June 9, 1943 — March 7, 2024
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On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Tim told us goodbye. As one can imagine, our hearts are broken. But we are so thankful that he is now free to golf as he wishes, walk the course with his beloved dog, Connor, and take those road trips to Smith Ridge in “Ol Black,” his beautiful 1970 Chevy truck when he feels so inclined.
Tim was born on June 9, 1943, in Moscow, to Georgia and Archie Phillips. He loved living in Moscow and cherished the opportunities it gave to him and his family. Tim married LeAnn Lawton and together they produced two beautiful children, Robyn Lee Phillips and John Lawton Phillips. This past September, they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
Tim spent many years traveling for his work as a Union Journeyman plumber/pipefitter and later worked at Washington State University until his retirement. The beautiful Clearwater National Forest, the golf courses in the Moscow/Pullman and Lewiston/Clarkston areas, and Lake Coeur d’Alene held a special place in his heart. Tim loved to go with his close friends, Gary Nearing and Allen Smith, to cut wood and hunt throughout the national forest. He always found the wood to cut, but not necessarily the big game to bring home. That mattered little to him as just being in the mountains with his friends and family was enough. When he was not in the mountains, the Phillips family spent many weekends at the Lawton family cabin on Lake Coeur d’Alene where the kids learned to swim and Tim perfected his water skiing skills. He was fond of sharing the lake experience with others. When he managed to get his dear friend, Tom Whitson, up to the lake he felt a sense of accomplishment. The lake, boating, bonfires, fishing — the whole spectrum — boyhood friends being together. He loved that.
During this time, Tim also found “Golf.” First with Robyn and then with John, while LeAnn happily left the golfing to the three of them. On the weekends they would be found on the golf course in the early hours of daylight, with the promise of pancakes after the round was done. Once the kids were off on their own life adventures, Tim formed his own group of golfing friends and it was not surprising at all to see him put in a few holes of golf before driving to work at WSU, then ending his day, again, on the golf course driving range.
Upon retirement, Tim and LeAnn moved to Clarkston. He was so happy that he now had three more golf courses to choose from. He joined the famous “Grumpies” golf troupe at Quail Ridge Golf Course and was ecstatic. Not only was he golfing amongst a group of real golf lovers, they were pretty darn good golfers. In the valley, it was expected one could golf most every day. He tried. Snow might be an obstacle but not much else.
Tim is survived by his wife, LeAnn Lawton Phillips, at their home; his daughter, Robyn Lee Phillips, Salt Lake City; his son John Lawton Phillips and grandchildren, Kailey Lawton Phillips and Jace Alexander Phillips, all of San Diego. He also leaves behind his sister, Peggy Rae Bunnell, of Fountain Valley, Calif.; his brother-in-law, Richard Koster of Moscow; sister-in-law, Jacqueline L. Courtney of Elk, Wash.; nieces Laura L. Koster, Moscow; Lisa Rae Canale, Santa Maria, Calif.; Kelli Howrey, Norman, Okla.; and nephews Eric Courtney IV, Selah, Wash., and Adam Courtney, Spokane.
A special word of thanks to another of Tim’s golf partners, Jack Fuqua, who has been a tremendous and steadfast golfing partner these past many years. His friendship will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, June 9, on what would be Tim’s 81st birthday. Merchant Funeral Home of Clarkston will be in charge of arrangements.
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2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
