Philip James LaPlante

I recently spoke with Sharon Goergen.
She went to X-ray school with Phil and worked with him.
We had a great time reminiscing about how Phil was very intelligent,kind and helpful to everyone during his Mayo career.
Phil liked to frequent Hunt's drug store.
Many times in evenings I would stop in to shop and he would be waiting for someone he gave a ride too.
We would visit briefly and it was always a great history lesson.
He knew the Mayo legacy and the nooks and crannies of Mayowood.
One visit Phil talked about the root cellar and how ice was cut in blocks off the pond to keep the cellar cold.
Phil said,"I went to a Halloween party in the tunnel that connects Mayowood to the Teahouse. It was creepy."
He also spoke about Charles Lindbergh being a frequent guest at Mayowood.
Great stories from a real historian.
J

I met Phil Fifty years ago working at Mayo Clinic.
He was a kind,caring,hard working,dedicated employee and friend to all.
Phil always had a smile and a positive word no matter the weather or chaos of a busy day.
You could depend on Phil to have that extra hand reaching out with a brush to help clean snow off of your car windows after an overtime shift or a push for your vehicle when you spun your tires too much.
When you mentioned Phil there were the words,"He is a great guy! You can always count on him to be there "
His smile was a panacea.
No matter where you saw him,he was always interested in your life,listening like you were the best part of his afternoon.
Phil cared for his aging mother with Alzheimer's which can be very demanding and stressful.
On Saturdays his dearly loved brother Mike would give Phil a break and stay with mom so Phil could counsel the "younger generation" at the Mall.
He had a bench waiting and many fans who looked forward to his listening to their challenges of daily living.
Phil was the Saturday Santa Claus at the mall.
I went to the mall and spoke to Phil about my cancer surgery and he shared his survival stories with words of faith and hope.
He said,"Come sit down next to me and we can talk and pray."
Phil often spoke about Mike,Chris and their amazing children.
He looked forward to the home cooked holiday dinners that were delivered to his home.
As I write this I see his smile and feel his Grace and hope Heaven has a Subway sandwich shop.
Jane Komidor