Philip Marshall Smart Jr.

Philip Marshall Smart Jr. was ushered into this world by Helen Viola Smart on July 1, 1943 in Seattle, Washington. He didn’t meet his father, Phil Smart Sr., who was away at war, until just after his 1st birthday. His early years were spent in Edmonds and Woodway, Washington, where he would eventually live out the majority of his life. After attending both Washington State University and the University of Washington, Phil went on to study for one year in an extensive training program at the Mercedes Benz Factory in Sindlefingen, Germany. Upon returning to the United States, he perfected his craft in lube, service, parts, sales and business as an intern at Brockway Motors in Florida. In 1979, Phil purchased the family Mercedes Benz Car business, which he went on to own and operate for 32 years. Moreover, Phil owned and operated BMW Seattle and partnered in Mercedes Benz of Lynnwood with his friend, John Halata. It was truly in Seattle where the rubber met the road for Phil.

In addition to automobiles, scouting played a major role in Phil’s life. As an Eagle Scout and Wood Badge achiever, he strongly supported the Boy Scouts of America and believed it to be a strong moral foundation for all upstanding young men. Phil pursued his expeditions in scouting with his son, Shafer, until the end of his life at the age of 72. He was an adventurer and always found great peace in the outdoors.

His tendency to keep himself active was a gift Phil was born with and one that he utilized to the very end of his days. While he always enjoyed a good game of tennis, squash, racquetball or handball, he was also an avid skier, hiker, cyclist, scuba diver, runner, gymnast, and golfer. Phil’s athleticism was one of his pillars in life.

Subsequently, upon the arrival of his three children, Phil learned to take on the role of being a coach. He naturally immersed himself in every youth sport and made sure to teach children how to play and progress in both a positive and safe way. During sport seasons, coaching became Phil’s second job and it was during this time that he developed his motto, “show them what you want them to do and how to improve the next time.” He was a profound teacher and as the younger ones caught up to his abilities, he would hire top athletes to take on skill teaching where he left off. Phil was undoubtedly a tremendous source of quiet strength and an encourager to everyone he met.

Years prior to his coaching days, in 1981, a wonderful love story began with his wife, Sally, whom he loved and cherished always. Their life together overflowed with love as Phil and Sally’s three children were born: Samantha, Savannah, and Shafer. The family that Phil built with Sally has continued to grow with the addition of a son-in-law, Matthew Konsmo, and pure joy manifested when his two grandchildren, Cruz and Luella, were born.

Phil’s faith in God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit was his foundation. First and foremost, Phil was a child of God, a husband beyond definition, a father for all others to esteem toward, a friend to all and a believer in people even when they did not believe in themselves. A man that was known to give 2nd, 3rd and 4th chances. An encourager of the underdog and one who would help the fallen get back on their feet. Phil was a noble man and generosity was part of his nature. He would kindly open his checkbook to those in need, as he found as much joy in giving as recipients might find in receiving. Phil was quiet, understated and gentle to all. Some of the charities Phil supported, sat on the board of, and participated in are the Boy Scouts of America, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Rotary, The Boys and Girls Clubs, The Leukemia Society, Alcoholics Anonymous, Matt Talbot Center, and Union Gospel Mission.

On December 3rd, 2015 he was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father and is now eternally healed. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sally Smart, his daughters, Samantha Konsmo (Matthew) and Savannah Smart, his son, Shafer Smart, his grandchildren, Cruz and Luella Konsmo, his mother, Helen Smart, his sister, Dianne Nixon, his many nieces and nephews, and his extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the charities mentioned above.