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BORN
1931
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
2205 East Millbrook Road
Raleigh, North Carolina
Philip Rees Obituary
October 19, 1931 - May 1, 2023
Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Philip Adrian Rees, beloved husband and father, died on May 1, 2023, after a short illness.
Born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on October 19, 1931, Phil was the son of Thomas Hugh Rees and Winifred Flatman Rees. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950, then majored in Art at Denison University, graduating in 1954. He received an M.S. in Library Science from Western Reserve University. He worked as a librarian for institutions in New York.
In NYC he met Margaret (Peg) Stamm and they began a long courtship. They married in 1970 and she joined him in Chapel Hill where he was the Art Librarian at UNC.
Peg and Phil were members of The Chapel of the Cross where he served as the conservator of the chapel.
Their son David was born in 1972 and Peter was born in 1977. Phil delighted in sharing his love of art, nature, and poetry with his family.
Retiring in 1998 he devoted more time to his interests: book collecting, bookcase construction, American art and architecture, gardening, and travel. Phil was a dedicated volunteer at Habitat for Humanity.
Peg and Phil moved to Carol Woods in 2014. For many years Phil led the Carol Woods Saturday walking group, putting his love of nature, wildflowers, and local hiking to good use.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Peg) Stamm Rees; sons David and Peter; daughter-in-law Alaina Rose Lawson; and grandson James Philip Rees.
His funeral will be held at The Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, on Saturday, May 20th at 11am. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phil's honor to St. James Episcopal Church, Manitowoc, WI; The Chapel of the Cross; or Habitat for Humanity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Rees
Sponsored by Cremation Society of the Carolinas/Capital Funeral Home - Raleigh.
Gretchen Jordan
May 10, 2023
So sad to read this news. What a fine, delighful man Phil was. Always a smile for me. Recall an early morning visit with you both sitting around the table with newspapers being read upon my arrival. I have no idea why I was visiting but remember the big window looking out on nature. Condolences to you, Peg.
Stephanie Yost
May 9, 2023
I am so sorry to hear the news about Phil! He will be missed by many. God rest his soul.
Dale Farran
May 8, 2023
I am part of Phil's Saturday morning hiking group. He hiked with us well into March and will be missed more than we can say. He demonstrated an insatiable zest for the outside, often veering off the trail to look at a peculiar flower or tree, or especially a fungi, to poke a nest so that hundreds of white winged creatures came out or, to the alarm of us all, to stick his walking stick into an opening to see who might live there. He was the model to which we all aspired.
Susan Crsig
May 8, 2023
Phil and I always connected at the ARLIS/NA Conferences to talk basketball (I´m from KU). One year, after the conference, I received a sympathy card from Phil simply signed with his name. I thought it might be a mistake until I remembered that KU had just lost a Final Four game and this was his subtle (maybe not sincere) reminder. I miss his sense of humor and collegiality.
Susan Craig
Cynthia Baker
May 8, 2023
I enjoyed working with Phil in the University Library system when I managed donated books. I enjoyed running into him as he enjoyed retirement. I remember his kindness and respect.
Sara Mack
May 6, 2023
Wonderful hikes with Phil and, if we were lucky, with Peg. I occasionally became slightly impatient to get on with a hike, while Phil was examining yet another wildflower! I will not forget him and his love for nature. Sara.
Marian Cranford
May 5, 2023
Peg,
I'm was shocked this morning to learn of Phil's death. I know your pain and sorrow. Please know that I am thinking of you as you enter a new phase of your life without Phil. You two just went together like bread and butter! Much love to you! Marian
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Memorial Events
for Philip Rees
Funeral services provided by:
Cremation Society of the Carolinas/Capital Funeral Home - Raleigh2205 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27604
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