Phillip Phythian

1934 - 2025

Phillip Phythian
02/26/1934 - 06/22/2025
Phillip D. Phythian, Sr. died June 22, 2025 at the age of 91. He was born February 26,1934 in Billings, MT to Bertha and Fred Phythian.
Phillip earned a BS degree from Washington State University in Mechanical Engineering in 1956. He was accepted to Navy Officers Candidate School in Newport, RI and served three years on the USS Scanner out of Treasure Island. He earned an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 1962.
Phillip married Ann Fairall Cooper in 1959. They settled in Mill Valley to raise their family. This marriage ended in divorce. Phillip married Ann Elizabeth Hardham in 1992.
Phillip began his working career in management roles at Calaveras Cement, Memorex Corporation, Westco Pump, and the Lawrence National Laboratories in Livermore and Berkeley, CA as Chief Budget Officer. He co-founded and briefly ran RAM Lighting.
Phillip took up running in the late 1970s and was a competitive runner until shortly before he died, running 28 marathons, 30 Dipseas, and countless road and cross country races.
Phillip had lifelong interests in opera, literature, camping, trout fishing, and travel. He introduced his family to his favorite mountains, lakes, and streams while visiting relatives throughout the western states. He and Ann took many trips to Europe, including Russia, and enjoyed backpacking, summiting Mt. Whitney in one day.
Phillip is survived by his wife, Ann Elizabeth Hardham, sister, Bamby Roberts, three children, Phillip Douglas Phythian, Jr., Charles Beaumont Phythian, and Elizabeth Phythian Dorfman, and grandchildren, Samuel Dorfman, Joshua Phythian, Isaac Dorfman, and Arthur Phythian.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Marin Agricultural Land Trust, California Academy of Sciences, or Médecins Sans Frontières.