Cameron Phillips, 75

Cameron Lee Phillips, 75, died peacefully April 23 in his home in Tucson, Ariz. following an illness.

Cam was born June 21, 1948, in East Lansing, Mich., to Robert and Patricia Phillips. He graduated in 1970 from Michigan State University, where he played in the jazz band. After college, he moved to Vail, Colo. where he played the drums with the Roger Carr Trio at the Vail Village Inn. Between sets, he fell in love with a waitress, Sara, and they married May 4, 1974. The young couple returned to Michigan, where he earned a law degree at Thomas Cooley Law School and they welcomed their first child.

In 1978, they moved to Coeur d'Alene, where Cam began practicing law, first at the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and later, in private practice which he would lead for more than 40 years. Cam and Sara had four children: Emily Heffter (Matt Gouras), of Seattle; Robert Phillips (Melissa Phillips), of Park City, Utah; Charles Phillips (Alisha Wolf), of Baltimore; and Laura Jensen (Stephen Jensen), of Tucson, Ariz.

Besides his wife and children, Cam is survived by eight grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Phillips.

Cam adored and admired his wife, and they worked together at the law office until their retirement in 2020. Cam's work as a lawyer impacted myriad lives in Coeur d'Alene, and he was known for the empathy and compassion he showed anyone who came to his small office for help.

He was a tremendous father and loved most of all to be at the lake with his family, spending summers at the family cabin on Priest Lake, teaching his kids to boat, waterski and fish. He was a gifted jazz musician, and played in the North Idaho College jazz ensemble in addition to filling his home with music daily, playing the piano by ear and ensuring his kids could find two and four before they could talk. He refused to conform to expectations for the timing of jokes; like any well-trained drummer, he "played the rests," even if that meant a moment of awkward silence.

Cam cherished being at the wheel of his boat, surrounded by his family as he piloted a cocktail cruise through the last pocket of sunshine before the end of a summer day. He will be deeply missed and richly remembered.

Please join us for a celebration of Cam's life Saturday, June 29 from 4-7 PM at Vantage Point Brewery, 208 E Coeur D'Alene Lake Dr. in Coeur D'Alene.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Coeur d'Alene / Post Falls Press from May 5 to May 7, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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7 Entries

Steve and Bev Moss

Planted Trees

Daniel C Doughty

May 19, 2024

We just heard about Cams passing, from Karl and Cheri. Please accept our family's condolences for your loss.

The Doughtys

Cricket Pierce

May 6, 2024

I was so fortunate to get together with Cam and Sara several times as we live in the same town. We met several times for a beer to give him the updates of our many class reunions. Looking forward to meeting more of his family and friends at his SOF at our new brewery June 29. Cricket Pierce

Tom Derengoski

May 6, 2024

As close friends in high school I remember fondly many special times with Cam. His wit and warm demeanor made him well-liked by all his classmates. He drove an ancient Willys Jeep that he could not totally fill because of a hole in the gas tank. His support and encouragement helped others, including me, to gain confidence. Though we lost touch over the years I recall often the laughter we shared and the crazy stuff you do as young people. Sympathy to all of Cam's family and appreciation for the times we shared long ago.

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Judy and Bob

May 5, 2024

So sorry to hear of Cams passing. We all went to high school together. We have wonderful memories of Cam: His soft spoken ways, his love for music, and his wit. RIP Cam. Play on in the great beyond-fondly, Bob and Judy

Janet Aubry

May 5, 2024

I loved the wonderful obituary about Cam Phillips. He was a great guy back in high school and it was really nice to read about his wonderful life, family and legacy. My heartfelt condolences to his family on your loss. Janet Aubry

Tom Jury

May 4, 2024

News of Cam's passing has made it's way back to East Lansing Michigan. I attended High School with Cam (Class of 66) where we both played in the band. Nothing but good memories of Cam. His dedication to music set him apart from most in the band. His talent was well known. The smiling face I see in the obituary picture is how I remember him from those younger years. Rest in Peace Cam. You left a shining legacy here.

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