John Rowe Philp

John Rowe Philp, a pioneering public health officer in California and devoted father to five children, has died after 96 extraordinary years of life and service. He leaves behind family and friends who have been enriched by his wisdom, wit and caring. Raised in Pasadena, he attended UC Berkeley for his bachelor's degree and UC San Francisco for his Doctor of Medicine. In World War II he served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, mostly in the Atlantic theater, commanding a hospital ship platoon. After WW II, he received a Master's in Public Health from Harvard University before returning to California. He pioneered public health in rural counties, founding health departments in Merced and Butte counties. After ten years at the state level, he was Health Commissioner in New York City and Kansas City before returning to Orange County in 1967 and then San Diego County in 1976. He was instrumental in writing legislation defining the role of paramedics and authorizing them to practice independently. In his retirement he participated in civic and political activities, including chairmanship of AARP's State Legislative Committee. Married to Suzanne Wootton in 1943, Philp had three daughters - Mary Sue, Victoria and Margaret. From 1958 until his passing he was married to Nell Farr; they had two sons - Laurence and Thomas. His family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and friends were all drawn to his wry wit, human candor and infectious twinkle. He had a full life to the end, Bingo on Fridays and attentive care by his wife and family. A stroke finally silenced his lungs and heart on January 30. His spirit and legacy of service live on. His family, which will celebrate his life in a private gathering, suggests that any contributions be made in his honor to a charity of your choice or the Elk Grove Senior Center, 8830 Sharkey Ave, Elk Grove, CA 95624.