Brian G. Phillips OBITUARY

Brian G. Phillips OBITUARY

Brian Gwynn Phillips passed away on December 5th, three days after his 90th birthday, having suffered for several years with Lewy body dementia.

Brian grew up in Wales UK during wartime and met his future wife at Cardiff University. They married in 1958. After completing his degree in physics, he received a job offer in the US and moved to California in 1960, purchasing a house in Cupertino in 1963. They remained in California and adopted two sons, Geoffrey in 1967 and Richard in 1972. Eventually, they became naturalized US citizens.

Brian’s career comprised many years in the defense industry at companies such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. He oversaw a wide range of projects that he often couldn’t discuss and was involved with advances in fiber optic technology, a true passion of his.

Brian was highly intelligent and fiercely independent, possessing many capabilities and always doing his own repairs, renovations, landscaping etc. Frugal and resourceful to the core, he espoused the value of a hard-earned dollar and the importance of self-sufficiency. He was a spirited conversationalist with a vast knowledge that kept you on your toes. He loved good food, good wine, classical music, science and history, warm days, and animals of all kinds.

In later years, he enjoyed a retirement rich with family, friends, and the modest fruits of his labors. He struggled with vision problems caused by macular degeneration, compounded by his dementia symptoms. Despite the challenges, he was fortunate to have at-home care, frequent family visits, and time with his beloved wife of 67 years, Sylvia.

Brian’s strong personality, bright mind, and genuine care will be greatly missed.

Please consider donating to organizations working to combat Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, such as alz.org and lbda.org.