Robert 'Bob' Earl Phillips Sr.

June 10, 1946 ~ February 18, 2014
March 12, 2014
Robert “Bob” Earl Phillips Sr. passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at his home near Moyie Springs.

Bob was born on June 10, 1946, in Ontonagon, Michigan. He graduated high school in Kellogg, Idaho, and shortly after he joined the Marines and was sent to Vietnam.

On July 19, 1965, at the age of 19, Bob took several rounds to the head, leaving him blind.

Bob died peacefully in his sleep at his home.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Phillips; brothers Glenn Phillips and David Phillips; sisters Christine Dezell and Cyndie Brownowski; children Terresa Phillips, Roberta Svenonius and her husband Eric, Robert Earl Phillips Jr., Rebecca Phillips and Rachel Steele and her husband Steven. He is also survived by his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Dorothy Phillips, and brother Dennis Phillips.

He lived a good long life, one of the strongest men many of us have ever known. Bob was a Vietnam Vet who fought a long hard battle up until the time of his death. He was an inspiration to many people, including his children.
He was a Marine who served with pride and skill and earned a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal in the process of losing his eyesight.

He did not let anything ever stop him from doing what he wanted. No matter the faults of his children, he always loved and cared for them. Bob was an Amateur Radio operator, member of local radio clubs, and was always not far from the radio when you needed to call for help or just a good friend to talk to.

Bob enjoyed fishing, trains, and of course, radios.

“My dad served his country as a young man and lost his sight for us to remain free," Roberta said. "He never got to see any of his children. I will never forget the legacy he leaves behind nor all the life lessons I have learned from him. I will miss you dad.”

“No matter how small the accomplishment I made, he was always proud of me.” said daughter Rebecca.

“Bob was the best father-in-law a person could ask for," son-in-law Steve said. "He was an inspiration for overcoming the hardships in life and always managed to make you laugh. Bob, you are sorely missed, it won’t be the same without hearing your voice on the radio, or seeing your line in the water.”