Kenneth Harold Phillips, 81

Kenneth Harold Phillips of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away Oct. 16, 2023, from Parkinson’s Disease with family at his side.

A memorial service will be held May 20, 2024, at noon at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rathdrum, Idaho. A luncheon will follow at the church hall. The burial will be at 3 p.m. at Pinegrove Cemetery in Rathdrum, Idaho.

Born on May 20, 1942, in Baltimore, Md., son of Louise Perry and Harold Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Marie; his sister, Virginia Pratt; children June Nemeth, Kenneth Jr., Kathy Zeilke and Glenda Moser; step-children Laura Markarian, Cynthia Brown, Kevin O’Connor, Andrew O’Connor and David O’Connor as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ken graduated from Stamford High School (CT.) in 1960. In high school, he developed a passion for HAM Radio and golf. Entering the Air Force in 1961 allowed him to attend college to become an officer and travel the world, with notable stops such as Woomera, South Australia. Upon retiring, he worked as a contractor for Computer Sciences Corporation. 

After his second retirement, Ken was allowed to pursue his passions fully. These included golf, Ham radio, fishing, traveling, and art. He was a talented artist who worked with oil, watercolors, and acrylics. He became well known for painting Christmas ornaments with local and holiday scenes.

Another passion that drove Ken was the American Childhood Cancer Organization, formerly known as Candlelighters. He first became involved by organizing auctions to raise money, and as the organization grew larger, so did his role. He started as a treasurer locally for Colorado Springs and eventually as the treasurer for the National Board. He had volunteered for over 25 years with the organization and was always willing to speak and fundraise on behalf of the children.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his honor with the American Childhood Cancer Organization. ACCO, P.O. Box 498, Kensington, MD 20895-0498.