William “Bill” E. Phillips
William E. Phillips “Bill”, 83, of Pablo, MT and formerly of Perma, passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 surrounded by family and friends at his home. Bill was the son of William Louis “Shorty” and Pearl Phillips of Sloan, MT.
As he grew up, Bill became the horse whisperer of ranching. He farmed, ranched, logged, packed, and hunted.
Bill loved training horses, fishing, running hounds, and helping family and friends when they needed him. He also worked for the US Forest Service shoeing and gilding horses and mules at Ninemile and Perma Remount Depots and various others. He also worked for San Francisco Ranch and Pack River until his retirement.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Shorty and Pearl Phillips.
Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Mevis E. Phillips; a sister, Louise Proctor and her two children and four grandchildren; two daughters, Billy Arlene (Wayne “Buzz”) Learn and their three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, Betty Jane Adams and her six children and numerous grandchildren; a son, Douglas Edward (Margarita) Phillips and their two children and two grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the Valley View Clubhouse on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Dinner will follow the services and everyone is invited to share their favorite story of Bill. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Bill’s family.
Dear friends and family,
I was very sorry to hear about your loss. It is times like these that we need much in the way of comfort and support, and 2Corinthians 1:3,4 shows how the “God of Comfort” will give us the courage and the strength to cope. Psalms 55:22 reassures us of God’s love by allowing us to throw all of our burdens on him, and both John 11:25 and John 5:28,29 speaks of the resurrection hope that we hold out for our loved ones. May these scriptures help you as they have for me.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I remember when my husband first met Bill….he came out to our house to geld a donkey for us. Scott so enjoyed visiting with Bill and listening to his stories. Bill was a wonderful man and will be missed by many.
Scott & Debbie (O’Hern) Lund
To the family of William Phillips,
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34;18) With sympathy,
Arlene, Betty & Douglas, I’m so sorry you’ve lost your Dad. . .he was a great guy. My prayers & thoughts are with you all. A hug for Mevis. . .
Doug & Margarita,Mevis
We was so sorry about your loss.Sorry we can’t be there with you at this time . Thouths and prays are with you all
With love uncle Tom , aunt Maryleen
Sorry to hear Billy passed away.
Growing up 2 miles from you, I always thought of him as my second father. I think often of the trip thru the Bob Marshall with Billy leading with his leather shirt on. I will miss him as I miss both of my parents.
I was so sorry to here of Bills passing. It is always hard to lose our old friends. My thoughts are with you. Kay Cotton
My sincere condolences to Billy’s family. I was so sorry to see one of our “old Billys” gone on ahead. Bill was a wonderful old cowboy with the old ways of doing things that made you look at him in awe. I will never forget the days he would come into the shop ( Muley Bluz , Ronan) and have coffee and tell tall tales. Not all tall tales, real life experiences that held your attention for hours. May God Bless you Mrs. Phillips and your family. I will always remember Billy, he always reminded me of my Uncles, Walt McDonald , Benny and Charlie and my Grandpa Johnny , all of whom I miss terribly, Bill kind of filled in for them to me. Sincerely, Laurie Mc
Just want to say so sorry for your loss. It is hard to loose a love one. I’m just remembering all the good times we spent with your Family. Those were the good days. Billy will be missed but will never be forgotten. Will see you on the 17th. Gale Neuman Fyant
Dearest Mev & Family:
Our most sincere condolences on your loss. Please know you are in our prayers and thoughts. With All Our Love:
Paul & Tami Reddoch; Ethan Reddoc;, Kyle & Maranda Reddoch & Family; Ruth Caparoon.