Phillip Edmund Kotofskie

Phil was born in Tucson January 3, 1961. He graduated (1979) from Amphitheater H.S. where he played football. He always enjoyed being outdoors and time spent hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing and skiing. After graduating he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he became a Russian Linguist until 1986. He pursued ROTC and his Bachelor's degree in Russian. He also spent time in the Reserves in Special Forces. He re-enlisted in the Army as a Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot. He earned the rank of Captain and also received the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. Even though he said he never would, he returned to Tucson where he lived an extra full life until cancer ended his journey on May 31, 2024. He worked at Fry's Food Stores until his health prevented it. Things you might not know about him: he enjoyed life & learning new things; he was fluent in 7 languages, many of them self-taught; played the didgeridoo, djembe drums and guitar; was a Reiki Master and Energy Healer; good Mexican food; and could not get enough time in the outdoors. He spent countless time exploring the Catalinas, especially Mt. Lemmon with his Akita Sully. He is survived by his mom Mary Margaret (Nunnink) Kotofskie; his sister & brother-in-law Don & Susan (Kotofskie) Hicks, his nephew Garrett Hicks; neice Hillary Hicks and great nieces Lilly & Giselle and of course, Sully. He was predeceased by his dad James Kotofskie.