Michael J. Phipps

Born in Southeast London, Michael’s family moved to Armagh, Northern Ireland, in 1955. He attended grade school in Armagh and later St. MacNissi’s School at Garron Tower. He pursued higher education at Shannon College of Hotel Management in Ireland.

After graduating, Michael embarked on an international career, starting with a position at the Grisham Hotel in Dublin, an internship in a hotel kitchen in Zurich, moving on to New York, where he worked on a scholarship at Grossinger’s, a Jewish resort in the Catskills. It was there in New York that he met his son,Jonathan's, mother in 1973. From there, they moved to St. Louis to take a position at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. Next stop was San Francisco, back to St. Louis, Florida, Kansas City, and finally to Wichita as General Manager at the Airport Hilton/Double Tree Hotel for 30 years before retiring in 2016.

It was on his 2nd move to St. Louis that Michael met his "lovely wife" Rita Ann Marie who was also worked at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. Family & friends in St. Louis knew her as Rita, but because there was another "Rita" working at the Hotel, Michael liked to call her "Ann Marie". It was a whirlwind romance, and after only 6 months, Michael married Ann Marie & her two boys, Bryan & Matt. But Michael was soon offered a position as GM of the Royce Hotel in Pompano Beach, FL. So off they went, beginning a life-long journey together on the Atlantic coast of Florida. Michael absolutely loved living in Florida for 3 years, but then another opportunity came along to move Michael & family back to the midwest. So Michael took a position as GM at the Embassy on the Park Hotel in Kansas City for 2 years, and then finally to the Airport Hilton/Doubletree Hotel Wichita, KS.

During his Hotel career, Michael won numerous Hospitality Awards & Honorable Mentions including Hotelier of the Year in Wichita, Innkeeper of the Year, and Doubletree's world-wide CARE Cup Award for excellence. He was truly a man of "details" and for that, he was well recognized in the industry.

In Wichita, Michael became a big part of the community outside of the Hotel. While running the Doubletree, he also served on the Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Wichita Crime Commission, Kansas Restaurant & Hotel Association, and was a Charter Member of the West Wichita Rotary Club where he formed many close & wonderful friendships. He was also a big part of the Finance Committee at his Church, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

In his free time, Michael loved playing golf. He had golf buddies, and would play every Friday evening after work. After he retired, he loved playing once a week with his friends. He was also a bit of an electronic wiz, and he had TV's, wire & speakers in every corner of the house. He also enjoyed cooking at home, and while Rita Ann Marie continued working, he would have something ready for dinner every evening.... and for that, his "lovely wife" was grateful!

Michael was truly loved by so many that he met along life's journey. He was admired & respected for his hospitality talent, but he was loved because of his kindness. He went above & beyond to help & mentor his employees , anyone he knew that was in need. He was a kind & caring boss, a true & genuine friend, an absolutely wonderful father to Bryan, Jonathan & Matt, and the most loving husband ever, to his wife, Rita Ann Marie.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Rita Ann Marie Phipps (Pijut-Clarke), his brother in Northern Ireland, Jeremy Phipps (Aileen), his 3 sons, Bryan J. Clarke of Wichita, Jonathan O. Phipps (Collene) of Long Beach, and Matt J. Clarke of Wichita. His brother-in-law & good friend, Graham Tomlinson of Swindon, England. His 7 grandchildren, Korbyn, Kael, and Kennedy Clarke - Gabriel & Liam Phipps - Parker & Charlotte Clarke. His 3 great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Bentleigh & Brayden, and many sweet nieces & nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, Ernest George Phipps, Catherine Christina Phipps (O'Shea), and his sister, Patricia Tomlinson.

A visitation will be held at Resthaven Thursday, January 30th, 2025 from 5 to 7pm. A recitation of the Rosary at 9:30 AM prior to a Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 10am Friday January 31st, 2025, 430 N Broadway St, Wichita, KS 67202. An internment will held at Resurrection Cemetery, 1640 N Maize Rd, Wichita, KS 67212.

Donations can be made to West Wichita Rotary Club & Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.