the airport will be with me forever. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Blue Skies,
Buz Rich

Buz Rich

July 2, 2013

Cindy and Wayne Lee

July 1, 2013

Cindy and Wayne Lee

July 1, 2013

Cindy and Wayne Lee

July 1, 2013

To the Brown family - and especially Wynne - putting my arms around you virtually in a giant hug. I have so many happy memories of playing with you all in Newport News and of your wonderful dad. He was such a bright light - and such a great dad. He so clearly adored each of you. My heart goes out to you.

Sarah Welch (Smith)

July 1, 2013

My condolences to the family of Philip W. Brown in the passing of your loved one. May the God of comfort be with you. Ps. 90: 10 Ps. 37; 3, 3. sincerely, E. Mitchell.

July 1, 2013

To one of the strongest women I know- Jan,

It is an honor to call you friend, and in return, I will be here for you every step. You mean the world to so many people. Everlasting condolences to you and yours. Phil was a very successful and blessed man, indeed. Love you!!

Hollie Koob

July 1, 2013

Dear friends and family of Phil Brown:

I was pleased and happy to work with Philon an almost daily basis for 19 years. Then I would see him at many of the hangar functions after he retired. He was a true friend and a great pilot. He will be missed.

Barry Golembiewski

July 1, 2013

Dear Janet,

Saddened to hear about Phil's passing.

Hugs and love to you and your family,

Alice Schafer Franklin

July 1, 2013

We knew Phil from NASA and met Phil's Mother as we stood on the balcony in the Air & Space Center viewing the F-106 he had flown. Phil surely fought the good fight and I believe his experiences thru his medical issues have helped many others. Certainly, his positive attitude had an effect on those who knew him. With heartfelt sympathy to his family and many friends.
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings..." John Magee, High Flight

Elizabeth & Bob Buchan

July 1, 2013

To the Brown family, in particular Wynne. I'm so sorry to have heard about your dad's passing. I only met him once but immediately knew that he was such a great and positive influence on you and quite an admirable man and father. Please know you and your family are in my prayers.

Tammy Christman

July 1, 2013

Dear Jan,
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Your devotion and care for Phil was and is, an example of "true love". You and those Phil loved and held dear are in our thoughts and prayers. May the peace of God be with you all.
Deb, Mark & Luke Yehlen

Deb Yehlen

July 1, 2013

Dear Jan,
Your devotion and care for Phil through his courageous battle was and is, a living example to all of the meaning of "true love". God bless you and those who Phil held dear.
Deb, Mark & Luke Yehlen

Deb Yehlen

July 1, 2013

Dad, I know you are in a better place now, free of the constant pain you endured for so long. You were one of the bravest, kindest, most curious and smartest men that ever lived! Even in your final moments, you were not concerned with your self, but the welfare of all of us. Our last words to each other will be treasured all of my life. I love you!

Catherine Brown Strachan

July 1, 2013

Catherine Brown Strachan

July 1, 2013

Dear Jan,
I am so sorry tp hear of Phil's passing. I so enjoyed my years working with Phil at NASA and will always cherish those memories. I know how devoted the two of you were to each other and am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Cyndi

John Hefner

July 1, 2013

Mrs. Brown,

Your husband was an incredible individual! His contributions to NASA and the world of aviation or nothing short of exceptional!

While I know you'll miss his physical presence, trust that all the rich memories and moments you were blessed to share will never depart.

Also rest assured that you have so many people around you who are eager to stand by you and support you through this difficult time. It is the least we can do for a woman who has so selflessly served her husband and others so gracefully and generously.

Brandon Randall

July 1, 2013

Jan,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Connie, Meredith & Natalie Forbes

July 1, 2013

Dear Jan,
Thank you for the the love and care that you provided Phil under difficult circumstances. He was a brilliant character with a remarkable inner toughness. We will all miss his presence.

Karl Polifka

July 1, 2013

Dear Jan,
Wayne and I are traveling in Gunnison, CO and we have heavy hearts today. Phil was the most exceptional pilot we ever knew. We shared stories last night over a CO beer which Phil would have enjoyed himself! Then we got an ice cream sundae in honor of his sweet tooth inspite of his disciplined eating habits! I remembered a trip Phil, Lee Person, and I made to Mojave, CA with our NASA Learjet and on the way back stopped in Gunnison overnight, what a fun trip and with Phil at the helm we viewed the Grand Canyon in a way few experience. Wayne recalled Phil's methodical way he approached each research flight on so many projects and various aircraft. We both recalled that only Phil had the expertise and courage to fly at night at five feet off the ground when we needed him to do so for an Ag research project at Wallops. We always enjoyed seeing Phil at NASA retirement activities, but especially Old Timers where Phil's photography was always on display. Phil told me once that my Dad, as his Science teacher and an avid amateur photographer, got Phil and his brother interested in photography, which holds a special place for me. Phil also told me his Dad and my Grandfather were best buds in Hampton, so I treasured these tid bits he shared. We both thought that what we will miss most is Phil's warm smile, hearty laugh, and one who always had a kind word for everybody. He will be so missed by his NASA family. Cindy and Wayne

Cindy and Wayne Lee

July 1, 2013

Dear Jan, I was so sorry to hear of Phil's death.No one, in my experience, fought for life more.
I know how devoted you are to him and so admire your loving care and compassion. Please know that you are close to my heart in prayer. Diane

Diane Bialkowski

July 1, 2013

You will be missed by many.

Kelly Brown

July 1, 2013

Dear Janet,
Cynthia and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Philip. I will always remember the smile you shared when we were first introduced to him.
Always remember the joy that the two of you shared.
Please know that we are thinking of you and your family.
Blessings,

Mike & Cynthia Evans
Yorktown, Va.

July 1, 2013

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