Phillip Zook

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Presbyterian Church or the Vashon Senior Center.

Phillip Deitrich Zook, 87, of Vashon Island, WA, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2024, from advanced kidney and liver disease.

Phil was born in Hollywood, California, on December 10, 1936, to Earl Zook and Jean Crepin. He loved to learn, to teach, and to talk. Oh boy, did he love to talk! But when he talked to you, he had a knack for making you feel like you were the most important person in the world. A gardener by trade (THE Gardener, if his business cards are to be believed), he tended to both plants and humans. He worked the program in Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 50 years and affected the lives of countless individuals with his patented blend of spirituality and tough love. Although, as he would probably say, he “had nothing to do with it.”

He was a Marine, an avid HAM radio operator, a gentleman cribbage player, and a lover of giant cars – especially Big Red, his 1995 Lincoln Town Car. An artist, he also painted and played piano, and any other instrument he touched. In recent years, he would often be seen walking, getting in his five miles a day.

He is survived by children Michael Zook of San Francisco, CA, Eric Zook of Camarillo, CA, Kristal Brent Zook of Miami, FL, Jennifer Zook of West Seattle, WA, and Dom Zook of Salt Lake City, UT. He was preceded in death by daughter Lora Addington and his beloved wife of 31 years, Michele.

Family invites all to come to a memorial service at the Vashon Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 10th, 2024, at 10a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Presbyterian Church or the Vashon Senior Center.