Harry George Phillips, 88

Harry George Phillips, 88, passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2007, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2007, at the United Methodist Church, 711 Main St., in Sandpoint. Pastor Tori Hicks will officiate, with interment in Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Harry was born Feb. 21, 1919, in Lewiston, Idaho, the son of William and Ora Phillips. The family moved to Clarkston, Wash., and then to Asotin where Harry received his schooling. In 1939, Harry went to vocational training at the University of Idaho and after completing his course of study, found a job as a mechanic in a garage in Moscow, Idaho.

Harry was drafted into the Army in 1942 and served 45 months in the South Pacific, as a mechanic, in the 32nd Division of the 128th Infantry.

After his discharge from the Army, Harry came to Laclede, where he operated a farm and a dairy for more than 10 years. During that time (1948,) he married Margaret Kalk and started a family. They moved to the Dufort area in Sagle in 1956. Harry worked, as an equipment operator, for Bonner County.

In 1960, he became an equipment operator for Idaho State Forestry and worked there for 22 years until his retirement.

Harry completely remodeled the family home, worked at tree farming and growing Christmas trees. Harry enjoyed working on his tree farm with his children helping at his side. In 1978, harry received the "Woodsman of the Year" award from the agricultural committee of Bonner County for taking exemplary care of his forest. Tours of his forest have been held several times over the years.

Harry was active in the Methodist Church, serving on various committees. He became the unofficial maintenance man for the church as long as his health allowed. He was master of the Westmond Grange and a member of the Grange for more than 50 years.

Watching his children grow and develop was Harry's number one joy. He is survived by his wife of more than 58 years, Margaret; as well as three sons and their spouses: John and Carla of Spokane, Bill and Nancy of Sandpoint, Mike and Ann of Sagle; and one daughter Mary Margaret and her husband, Stan, of Portland. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert and wife Barbara of San Diego, California and a brother-in-law, Gordon Kalk of Sagle as well as several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, 711 Main Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Family and friends are invited to sign Harry's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.