Phillip Backup died peacefully next to his wife of 51 years, Ruth, on March 9. Born in Tacoma, Washington in 1921, he said his life was “better than he could have imagined.” An avid skier, traveler, golfer, and stamp collector, Phillip brought humor and fearlessness to everything he did, and did things on his own terms even at the end.

Phillip grew up in Vermont and graduated from Middlebury and the University of Vermont Medical School. He served as head of anesthesiology at Tacoma General Hospital and retired from the Army Reserves as a Colonel. After over 20 years on Vashon Island, he and Ruth relocated to Remond where they enjoyed his last years together.

In addition to his loving wife, Phillip is survived by three daughters–Linda, Peggy, and Molly–three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and extended family in Alaska.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donationtion a tocharity of your choice or to Hospice of Redmond, which provided loving care and support during Phillip’s last few months.

A longer obituary is available here.