Justin Phillips

Justin Phillips (1946 - 2012) was an amazing man. He spent his childhood summers rowing his canoe and exploring the woods in Connecticut with his cousin and sister. He and his slide rule made it through college to achieve a Bachelor's of Science degree from the University of New Mexico. He became an engineer and worked for PG&E in Chico. His second career as a school bus driver for Chico Unified School District started in 1979. He enjoyed both careers and retired at age 56. Early in his life, Justin learned to nurture friendships that have blossomed through the years. He enjoyed picnics, parties, hikes, races, games, working on his house and old cars, and trips with his wife and his friends. First, as a driver of his super stock car, then as flagman, and then as race official, he was associated with the Silver $ Speedway for 35 years. Justin was ready to try anything including driving fire crews to fight forest fires, surfing, skiing, painting, playing the piano, biking, running, hang gliding, antiquing, and many other things. He and his wife, Julie, have had a life filled with romance, adventure, travel, mystery and love. There have been many pets that chose to live with Justin and Julie. They brought them joy and laughter. Justin's cat, Charlie, was his shadow and misses him greatly now that he's gone. We will remember him as a capable, hard-working, active person who was always ready to debate politics, and who voted in every election since his 21st birthday. Many people have asked how they could honor Justin's memory. Justin started every day reading his newspaper and drinking a soy latte. He supported Nature Conservancy, Greenpeace, public radio and TV, and the Humane Society. Drinking wine and eating gourmet food with his friends were his favorite past times. Friends could honor his memory by buying a newspaper and reading it, by donating to those organizations he supported, or by getting together with friends for a meal and some wine. Justin waged a valiant battle with Alzheimer's Disease. His family would like to thank the caregivers at Interim Healthcare, WindChime of Chico, and Butte Home Health & Hospice for their kindness and care of Justin as he moved on to a better place.