Richard Sidney 'Dick' Phillips

Richard Sidney ‘Dick’ Phillips was born on October 6, 1932, and left this world on December 20, 2023, to be with his Lord and Savior.

Dick was born in Portland, OR to Sidney and Laura Phillips. He was raised in Lake Oswego and graduated from West Linn High school before enlisting in the Navy. In the Navy he served as The Captain’s Yeoman on the USS Magoffin, which was a part of “Operation Passage to Freedom”; a multi-ship effort to evacuate Vietnamese and other civilians out of North Vietnam. After leaving the Navy, Dick attended Lewis & Clark, where he met his wife Lois, the love of his life. They were wed in 1957 and were married for 66 years.
Dick graduated from Lewis and Clark in 1960 and went on to receive his master’s from Portland State.

Dick had a long and lustrous career with the North Clackamas School District, where he held many positions. He started as a 6th grade teacher, became an administrator, and finished his career as an elementary school principal. During his time with North Clackamas, he also supervised student teachers through Portland State and spearheaded a nationwide program in individualized learning.

Dick and Lois attended Maplewood Friends Church for 10 years where Dick was the Sunday School Superintendent. After moving to Milwaukie, Dick and his Lois, along with their children, started attending Clackamas Park Friends Church. Dick was involved with many ministries at Clackamas Park and served on numerous committees and often lead the worship singing. Dick was a member and Club Secretary of the Milwaukie Rotary Club where he volunteered his time for various community projects and hosted several exchange students. Later, he became very involved with The Gideons International, whose main goal is to tell people about Jesus by sharing personal testimony, and by providing Bibles to those in need of one. He also served as the Chaplain of the USS Magoffin Veterans Association.

Dick will always be remembered for his sense of humor, bringing laughter and joy whatever the occasion, through his warm smile and genuine love for people. He was the life of the party wherever he went.

Dick is survived by his wife, Lois; daughter, Juli Valeske and her husband, Mark; daughter, Janet March; son, Joel Phillips; daughter, Jody Wayland and her husband, Randy; and daughter, Jeana Phillips. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren: Jessica, Brittany, Leah, Kristin, Luke, Lonny, Austin, Taylor, Drew, Brayden, Jared, and Kharis as well as 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Dick’s service will be held January 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Clackamas Park Friends Church. His remains will then be transported to Willamette National Cemetery for a military honors ceremony.