Obituary of Dale Edward Phillips

May 24, 2023  -  Land O Lakes, Florida 

Dale Edward Phillips, husband, partner, and best friend of 55 years to Marilyn Rouse Phillips, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.  Dale was pre-deceased by his parents, Elwin and Irene Phillips of White River Jct. Vermont, his hometown for 20 years.   

Dale, often referred to as “the last original Boy Scout”, will be remembered as a quiet man, with an incredibly sweet and mischievous smile, always one step behind the center of attention.  His Vermont wit, his warm heart, kindness and his deep affection for and protection of his extended family were the trademarks of his contented and fulfilled life, and his understated success.  

Introduced to scouting by his uncle, Bill Chapman, Dale achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and always believed that living by that oath was what made him a good, reliable and responsible man.  His years in the Boy Scouts and his experience as a counselor at Camp Plymouth in Tyson, Vermont created a love of all things nature and it was when he was outdoors whether playing or working, he totally enjoyed himself.  Dale went to Champlain College for two years; while attending he was the captain of his college ski team and worked as a ski patrol and instructor at area resorts.  He later continued his studies at Castleton University and graduated with a BS in Accounting and Business and a teaching certificate.  While teaching at a high school, and as the Head of the Business Department at the age of 22, he also became the ski coach of the school (undoubtedly his favorite position in his 55 years of employment).   

Dale spent his professional years in the fields of education, management, hospitality, finance and accounting.  From the time he graduated college, his positions were always as the top of a department, as a CFO, a manager or an owner.  Always a calm, quiet but formidable leader, he was often referred to as “the big guy”.  Dale performed his last day of work, age 75, just two days before he entered the hospital on May 11.   

As the head of his family, Dale is thought of as “simply, the best”.  There are no words that describe how fortunate his wife, children and grandchildren were to have him as their beloved “honey, captain, daddy, pretty pa, pawsy, sweet cheeks or Chet”.  Dale is survived by his wife, Lynn Phillips; his daughter and her husband, Natalie and Kevin Collins; his son and his wife, Christopher and Tonya Phillips; and three grandsons, who were his pride and happiness always, Nick, Alex and Ryan; all of Land O Lakes, Florida.  Dale leaves behind a brother and his wife, Scott and Cyndi Phillips of Ruskin, Fl; 2 brother in laws, Stu Rouse and Nathan Gatton of St Petersburg, Fl and, 2 sister in laws, Carol Austin and Karen Bertelsen, all who contributed to his beloved extended family, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins who also have lovingly expressed their grief and sorrow at his passing. 

A memorial service will be held at Loyless Funeral Home in Land O Lakes, Fl on June 9, 2023 at 4. Pm.  It will be available by webcast.  If you have an interest in joining, please contact Tonya by text or phone at 813-728-6181. 

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to:   in memory of Dale Phillips 

                                 Boy Scouts Troop 12    

                                 PO Box 1312     

                                 Lutz, Florida  33548 

                                 Camp Joslin    

                                 Charlton, Mass   

                                                                                    

 

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