Phillip Shubert, 65

Phillip D. Shubert, 65, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away April 18, 2012. He was born July 10, 1946, in Kellogg.

Phil grew up in Pinehurst and up on Pine Creek. As a youth he enjoyed hiking the mountains, fishing and four-wheeling. Phil worked for the U.S. Forest Service at the Round Top Work Center and he also manned the lookout on Surveyors Ridge in 1965 until he joined the Navy in August of that year. Phil was a Navy cook and third-class petty officer. He served on three aircraft carriers, the USS Kearsarge, USS Bennington and USS Yorktown. He spent much of his time serving in operations off the coast of Vietnam. One of his most memorable experiences and source of pride was while serving aboard the U.S. Yorktown. Phil stood on the deck of the Yorktown and watched the flight crews as they recovered Apollo 8 after doing the first lunar orbit. After recovery Phil had the privilege and honor of baking the celebration cake for the astronauts.

Phil worked in a cedar mill at St. Joe City and then worked at Potlatch Corporation in St. Maries complex from which he retired in 1989. He also worked as a surveyor and log-scaler. Phil also attended the Heath Engineering College in San Francisco, Calif. Phil was recognized for his fine craftsmanship with wood making such things such as stools, canes, walking sticks, clocks and key chains. Phil’s sticks were highly prized, but Phil was more likely to donate his sticks to those that needed them, rather than sell them for the prices they would have been bought for. He also won a purple ribbon at the county fair for his walking sticks.

Phil is survived by his daughter, Helmi Shogren; her husband, Justin and two grandsons, Justin and Tyler Shogren of Spokane. Phil was so very proud when he became a Grandpa Shubert. He is also survived by his mother, Helen Hamel; his three sisters, Carol Shubert of Coeur d’Alene, Marie Shadduck of Post Falls and Kathleen (Kt) Burge of Rathdrum; his brother, James Shubert of St. Maries; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Phil was preceded in death by his father, Gene Shubert and beloved nephew, Eric Teige (Dugger).

Phil will be very missed by his family and friends. The family wishes to thank all those who cared for Phil in the last years of his life.

No services are being held.

The family suggests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association in memory of Phillip Shubert. Yates Funeral Homes, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Phillip’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.