Clifford William Phillips

Longtime Seattle area physician. Passed on peacefully, July 19, 2001.

Clifford W. Phillips was born in Seattle, Washington on September 2, 1915 to Dr. Albert W. and Nellie Charlotte Phillips. His father died at an early age. His mother after remarrying moved to Tacoma where he and his brother Dick grew up on Gravely Lake.

He graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma. Always interested in medicine, Clifford entered the University of Washington where he received his undergraduate degree in Zoology. Upon graduation, he worked for a year and then was accepted to the University of Oregon Medical School. He graduated with the Class of 1943. Clifford then went to New York for his residency at Kings County Hospital, to pursue general surgery and medicine. At that time doctors were trained in all facets of medicine and surgery.

Clifford entered the U.S. Army Medical Corps in WWII and was stationed in the Philippines and Japan. One of his most interesting experiences was acting as attending physician to General Tojo after the attempted suicide. Clifford was also present at the signing of Japanese Surrender in Tokyo Bay.

After his service in the war, Clifford moved to Seattle where he began his practice covering the North-end of Seattle, Ridgecrest and Mountlake Terrace. He built Phillips Clinic in Mountlake Terrace in 1955 continuing to practice until his retirement in 1981. Virginia Mason Hospital acquired Phillips Clinic, establishing it as their first satellite facility in the area. In addition, he was instrumental in the development of Stevens Hospital and was two-time Chief of Staff.

One of Clifford's greatest joys was boating with his family and friends. Many years were spent enjoying the Husky games at the University of Washington via boat, Seattle Opening Day of boating, cruising the San Juans, Canadian Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound.

He was a member of the Edmonds and Everett Yacht clubs, Washington Athletic Club, College Club and Columbia Tower Club, and on the Board of Directors and Past President of Allied Arts.

During his retirement he enjoyed world travel by cruise ship and extensive driving trips in the U.S. and abroad.

He was fortunate to see his sons grow into young men and pursue their careers in law, medicine, teaching and business. The addition of two granddaughters, Taylor and Madison into his life brought great joy.

His wife of 31 years, Karen, sons, Brian, Craig, Eric and Geoffrey, a brother, Richard Dick and numerous nieces and nephews survive him.

Near the end of his life, Clifford said, ''You know, I have lived a remarkable life.'' He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. It doesn't get much better then that!

Clifford?s family invites you to a celebration of his life on Saturday July 28, 2001 beginning 1:00 p.m.at Evergreen-Washelli Chapel 206-362-5200. Memorials preferred to the University of Oregon School of Medicine; Oregon Health Science Foundation, 1121 SW Salmon Street, Suite 200, Portland, Or 97205 and the Virginia Mason Foundation; PO Box 1930 D-1MF, Seattle, WA 98111.