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Phillip Anderson Obituary
September 15, 1945 - July 15, 2025
Olympia, Washington - Phillip John Anderson, Jr. passed away on July 15, 2025 at his home.
He was born September 15, 1945 to Philip and Vera (Schulz) Anderson at Fort McClellan, Alabama.
Phil served in the Green Berets during the Vietnam War.
He is a graduate of Central Washington University (Social Science), The Evergreen State College (Liberal Arts), and Saint Martin's University (Master of Arts in Counseling).
In 1986 he was employed at the Olympia Community Recreation Center where he remained until his retirement.
Phil will be remembered by his friends and family for his sense of humor, his gift of story-telling, his love of learning, his ability to accept anyone on their own terms for who they are, and his love of his mother's lemon meringue pie.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary.
Phil is survived by his brother, Mark Anderson, and his niece, Alexandra, both of Sydney, Australia. He is also survived by his cousins Cathy Kirlin and Colleen Allender, both of Lacey, Jeff and Rebeca Allender and Mark Allender all of Seattle, and his long-time good friends Steff and Yarrow Beck of Olympia as well as many others.
A memorial gathering will be held on August 24th in Burfoot Park, 4 p.m., to celebrate Phil's life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Anderson
4 Entries
Terry McMillan
August 25, 2025
I always enjoyed talking with Phil at the olympia center , great guy !
Dan Hart
August 24, 2025
Phil was a very good friend of mine he will be missed very much we work together at the Olympia center and put up with the crap. From our so-called superiors but we survived.
Jane Boubel
August 17, 2025
Phil was a dedicated public servant and employee of the Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Department for the City of Olympia. He extended kindness and respect to all whom he worked with and participated in the programs offered. He received the respect because he gave it. Blessings and thoughts to his family and friends.
Soos Watts Day
August 17, 2025
I remember Phil fondly from our years at North Thurston. He was a kind and friendly person. I wish I had known he remained in Olympia all these years. May he rest in Peace.
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