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Philip Leberknight Obituary
LONG BEACH, Calif. - Philip K. Leberknight, 83, died Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at Community Hospital of Long Beach.
Philip was born July 5, 1928, in Brookings, S.D., the son of Kenneth and Helen (Lievan) Leberknight. He grew up in Rapid City, S.D. with his five brothers and sisters. He married Ilene M. Taylor on Nov. 28, 1952, and they continued to reside in Rapid City where Philip worked for Western Airlines. After the birth of their four children, they moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where he continued to work for Western. In 1966, Philip was transferred to Los Angeles, where he and Ilene were very involved in their church and charity work. In 1987, Philip retired from the airlines, and he and Ilene moved to Cathedral City, where he continued to work in the travel industry. During retirement, Philip and Ilene enjoyed many years filled with travel and continued to be involved in their church. They also volunteered at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Hospital of Palm Springs.
Survivors include his daughter, Karen LaPointe, Long Beach; his daughter, PJ Wolfgang and her husband Randy, Lakewood; son, Randy Leberknight and his wife Mariana, and daughter, Peggy Leberknight, Long Beach; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Philip is also survived by his brother, James "Jim" Leberknight and his wife Mary, Idaho Falls, Idaho; sister, Fern Marlow, Tacoma, Wash.; sister, Doris Macdonald, and brother, Wayne Leberknight and his wife Alice, Rapid City; and brother, Gary Leberknight, Camarillo.
Funeral Services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at St. Cross Episcopal Church, Hermosa Beach, Calif., 90524, with the Rev. David Erickson officiating. The columbarium interment will follow immediately at the church.
A Memorial has been established for the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Hospital of Palm Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to 1180 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, Calif., 92262. ATTN: Mickey Shepard. (Please include a note that it is to be used for "Research and Development for the Cancer Center".)
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Leberknight
Alicia Alava
April 2, 2021
Phil was my supervisor W.A.L. He was fair, compassionate and a joy to work with. R.I.P.
Judy Whitson Riley
April 19, 2012
We worked together from 1961-1081; and Phil was always there to help solve a problem. Phil, you are in a better place. Rest easy.
Carolyn Rak
April 18, 2012
I worked with Phil at Western Airlines in Los Angeles. He was a tremendous asset to the company. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Bob Schottle
April 17, 2012
Phil and I worked together at Western Airlines in Los Angeles from 1967 to 1987. He was wonderful to be with and so supportive in solving mutual problems at work. My sympathies to his family and many friends.
Rainer Siegert
April 16, 2012
Hello Phil, we all will follow you soon. I had the pleasure working with you, hackling over groups and tour wholesalers for a few years until Delta took us away. You were a great person and fun to be with. Take care.
Harold Achtziger
April 16, 2012
In worked with Phil at Western Airlines
Harold Achtziger
Carol DuFrene
April 16, 2012
I was sorry to hear of Phil's passing. He was my boss during our last years at Western Airlines (Group Control). He was a good person to work with..always upbeat and full of energy.
Lou Budler
April 13, 2012
I worked with Phil at Western Airlines reservations in LAX from 1977-1980. He was a pleasure to worh with and the ultimate professional.
Lou Budler, Villa Hills, Ky
April 12, 2012
Dear Leberknight Family,
I had the honor of working along side Phil from 1966 thru 1985 at Western Airlines. Some of the time by phone and from 1970 right next door or across the way. He had an energetic spirit and inspiring work ethic.
When he spoke of his off airline time it was a solid feeling of working hard with and for his wife and childrens activities and achievements.
His energy and spirit were always an inspiration to me and others.
Michael Becker
Western Airlines 1965-1985
Doug Neely
April 11, 2012
Great working with him. Last Time I Phil was with "relaxed birds". Western /Northwest and Delta retirees, at the Proud Bird. We pray for the happy repose of his soul. Doug Neely
April 11, 2012
My sympathy to the family on the passing of Phil. I worked with Phil at Western airlines. He was a kind person. Annie c. Wilson
Pat Palyo
April 11, 2012
So sorry to hear of Phil's passing. He was an excellent instructor in our recurrent training classes for LAX RES.
He had the patience of Job, to drill us over and over to learn to construct the Hawaiian fares with the imaginary line. Phil was always pleasant and never lost his cool.
April 11, 2012
It was always a pleasure working for Phil on the group desk, car-pooling and laughing off some of the stresses, Norma Gibson Evans, Chehalis WA
Rosie Wright-Strange
April 10, 2012
So sorry to hear about Phil. He was wonderful to work with and always full of engery. Worked with him in LAX.
April 10, 2012
Sorry to hear about Phil's passing. He worked for me and was an asset to Western Airlines. He was a great guy and a tireless worker.
Andy Broda - LAXRC & LAXRR
April 10, 2012
Our sincere condolences. I remember Phil from our years at Western Airlines. He was a good man.
Bernie Cowan McCarthy
April 10, 2012
Sorry to hear of Phil's passing. He was the best to work with and was a real asset to Western Airlines. Jim Watson (Western Airlines/LAX)
Jocelyn Hooley Gideon
April 10, 2012
So sorry to learn of Phi's passing. I worked with Phil for rmany years at Western/Delta and have happy memories of that time.
Stan and Norma Keys
April 8, 2012
Peggy and all the family.
We were sorry to read in the Journal of Phil's
passing. We were good friends back in the
50's in Rapid City. We had not talked to him
but kept in touch through John and Phyllis Skurla
from Anchorage, AK. Blessings to all of you.
Stan and Norma Keys, Rapid City
Nancy Brooks
April 8, 2012
Doris and family....we are so sorry to hear of your brother's death. I did not know Phil, but I know he was charished among his family and will be dearly missed. May God Bless you at this time.
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