Phillip Walden Kooken

I am so sad and heartbroken to find out that my dear friend Phil has passed. I hope this message reaches his sister Kayda Kooken.

Phillip had become a good friend over the last ten years or so. I first knew him as a student at Battle Ground High School when I was teaching there. Many years passed before our paths crossed again. When they did, I learned that Phillip was one of the kindest and most generous people that I knew. Over the years he shared firewood, books, lumber, a tree house, and his thoughts. My most recent visit with him was when he came to my home to give my wife and me two buckets of Italian prunes...

I knew Phil from High School Track and Cross Country. A great guy.

I knew of Philip through his his parents Dave and Bette. I was in highschool and his parents were my teachers. I am about 10 years older than he and didnt really talk with him until years later at my sister, Bonnie Kookens funeral. He came over and introduces himself and we had a nice chat. He told me he was wondering if I was still singing. He had remembered me all these years as Meg in Brigadoon .. I was so surprized he would remember. Very sweet , gentle man.