Philip Gunnar Whitmarsh (6/26/1935 - 2/28/2018) was born in Rexford Montana to Albert and Winifred Whitmarsh. He was the youngest of ten children. As he was growing up the family lived in Bremerton, Rosedale and Algona Washington.
Phil graduated from Prairie Bible College in Alberta Canada after which he joined the US Army, serving two years in Germany. He then attended missionary training with Overseas Missionary Fellowship where he met his wife to be, Barbara Knipe. They were both sent to North Thailand and served from 1962-1966. They were married in Chiang Rai August 28, 1963 and daughter Susan was born there in 1966.
The family returned to Seattle and Phil attended and graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a B.A. in Psychology. Son Daniel was born during this time, in 1968. Phil went on to earn a Masters degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Washington in 1971.
He worked for Goodwill Industries for two years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor. In 1972 Phil and Barb adopted their third child, Michael, from Korea. Phil then joined the family swimming pool business, the Watermill, which he managed for more than 35 years.
He was a strong evangelical Christian and a member of Shoreline Covenant Church, where he served as teacher, Bible study leader, board chairman for six years, missions committee chairman, coffee maker, and also with the jail ministry.
Phil was well known for his smile and his great sense of humor. He loved music, playing games and spending time with friends and family. He was actively involved in his children's and grand-children's lives.
He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara of 54 years, daughter Susan, sons Dan and Michael, daughter-in-law Rochelle and granddaughters Olivia and Clara as well as two brothers, one sister and hundreds of Whitmarsh relatives.
He loved and served God faithfully and is now in HIs presence.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
In Lieu of flowers, a gift to the Shoreline Covenant Church Missions Fund would be appreciated.
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