I’m not sure if anyone will see this but I was just thinking about my buddy & remembered this page. 
My name is Morgan Martin. I graduated from Palo Verde in 2012. Mr. Phillips was both mine and my older sister’s (Brittany Martin) principal. He awarded my sister with the Principal’s Award - she was in softball, student council, theater and also valedictorian . He told her that she was one of his favorite students of all time. I was always trying to live up to the big shoes my sister left at PVHS. I’m not sure how or when it happened but me and Dan Phillips became fast friends. He called me Mertyl Martin. I called him Phil. One night at an open house, Mr. Phillips pulled my dad aside and whispered something to him… “You know, I didn’t think I could love a student more than Brittany Martin - and then I met Morgan. But don’t tell Brittany that!!” I remember vividly how validated that made me feel. I finally beat her at something!!! Through the years I came to visit his office as often as I could & we laughed so hard the deans in the connecting offices would get mad at us. When it came time to graduate, him, Karen White and I all cried in each others’ arms at walking practice in the gym. He was my favorite thing about school. I don’t think many students can say that about their principals. Dan Phillips was as good as they come. May his bright spirit live on!

Love and miss you Danny! You were one of kind and your loss is felt by so many. 

Dan,  we love you, we miss you, we remember you, we hold you in our hearts.  ❤

I can’t believe it’s been 3 years I miss our talks, I miss you so very much. You were truly one of my best friends and no one thought we were funnier than we did! I think of you daily and I know you are watching over your family and grand baby. Love you Danny!

My name is Mike McMahon. I am sorry to hear of Dan's passing. I moved away in 2018 and retired in AZ so I am just hearing the news of his passing. I first met Dan in April of 2016 at a job fair at Somerset Academy. Being a fellow New Englander (I was brought up in Rye Beach, NH) we hit it off right away. I started working for Dan the 2nd week of April 2016. He was a great guy to be around always ready to talk Boston/New England sports or sports in general. Even as a 25 year teaching veteran, I learned a lot from Dan. He was always supportive with a listening ear and ready advice to help me through any difficulties I had with especially difficult students. The education world is less because of Dan's passing. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mike M.

We had the priveladge of having Mr. Phillips be our children's principal. He was always so kind and supportive. He always had a smile on his face and something positive to say. He was my daughters' hero. I was fortunate to be able to work for him last year. There will never be another educator or leader like him. Thank you so much Mr. Phillips.

I met Dan when we were 9 year olds at Little League try outs and we’ve been friends ever since.  From a competitor on the field to a teammate in baseball and soccer, Dan was always encouraging people to give it their all.  He always had a passion for whatever challenge was on the plate.  
From growing up in Berkshire County to moving out West, Dan was always fun to be with.  When Dan graduated UNLV and started to pursue his career teaching he really started to hone his people skills.  He had both passion and compassion and displayed them daily to all who were associated with him.  I’ve always been so proud of Dan and his accomplishments, he did them the old fashion way – hard work and dedication to master his skills. 
To Sue and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.  To Dan, it was a great ride and we will meet again upstairs.  I love ya brother.


On behalf of the Jones family we extend our sincerest condolences to the entire Phillips family. We grew up on the corner of Madison and Dewey Ave (the Dewey Bradford corridor) and spent much of our childhood years hanging with Danny. I last spoke with Danny a little while back when he was visiting family in the Pittsfield area. Danny stopped by to see my mom after my dads passing.  We had a great conversation, shared a few  laughs and tears when reliving old memories. Danny was a good friend of  my brother Tim, who had passed a few years earlier. Danny was as genuine as the day is long. He was fiercely loyal to his work, his friends and especially his family. I was deeply saddened to hear of Danny’s passing, he will be missed...R.I.P. buddy

Dear Susan,
We are so sorry for your loss of Dan. He was such an inspiration to our family as a coach, teammate, and friend. My boys and I will always be grateful we knew him, coached with him, and had fun and learned from him. We loved him like family and will hold those little league days in our hearts forever. 
Respectfully, 
Chris, Scott, & Chuck Buchanan

I’m incredibly sad at Dans passing. He always went out of his way each morning welcoming my son Matthew at the gate and checking in with him. Now my sweet Matthew gets to meet him at the pearly gates and welcome him. Sue it was a pleasure working with you and I am incredibly sorry for your loss.

The Phillips family lived across the street from me.  My family watched Danny grow up.  He looked so much like my best friend, and his sister Laura.  My whole family want you to know we are thinking of you all.  My heart aches for Laura and his children.  

I can still see him playing in the yard with my younger sister, Janet and her best friend Laura.  Those were such happy, carefree times.  I will cherish those memories of Danny.
Love to you all,
Kathy & Ed Maloney

We had the pleasure of coaching Little League with Dan for five years. Dan was one of the most supportive, kind, and encouraging people we have ever known. It was rare to see him without a smile on his face or hear him without a positive word on his lips. He took time with each child on the team, getting down on their level and looking them in the eye with patient instruction and leadership. His love for Sue, Stefani, Abby, and Ben was the foundation of his life. Our hearts are broken with the loss of our friend, and we are covering his precious family with love and prayer. 

Dear Sue,  I am very sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. 
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, 
Ellen Carmody Roster

Principal Phillips was one of those administrators you never forget. A positive light and a laugh that could fill a room. You made that lasting impression on every student you came into contact with, an impression most educators chase to reach daily. You were always kind and always fair. I will always remember you from my four years at Palo as I'm sure many of the students will. I couldn't have asked for a better administrator and supporter. Thank you for everything Principal Phillips. 

My thoughts and prayers are with the Phillips family during this sad time. May God give you peace to know he is with his true father. 

Our family had so much respect for Mr. Phillips and we pray for the comfort of his family and friends who will, undoubtedly, miss him every day. 
Our son, Ethan, got to spend time with him in FL when he was in the Battle of the Books and came back talking about how much FUN Mr. Phillips was on that trip.
It was clear to us that he was a person who cared for others and we pray that he knew - and that his surviving family members know - how very much he was loved and respected.


As a young administrator, Dan always reached out to me and helped guide me with the tough decisions.  He was an inspiration to me as a principal, as he always did was best for students even if it required a fight.  My last visit with Dan was in May at a Student Council luncheon and I was discussing some troubling times and he looked me in the eyes and said, "Brockett, keep fighting for your kids because no one else will."  Dan will be missed, but his leadership and strength will live on forever in the Clark County School District because he taught so many of us how to "lead with our hearts".    Thoughts and prayers to his beautiful family and thank you for allowing us to share so many years with this amazing man.

Dean Phillips was spectacular to me and many kids coming from the “Westside” valley view neighborhood while we attended valley high. Always fair in his approach and administration of rules. We could be knuckle heads a lot of the time and he was always there to give us 2nd chances. Any number of us could have been kicked out of school had it not been for his kind heart and Spirit and willingness to “groom” us. I am Thankful to have had crossed his path. He made a difference. My prayers and well wishes are with his family. My god give you all strength and courage. With love, the murray family. 

He was a very great principal at Palo during my first three years there. RIP Mr. Phillips! All thoughts and prayers to the Phillips family.

I have had the pleasure of spending Christmas Eve with Dan and his family/friends for several years now. I was roomates with Stefanie and Ryan In our 20s, and so I have gotten to know the Phillips family throughout the years.

There is not a day in the world I look forward to than that day! Every year, the Phillips family makes it a spectacle to be at their house! And they make sure you feel welcome every time you walk through that door. 

Every conversation I had with Dan was truly genuine.  I could see right away he was a great teacher and leader.  He has made me laugh, ponder life, and enjoy everything I have. 

I am deeply saddened  for the Phillips family.  I feel like I have lost a family member as well.  Christmas Eve will not be the same this year.  But  I know exactly where I will be.

Dan was a great mentor as I pursued my administrative career. He and Pat Hayden were the best two assistant principals that an up and coming teacher could ask for in terms of support at the time. They went on the become great Principals and worked hard to bring others up along the way. Abe Lincoln once said, "Great leaders are those who reach behind them to pull others up as they climb the ladder of leadership." This was Dan and I'll always be grateful for his friendship and guidance. 

Danny was a great friend, “brother “ and inspiration.
He is the reason for where I am today with my family. For that, he will always hold a special place in my heart!
I had the privilege of meeting Danny while playing basketball in college at B.C.C. As much as he was a great teammate on the court, he was there for you off the court, as well. This is how he continued his life in Las Vegas as an educator, husband and father.
Danny was so proud when talking about his high school, where he served as principal. Danny always wanted the students to feel good about themselves, while also teaching them life long lessons.
Being a husband to Sue, Stephanie, Abigail and Ben was the most important purpose in his life.
Know that he loved you with all his soul and was honored to call you family!
To have known him was to have loved him.
You will be deeply missed Danny George Phillips.

Not often in life do you encounter a person like Mr. Phillips. His charismatic personality, contagious enthusiasm, and passion for students brightened every single room he walked into. Thank you Mr. Phillips for your years of service at Palo Verde High School and for setting an incredible example  for countless staff and students. Godspeed.

There are certain educators that just have a lasting impact on you growing up, and there is no doubt that Mr. Phillips was one of those special people. A kind-hearted man that took the time to know everyone’s name and was never too busy to stop and ask how your day was. Getting in trouble in Spanish class turned into 45 minutes in Mr. Philip’s office talking about the Yankees. I know I can speak for all my PV Panthers when saying Mr. Philips was a special man that touched so many people. My condolences go out to his family as the world lost a special person. 

Mr. Phillips made it a point to memorize every student he met by name, listen to any and all concerns, and show us all everyday what ‘panther pride’ really meant. We are all better for it. Thank you for everything! 

Dear Sue and family,

We are so deeply sorry for your loss.  You are in our thoughts.

Peace,
Phil and Mary Ann Gingras

When I first met Dan Phillips in 2002, I was struck by his passion. He was passionate about education, children, life, and his family. He was my mentor as a new school administrator and I am grateful for everything he taught me. 

I shared a funny memory with Dan that involved Ben and his skateboard. When Ben was just an early teen, Dan brought him to the school on a day when school was not in session. Ben had free range of the campus and a new skateboard. While in my office doing some work, Dan walked in laughing hysterically trying to contain himself. He then instructed me to pull up surveillance footage from camera #10 on our camera system. Surveillance footage clearly showed Ben showing off his new moves through the courtyard and then all of a sudden….an unaccompanied “ghost” skateboard is seen cruising down the center of the school. I have never seen Dan laugh so hard, as he then directed me to save that video footage onto a DVD for future viewing. 

Over the years, Dan would occasionally stop by to say hi and catch up. Without fail, he would take the time to ask about my family and was so proud to share about his own wonderful family. He would often show me pictures of Ben, usually on his flip phone, of him in uniform serving our great nation. He was so proud of Stef and Abby and everything they were doing in their lives. He loved Sue and that was clear if you’ve even spent any time around him. 

I am grateful for Dan Phillips in my life and will miss him. Thank you, Dan. Thank you for everything.


Dan was one of the most inspiring, motivational, and supportive people I've ever encountered in my life. He just naturally exuded a positivity and a genuine feel-good aura that truly came from his soul.  Dan believed in you - and that made you believe in yourself, too.  I feel so blessed that we crossed paths. He was the first principal to offer me a teaching job, and from day one he always pushed me to do better and be better. Through his mentorship, I went on to present at staff developments and became an educational equity representative. I will forever be grateful for his support of me. He made me a better teacher and a better human being.  I will miss you and always love you, Dan. 

Sorry for your loss. Mr. Phillips was an amazing person & a very good principle. I remember every time I would walk down the hall ways of Good Ol Valley, he would stop & HI & to have a good day... Mr. Phillips you will be MISSED a lot!!!!!

To all of Danny's Family & Friends I weep with you in the loss of this great man. Our families were entwined from the very beginning. Humble as they were down in the Dewey/Bradford corridor. Of all my brother Mike's friends Danny was the one I connected with best throughout our lives. From the first noogie he gave me to our last phone call when Marty Yansak had his heart attack in Vegas  we always had that brotherly bond. I was amazed at his courage when he said he had the cancer but was going to fight it. Because I never heard anything but positive from him. And he was more concerned with Marty and my brother instead of himself. That was vintage Danny always trying to help other people. I was also so proud to talk about him becoming a Principal! Imagine one of us becoming a Principal!  I know we are all better people from having Danny in our lives. 

Tet

So many memories of Dan, we grew up together, from walking to school together, playing catch in the back yard, hanging out at the park.....playing college basketball together....Dan was one of the first people to reach out to me when my daughter passed.....Although I hadn't seen him in years I thought of him often.  I'm so proud of his success in Vegas. Rest in peace Dan.

I have such great memories of when Danny and I were at BCC and roommates.  Sue and family, I’m so sorry to see this.  Please know I have all of you in my thoughts.

There are so many memories and far too many words to say about Dan Phillips. In short, Dan Phillips aka P-Dawg was the best Principal ever.  He gave the best advice, lifted his students up when they were down and made sure everyone felt welcomed and important. To me he was a friend, someone I trusted with my aspirations, a shoulder to cry on. I was so lucky to keep that friendship throughout the years. He changed my life forever and I will never forget his wisdom, compassion, his positive attitude, and most of all his kindness.

I will never forget you P-Dawg! 

L-Dawg 💙

I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending prayers your way. God bless you all. 


Love, 
The Viola family

Mr. Phillips always had a quality that lit up every room he was in. As a principal to thousands of students, he always stood up for what he believed in and it showed in his demenor and actions. He cared for his faculty and students. I’ll never forget how he supported our basketball team and other extracurricular programs. I’ll never forget how we shared a love for the classic rock band, Van Halen. I’ll never forget his words of encouragement from graduation. Best principal I’ve ever had. 

Dear Sue and family,  We are so sorry for your loss. Dan was a wonderful person. Always so upbeat and positive. He loved his family deeply. His passion for his students and his job was remarkable. Please take care. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike Connors  Dave Silveira 

It was always such a pleasure to visit with Dan about kids and education!  I really enjoyed visiting his school and hearing about his passion for helping students be successful. Dan was a great friend and mentor to so many. 

My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Dan was a great guy! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Sending my deepest condolences to the Phillip's family. Dan was a man who many people loved and looked up to. May Dan's light and memory shine on you always. So many fond memories of Dan at little league and school. He will be missed.  Love to Sue and family.
Jackie

 I knew Danny from our days at Berkshire Community College. We became great friends. He was the best man at my wedding. Danny always had the gift of bringing  out the best in people. People he touched always reached their full potential.  A true leader, just look at all the praise from everybody.  Danny had a style all his own that was based on everything he learned in life. He could relate to  anyone,  and he would help anyone.  His family was the most important part of his life. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sue, Stefanie, Abby, and Ben.  A great man gone too soon.  I love you my brother.




Ben and Abby and family- I'm so sorry for your loss. But seeing the great kids Dan  raise is a testament to him as a father and a person. My love to you. 

Danny, I’ve loved you for as far back as I can remember. You were such a wonderful, funny, loving person. I know you’ll watch over Sue and your family. You are missed at this moment and will be forever. Until we meet again my friend ... rest easy. 💕💕💕

Great man great friend.  He will be missed.

Mr. Phillips, or Principal Phillips to many of us, had such a beautiful impact on so many young people. I was lucky to know him as a student at Palo Verde. I will always remember his friendly greetings at the start of each school day, as well as his amazing ability to connect with students of all kinds. He is so very missed, and I know so many of us will carry his memory forever.

My. Phillips was my geography teacher and dean at valley high school, he was and will always be my favorite teacher.  He was encouraging, kind, helpful and had all attributes that embody what a great teacher needs to be.  I am heartbroken that he passed because he was such a great person and educator and could have help so many more.  

Dan was my first friend I made while attending UNLV back in 1982/83. What a genuine friendship.  We were best friends in college. I moved from Vegas a few years after graduation and we didn't see each other very often but the friendship never wavered. Dan was an incredible man. Was an amazing impact on the Educational community!! Thousands of lives positively impacted! I love him like a brother! Sue, Stefanie, Abby, and Ben- can't find words to adequately describe my sorrow for you. Keep his great memories alive, keep them close to your heart. Love you guys.  May his great memories help you through this difficult time. 


Mr. Phillips was an incredible teacher. I had him twice at dear ol' Valley High between 95-98. He was a great coach, tough face
dean working his way up to athletic director. He was passionate and wore the badge of integrity. He drove the rigor and in expectations at our inner city school. He loved his family and spoke highly of you all. I remember him sharing the story of a recent move to vegas and walking down a handful of blocks to get to the Stratosphere. Only, it was several miles in the dreaded heat. He was always charismatic and funny. May you find comfort in Psalms 34:18. God bless you and his soul during this most difficult time. 

Dan was the best friend anyone could ever ask for. I'll always remember our many adventures and the endless laughs. He was a great teacher and administrator. The last 34 years has been one big "Stooges" yuck fest. He was one of the richest men I knew. He was happily married to his high school sweetheart and had three WONDERFUL kids that he was so proud of. The greatest compliment I could give is he made me a better person. 
Bruce Eubank

My heart goes out to all of Dan Phillip's family & friends.  This was a man of true kindness and giving.  The staff and students at Gene Ward ES will be forever thankful for his generosity.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sue, 
I am so sad to hear of Dan’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He is going to be remembered with such fondness. School days.... were a lot of fun and his sense of humor made it the best! I’ll be thinking of you...
Kathy Casella Winters

August of 1993 I met Dan. I was a brand new teacher and Carol Leavitt hired me and set Dan and I on a path of forever friendship. She made Dan my mentor and we were off. As he liked to tell everyone, I rode his coat tails through my entire career.  Dan was a true friend. He lived his life with integrity and never backed down from a fight if it was the right thing. I learned more and had more laughs with you Danny than anyone will ever know. I can’t tell you how much you’ll be missed. I love you brother. Your legacy will live on through your family, friends and the hundreds of thousands of kids whose lives you so profoundly touched.  See you on the other side  my friend. 

The Stucki Family ALL love Mr. Phillips, P-Dawg, or just Dan.  He had many names and all were endearing. He was a Yankee lover, a hot tamale lover, a PVHS lover, but most of all he loved his family.  A better Man I have never known.  He was there for me in my personal cancer battle and I always knew that he had my back.  To Sue and the kids, I am sorry for your loss.  May you feel peace and Dan's spirit around you to give your comfort.  I hope your memories will give you all joy.  
Love, Stephanie Stucki

He was a young uncle and well I have one funny memory uncle Dan was 17 I was 8. Pete's Dragon was the name of the movie the Capitol was the theater. The days of a rolling towel to wipe you hands on... Well it was dirty I knew what sanitary meant and he was standing in front of the concessions talking to some girls I asked for a dime. He asked me why and well it was probably really embarrassing to him but I said I could get a sanitary napkin to wipe my face on because the towel was dirty. 
Another time he was babysitting the three of us and well I saw him take my mother's mixing bowl and devour a box of corn flakes and the whole gallon of milk I tattled on him by calling my mom to tell her uncle Danny was eating all our cereal... Uncle Danny moved us with a little VW Bug and we had so much fun. Uncle Danny was always picking on Mark (not really) Mark would always yell Grandma uncle Danny is picking on me... 
Sue, Stefanie, Abby and Ben I don't know what I can say to make the pain any easier I just want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love
Theresa Rex 

I was lucky enough to meet this great man. Dan was more than a mentor to me he was the example of who I want to be as an educator. He would see the best in people, what you aspired to be he saw in you. In my case a professional Latina. Rest in peace Dan. I'll make you proud. 

The world has lost a great man, one of the kindest souls I ever had the pleasure to know. His family meant the world to him.  May all who loved him be comforted by the memories. My heart goes out to Sue and Abby, Ben & Stefanie as well as his extended family and friends.  If you are lucky, once in a lifetime you will find a friend like Danny.  Rest in peace my friend. Job well done. 

Dan would give a student the last dollar in his pocket if they were in need. He always put others first. It was an honor working for and learning from him these past four years. Dan, you are and always will be my mentor. Your example, your constant support and your wisdom has forever changed my life. I dedicate this upcoming school year and the remainder of my teaching career to you and will live and teach every day in your honor. 

Mr Phillips, was an amazing man, he meant so many things to so many people.  He encouraged and pushed you to be more than you thought possible.  He didn't expect you to be a better person, he expected you to make the world better by your actions.  He will be greatly missed.   My condolences and love go out to the family.  Let your memories of happier times be enough to carry you through the pain of loss.  Should you need anything, I would be honored to assist in what ever way I can. 
Kelley Smith

OBITUARY

Daniel George Phillips

5 December, 1959 – 9 August, 2018

Palm South Jones Mortuary

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