Bert Phillips' Obituary
Bert Thomas Phillips, 82, of Denver, North Carolina, passed away Monday, February 6, 2023. He was born on February 1, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY to the late George and Dorothy Phillips.
Bert graduated in 1962 from the U.S Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point, New York. In 1963, he married his wife, Joyce, at the chapel on campus. Upon graduation, Bert worked for Electric Boat in New London, Connecticut. In 1966, he and wife moved to Idaho and over the next several years, their two daughters were born. While in Idaho, Bert received his MBA from the University of Idaho – Moscow. From Idaho, he moved with his family to Pennsylvania, and then to eventually Duluth, Minnesota, which he and his family will always consider to be home.
Bert worked for many years with Minnesota Power and served on numerous boards throughout the Duluth area. Minnesota Power eventually transferred him to Florida, where he continued to work. He officially retired in Florida, but he and his wife purchased a lake home on Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin where they spent their summers. As he and his wife grew older, they eventually settled in Denver, North Carolina. Bert was an avid boater. He loved traveling with his family and together they traveled from Alaska, most of the continental United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. In addition, he and his wife were fortunate to travel to a total of 6 continents and a total of 135 countries, as well as embarking on a cruise which took them around the world. Bert was a kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather and he had a wicked sense of humor, which he will always be remembered.
In addition to his parents, Bert is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Phillips, and his sister, Georgia Phillips MacDonough. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce Phillips; their children Tracy Hensley (James) of Charlotte, NC, and Lisa Indihar (Chuck) of Savage, MN; grandchildren (whom all affectionately referred to him as Grumpy), Carter and Cate Hensley and Sydney, Cole, and Chase Indihar.
The family will plan a memorial service for the summer of 2023.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made be made to the American Heart Association.
Online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family, and obituary, lovingly written by the family.
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