Raymond Lee Phillips

Ray was born in Olympia, Washington, on September 21, 1940, to James and Pearl Phillips and passed away January 3, 2015. He was an outstanding high school butterfly swimmer, graduating from OHS in l958. Learning and education were his passions. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at St. Martins, Master’s from Western and Doctorate from Seattle University. He taught in Tumwater, Griffin, and Clover Park. He served as a principal in Clover Park, Olympia and North Thurston and served as a superintendent in Griffin, Coulee City and Glide (southern Oregon). Ray believed all people were important. Early in his education career, he was involved in special education. Leo the Late Bloomer, was one of his special children’s books that he shared with others as a reminder that we all learn and grow at different paces. He challenged people in their profession to think outside the box. He was a caring, positive, generous, and thoughtful leader. He had a great heart, was supportive of education, educators, and always a gentleman. Having a great sense of humor, he enjoyed teasing, having fun and was a great listener. Always a kid at heart, he loved Mickey Mouse. He owned and wore many Mickey Mouse ties, watches and articles of clothing sporting the Mickey Mouse logo. Ray had much energy, was always busy with one project or another, taking pride in his yard work. He had a great, contagious smile and loved family, life and the Huskies! Being a positive thinker, his favorite mottoes were: “Make it a good day” and “If you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” Ray married Beverly (Grant) on October 16, l971. They were happily married for 43 years. They raised two wonderful children, Darren and Heather. He was an outstanding, loving and caring father and husband. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; son, Darren (Katie) Phillips; and daughter Heather (Stephen) Stenberg. He also had two children from a previous marriage: son, Rod (Robin) Phillips; and daughter, Rhonda (Mel) Woodward. There are also 10 surviving grandchildren. His brother Carl (Joyce) Phillips of Huntsville, Alabama, also survives him. The family thanks the outstanding staff and caregivers at the Hampton Alzheimer’s Care Center in Tumwater for their love and care for Ray. Thanks also to Dr. Moeller of Group Health for his involvement in Ray’s health and care. In honor of Ray’s devotion to education, memorial contributions may be sent to the Scholarship Program at the Olympia-Tumwater Foundation, PO Box 4098, Tumwater, WA 98501. Please leave memories of Ray or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.