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John Phillips Obituary
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JOHN WILLIAM PHILLIPS John William Phillips, age 69, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2010 in the Vitas Hospice Unit at Columbia Hospital in West Palm Beach, FL where he lived for many years. The cause of death was complications from pneumonia. John was an avid world sailor, traveler and his passion was the sea. John graduated from University School in Shaker Heights, OH and The College of William & Mary. He continued his education at the Sorbonne and the University of Grenoble, France. He was the only son of William B. and Ruth Sankey Phillips of Cleveland Heights, OH and San Diego, CA. Both pre-deceased him. John is survived by his only sister, Judy, and her spouse, John F. Pilch, of San Diego, CA. Per his wishes, he is to be cremated and his ashes scattered at sea. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries
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Memories and Condolences
for John Phillips
Ann Alexander Poist
April 30, 2011
My husband and I have known John since the early seventies in Washington. John and Bill shared a love of sailig and the sea. He and Bill sailed a together numerous times both in the Bay and out of John's beloved West Palm Beach. We remember him at the Vietnam War protests in DC, sailing on the Bay, our weekend at the "Tilting" Hilton in Annapolis for Chuck's farewell to DC...the frozen shrimp....sailing with 6 people and 5 of us were Geminis and the only thorn in the group was John's date who was not a Gemini. The first person I knew to say the f-word in public way back then and also the first to say to a full-time job....take this job and shove it! He did and went and did what he wanted to....to be close to the sea and the boats he loved.
We was a unique individual, cantankerous, obstinate and opinionated but brilliant and very kind hearted. Will miss him and his late night phone calls.
Ann and Bill
Beauty
December 31, 2010
My heart is broken...I loved him madly and I will miss him so much...for a long time.
Renad
December 30, 2010
The world has lost a unique and adventurous man. My memories of him are vivid and delightful. He enveloped me in his presence and led me with him to whatever fun was waiting to be found. My parents adored him and I cherished his intelligence, humor, optimism, spontaneity, and resourcefulness. From parties in Cleveland to sailing in Chesapeake Bay and visits to Georgetown, I’ll always remember his heart-warming hugs and glorious smile. John Phillips lived the life he chose and he was always true to himself.
John F. Pilch
December 28, 2010
My brother-in-law John saw things in a different light, but was a positive person, who enjoyed life,especially being at sea.His health was fine, until October 2010, when he suffered another heart attack and contracted pneumonia, which led to his passing. John's remains arrived in San Diego on 12-27. His sister (my spouse) Judy and I will carry out his wish to be scattered at sea.
Botticelli
December 28, 2010
Captain, My Captain...
With the exception of the part about smuggling and running grass, Mr. Buffet must have written "A Pirate Looks at Forty" about you. I learned all I know about boats from you and I am forever grateful. You taught me Captain Bligh was right! My heart aches thinking about what your last month in this world must have been like. I wish that our paths had crossed (so close but yet so far!) so we could have shown you compassion, comfort and love. You will always hold a place in my heart and in my head...
Your Bot
December 27, 2010
John was a part of my growing up years....I will always remember the laughs
December 27, 2010
i knew captain john for 35 years,we were good friends . he was a unique person and heard a different drummer.we traveled to italy together in 2004 .we both loved the arts,when we went to see the statue of david,john knew this was my dream. as soon as i saw david tears came to my eyes and i said i saw david! john looked at me and said "and he saw you" it was a moment i shall never forget until john and i meet on the other side. i will miss my friend. diane bates
December 26, 2010
I must go down to the sea again to the lonely sea and the sky. Had some good times with John onboard Lands End and various establishments around town. He was a truly unique individual whose heart was pure. Bob Wilson
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