Howard C. Phillips

Howard C. Phillips, 91, of Miami, FL passed away peacefully in the loving presence of his family and Pastor on Thursday, October 9, 2014. Born July 19, 1923 in Winchendon, MA, he was the third son of 5 children born to Dr. Percy E. Phillips and Bertha M. Phillips. He attended Michigan State University graduating with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He maintained a thriving small and large animal practice in Gardner, MA spanning a career of 49 years. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Gardner, MA serving multiple roles as Deacon, Trustee, Sunday school teacher, hand bell ringer and Treasurer. He was elected to the Murdoch High School (Winchendon, MA) Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. He also participated in the Gardner Rotary Club and was past president of the Massachusetts Veterinary Association. In his free time he loved to garden, jog, swim and coach little league baseball. His other passion was reading his medical journals where he could stay abreast of the newest and greatest techniques in veterinary medicine. In 1986 Howard married Erika Friedrich. Together, they built their new life on 935 West Broadway, Gardner, MA until retiring in 1999 and moving to Miami, FL. While in Miami he continued his love of gardening, reading and swimming. He also was a member of the Central Presbyterian Church where he helped make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for distribution to the soup kitchens of greater Miami. Some of Howard’s fondest memories in retirement were trips to Germany, Alaska and New England. He was predeceased by his first wife of 36 years, Merle M. (DeRoos) Phillips; his brothers Russell, Richard and Warren Phillips; and his son, David Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Erika; sister, Daisy Kuizenga; sons, Kenneth and his wife, Lisa; Keith and his wife, Sandy; Bob and his wife, Nancy; and Erika’s son, Bernhard Hildebrandt. He also leaves behind his 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church in Gardner, MA on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Interment will immediately follow the service at Crystal Lake Cemetery. The Mack Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Congregational Church, Green St, Gardner, MA, 01440."