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BORN
1942
DIED
2012
PHILLIP BURRESS Obituary
After high school, Phil attended Skagit Valley College before serving voluntarily in the National Guard as a military police officer and a cook. He worked as a paperboy, mechanic, bartender, handyman, truck driver, at a tire shop, owned a tavern and a service station, raced at Skagit Speedway, and oversaw the equipment yards of three different construction companies.
At age 63, he retired from Anthony Construction after 30 years of service. His long career of working hard to support his family often included doing multiple jobs.
He was a father and friend to everyone he met, his good nature changed the lives of hundreds of people. From fixing cars to helping people move, Phil always took care of others first. At times it seemed like his least favorite word was "no". Yet, despite the heavy burden he shouldered, Phil always took time to make sure everyone around him was happy. He lived this way even in his last days, joking with nurses and letting everyone know that everything would be okay. Phil will be greatly missed by countless neighbors, co-workers, relatives and friends.
Phil is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Nancy, his sons Rob, Don and Tom, his daughter Suzy, granddaughter Luci and daughter-in-law Shelley and his mother, Ruth to which he was a devoted son. He is also survived by brother Ron Burress of Vancouver, WA; sister Cindy Wood of Las Vegas, NV, brothers and sister in-laws include Stan Wood of Las Vegas, Jon and Elisa Rogers of Bow, Steve and Lynne Rogers of Mt. Vernon, Carolyn and Bud Russell of Bow. Unofficial adopted children, cousins, nieces, nephews, and his dear friends are too numerous to list.
A potluck celebration of Phil's life will be held at the Mount Vernon Senior Center on April 14th at 1pm. The family requests that you bring a story to share with those gathered. Please visit www.phil-burress.com for more information.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phil's memory to The Colon Cancer Alliance at www.ccalliance.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for PHILLIP BURRESS
Dennis Thompson
April 5, 2021
I still think of Phil quite often. There was no one else like him. I was blessed to have known Phil, and to have worked with him at his Texaco Station when I lived over there years ago..............
Renee Mayhew-Ellestad
April 14, 2012
Ruth, I am so sorry to hear about your son. You are in my prayers
Mary-Anne Affleck
April 12, 2012
Sandy touched the lives of his Canadian family, as he did so many others. We are thankful our Mother, Margaret, married Sandy's Uncle, Herschel. Our family is richer for having known the Burris clan.
Wayne Snowden
April 10, 2012
A great High School classmate and a very good freind. Gail and I will miss you greatly. Deepest sympathy to the entire family.....
Bob Fuda
April 9, 2012
I just found out about the passing of Phil today from a former co worker from our days at the Massart Company. Phil was a great co worker and friend and I'm sure will be missed by many people, me included God Bless!
Jay and Becky May
April 8, 2012
We have been so blessed to have Phil in our lives. He was always willing to help out or just listen. He gave us strength and support to go on when times were very difficult. Thank you for sharing Phil with us. Gone, but never forgotten.
Dennis Thompson
April 7, 2012
Tough news to hear. All my Best to Phil's family. I worked a second job for Phil at, "Phil's Texco," in my early years at the telephone company. Great man, nice to be around, but stood his ground for what he believed in. Ruth is a great lady too. I sent a tidbit over to phil-burress.com. Phil will be in my thoughts always. Dennis Blake Thompson
Bonnie de Vera
April 7, 2012
To Phil: 0ne of the dearest, most generous men I've ever known. You will be remembered always for what you have meant to our family. Bless you dear soul.
To Nancy: A good and strong friend. Rest and heal now and don't expect too much of yourself. We all have you and your family in our thoughts and in our hearts.
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