Phillip H. Field passed on to heaven August 11, 2013 at the age of 76. He fought cancer courageously for over 5 years. He is survived by his wife Chris, son Craig (Wendy), daughter Karin (John) Schmitz, his sister Virginia (Clyde) Cable, as well as 4 grandchildren Caitlin, Camille, Nathan, and Elizabeth.
Phil was born in Glen Ellen, Illinois May 2, 1937, to Grace and Henry Field. As a boy he was an accomplished speed skater. He attended the University of Illinois as an Evans Scholar, graduating with a BA in marketing. After college, he honorably served our country as an Air Force pilot, stationed in Lincoln, Nebraska flying the B- 47. Phil enjoyed a 33 year career as a pilot for United Airlines. He flew 11 different airplanes and spent 15 years at the United Training Center in Denver. The highlight of his career occurred when he was selected by United Airlines to work with Boeing on the development of the 777 Airliner. For nearly 3 years he helped Boeing engineers make decisions regarding the cockpit design, instrumentation, and general flight characteristics of the airplane.
After retirement, Phil was very involved with St. James Presbyterian Church. He served on session as an elder, was a Shepherd in the Sunday school program, and a leader at several youth camps. He enjoyed working with the church’s mission program, making several trips to New Orleans to help with Katrina relief efforts. He also made trips to Indian reservations in Ganado, Arizona and Sisseton, South Dakota. Other volunteer work included 15 years at the National Western Stock Show, helping at the Grant Avenue Street Reach Soup Kitchen, and more recently supporting our troops at the Denver International Airport USO.
Phil enjoyed playing softball. After retirement, he was able to make it more of a priority. In 2002, He and several friends put together a plan for forming a senior organization called Scrap Iron Softball Club. Phil was instrumental in helping to establish the tax exempt status of the organization as well as helping with the accounting procedures and bylaws. What started as a small group of men and just a couple of teams now has grown to be a widely recognized club that includes 15 teams that play locally but also travel to major tournaments around the United States.
His interest in softball extended to baseball as well. He was very happy when the Colorado Rockies were formed in Denver. He enjoyed 2 seasons attending the offseason Rockies Fantasy Camp in Arizona. But to an even a greater extent, he enjoyed 15 years as an usher for Rockies home games.
Above all else, Phil was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He provided all of us an example of selflessness that we all can learn from. He will be missed by all who knew him but we know that he is free from pain and has returned to his previous strength.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil’s honor to St. James United Presbyterian Church Missions Team and/or the Denver Rocky Mountain USO.
Phil's accomplishments were many but were highlighted by his 33 year career as a pilot and manager for United Airlines during which he had the joy of consulting Boeing as they designed the B777 airplane. After retirement, Phil was active in church along with many other ministries. Also, Phil loved to play softball and was the central figure to help establish the well recognized senior softball league Scrap Iron Softball. He will be missed by all who knew him but we know he is now in a much better place.
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