Stephen J. "Tyke" Phillips

Whitehall Stephen J. "Tyke" Phillips, 85, of Lower Bellamy Street, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008, at Glens Falls Hospital, following a brief illness. Born in Poultney, Vt., on Nov. 9, 1922, he was the son of the late John and Rosalia Phillips. He moved to Whitehall at the age of 18 to be with the love of his life, his wife, Elizabeth "Buddy" DeLorme, to whom he was married for 55 years. She predeceased him in 1997. He worked for Hadeka Slate for 30 years until disability forced his retirement in 1970. He opened Tyke's Bait Shop that same year, which he named for his only adopted child. What started out as a hobby became a favorite establishment among fishermen. The gathering place to be was Tyke's Bait on any given day in the winter. They could stop in for a cup of coffee and to find out where the hot spots were. Most importantly, Steve wanted his fishermen to stop on their way back from fishing so that he knew they were safe. Often times he would keep the shop open late until the one lone holdout made his way off the ice. On the first Sunday in March in 1977, Steve started what became known as "Tyke's Kids' Fishing Derby." Kids were allowed to have a day on the ice to eat, fish and have fun with their parents and friends while all expenses were taken care of by Steve. He once said that TYKES stood for "treat young kids extra special" and that's what he did all his life. He celebrated his 30th year of his kid's derby last year. He is survived by his son, Stephen A. Phillips of Whitehall, a sister, Frances Forrester of Hollis, N.H., and a brother, John Phillips and his wife, Shirley, of Clovis, N.M., and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call at the Jillson Funeral Home, Inc., 46 Williams St., Whitehall, on Monday, Jan. 28, 2008, from 10 a.m. to noon, at which time there will be a prayer service conducted by the Rev. Roberta Proper. Following the prayer service, family and friends are invited to a reception at the Bay View Gardens (aka Mackies) in South Bay for a time of fellowship and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation in Steve's name to the Skenesborough Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 333, Whitehall, NY 12887.