Paul Richard Phillips
January 7, 2015

Paul R. Phillips, 90, of Long Lake, MN, passed away January 7, 2015 at Sunset Home, Quincy, IL, where he had resided for six and a half years while coping with the effects of Parkinson's Disease.

Mr. Phillips was born at home on July 31, 1924 in Harvey, IL, the son of William R. and Rose (Kuykendall) Phillips. He graduated from Thornton Township High School, Harvey, IL, in 1942, attended Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY, and served as a private first class in the U.S. Army Aircraft Warning Unit from October 1942-February 1944. On May 18, 1946, he married Mary Louise Bakke at the First Christian Church in Harvey, IL. They lived for a time in Chicago before settling down in the Minneapolis area.

For many years, Mr. Phillips was Vice President of Knox Reeves Advertising in Minneapolis, with major clients including General Mills and Art Instruction Schools, a home study school well known for its "Draw Me" ads inside matchbooks and in magazines, and for famous students and instructors, including Charles M. Schulz, creator of Peanuts. In 1966, Mr. Phillips left the agency and worked for Art Instruction Schools until retiring as its president in 1991.

For many years while at Art Instruction, Mr. Phillips also managed the school's advertising campaign with Bozell & Jacobs, the ad agency that acquired Knox Reeves in 1974. As a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), Mr. Phillips starred in numerous Art Instruction Schools TV commercials that aired nationally on broadcast and cable television. A selection of his commercials can be seen by Googling "Art Instruction Schools 1980 Commercials."

Mr. Phillips was also an accomplished drummer who performed with his own dance band in high school and throughout his life. He was often known to "fill in" anytime a band took a break. His final performances were with the Polka-Dots, the "kitchen band" at Sunset Home, though Parkinson's Disease prevented him from playing like he once did.

He was a wonderful father to his four children, though he gave special attention to his daughter, Joan, who had life-long severe developmental and cognitive delays. Unsatisfied that special schools around the country or doctors with whom they met in the U.S. and Europe could give Joan the care and living skills she needed, Mr. Phillips worked tirelessly with Rev. Ruben K. Youngdahl to create Mt. Olivet Rolling Acres, a residential school in Chanhassen for individuals with developmental delays. He served on its board of directors for many years. As Joan aged and eventually needed a new home, Mr. Phillips created Orono Woodlands, Inc., a group home for six severely developmentally disabled adults where his daughter and other residents could live out their lives in a wonderful home environment staffed 24/7 by trained caregivers.

Mr. Phillips had a real estate broker's license for many years and enjoyed investing in real estate, particularly condominiums in Naples, FL, where he and his wife wintered for some 30 years. He loved walking the beautiful white sands of the Naples beaches and never missed an opportunity to watch a sunset. Mr. Phillips was a member of the Minnesota Men's Club in Naples, and he and his wife were members of Wayzata Community Church and Wayzata Country Club near their home in suburban Minneapolis.

The family wishes to express our extreme gratitude to the Sunset Home employees, especially the nurses and CNAs and other staff of the 4th floor for the wonderful, loving care Paul received during his years there. Also, a special thank you to the We Care Team of Vermont Street United Methodist Church for their frequent visits.

Mr. Phillips is survived by his wife, Mary; children Barbara (John) Wooleyhan of Quincy, IL, Joan Phillips of Long Lake, MN, Richard (Jill) Phillips of Rockville, MD; grandchildren Lisa Phillips (PJ) Schlee of Eden Prairie, MN, Michael (Kara Yantes) Phillips of Plymouth, MN, Laura Wooleyhan (Ethan) Beckler of Quincy, IL, Zack, Gaby, and Halle Phillips of Rockville, MD; and great grandchildren Paige and Riley Beckler and Morgan Schlee. Also surviving are his brother Dave (Gerry) Phillips of Fullerton, CA and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Phillips was predeceased by his parents William R. and Rose K. Phillips, brother and sister-in-law William F. and Thelma Phillips, and son and daughter-in-law Frederick and Katherine Phillips.

According to his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Minnesota and his ashes buried beside his son, Fred.

Memorials may be made to his daughter Joan's group home, Orono Woodlands (a not-for-profit organization), P.O. Box 507, Long Lake, MN 55356 or to the Sunset Home Elevator Fund, 418 Washington St., Quincy, IL 62301.

Condolences may be sent in care of Hansen Spear Funeral Home, 1535 State St., Quincy, IL 62301.

www.hansenspear.com

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