Philip H. Austin

Philip H. Austin of Olympia, Washington, passed away on November 14, 2015. He was born in Seattle, Washington on June 20, 1930 to Carl Philip and Mary Elizabeth Austin. Phil attended McGilvra Grade School and graduated from Garfield High School in 1948. He graduated ROTC from the University of Washington with a degree in history. He married Margherita “Peggy” Benner in January 1955. After spending two years in Germany, they moved to Seattle, where Phil completed his law degree at the University of Washington in 1959. Moving to Olympia, Phil clerked one year for Supreme Court Justice Robert Finley. He then worked for the Attorney General’s Office until retiring as a Deputy Attorney General in 1985. He also served as Opinion’s Chief for the office during his tenure under Attorneys General John O’Connell, Slade Gorton, and Ken Eikenberry. Phil and Peggy moved into their present home in west Olympia 52 years ago. There, they raised their four children, Jayne, Shelley, Jim, and Ellen. Phil was a member of the West Olympia Rotary Club for nearly 40 years and was active in youth exchanges. He also wrote the lyrics to the club’s greeting song. This year, he became an Honorary Member of the club. His hobbies included photography and making CDs from old long-play records. He loved doing crossword puzzles and often completed two puzzles per day…in pen! Phil and Peggy loved to travel and participated in Elderhostels of Civil War history. They took cruises in Alaska and Greece and a river cruise in Germany. They also visited Italy, France, and Great Britain. Phil LOVED the Seattle Mariners. He attended Spring Training twice, once with his brother, Charles, and again with Charles and Peggy, in Peoria, Arizona. Phil is survived by Peggy, his wife of 60 years; daughter, Jayne Salisbury; son, Jim (Katie) Austin; daughter, Ellen (Paul) Schramm; grandsons, Justin, Erik, Matthew, Christopher; grand-daughter Olivia; and two great granddaughters, Iris and Zoe; and brother, Charles (Carol) Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Shelley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Olympia Rotary Club or charity of your choice. Please leave memories of Phil or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.