Nathan Phillips

1958 - 2016

Nathan Kenneth Phillips, 57, passed away March 28, 2016 in Loveland, Colorado. He was born in Tokyo, Japan on May 29, 1958 to Reverend George and Lorraine Phillips, missionaries to Japan. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and eldest sister (Nadeen Phillips). He is survived by his sisters Pauline Goodrich and husband Alan; Nancy Goodrich-Cooley and husband Ray; nephew Matthew Goodrich and wife Jeni; nieces Heather McCloskey and husband Craig; Samantha Cooley; grand nephew Joshua Goodrich and grand nieces Lilliana and Molly Goodrich. Nathan attended Christian Academy Japan (CAJ) where he enjoyed wrestling and basketball. After high school, he attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Nathan enjoyed playing all types of guitars (6 string, 12 string, and electric), and he traveled with Journey and Mark Knopfler on their music tours. His music knowledge was extensive; if we sang him a tune, he identified the artist and lyrics accurately. After the music business, he worked as an over-the-road truck driver who had an exceptional driving record. He logged over 1 million miles without any accidents or tickets. Nathan appreciated all different kinds of music and had a vast music library. Nathan brought life, laughter, and warmth to any situation. He loved to play trivia with his team, Dead Stars on a Date (Natalie Wood and Elvis Presley were on their trivia team T-shirts). Throughout his life, Nathan could be found listening to good music, kicking back with friends, mulling the political scene and cracking jokes. He was a natural story teller who always nailed the punch line. On one such occasion, Nathan was entertaining his family at a breakfast restaurant with a hilarious story. When he got to the punch line, many people were laughing out loud—one man was laughing so hard he shot milk out of his nose! When you became friends with Nathan, you made a lifelong friend. His quick wit was warming, welcoming, and always funny. No matter whether things were good or bad, he had a smile and made the best of it. Rather than a formal funeral service, Nathan wanted his family and friends to enjoy his memories with good music, food, drinks, and laughter. Graveside services will be held at Roselawn Cemetery in Ft. Collins, CO on Monday, April 4, 2016 at 3:00 P.M. A reception will follow the interment at the Viegut Reception Center in Loveland from 4-6pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nathan Phillips Memorial Fund in care of Viegut Funeral Home. Go to www.viegutfuneralhome.com for on-line condolences.