Kimberly Orlando
Donald Garfield Phillips of Stockton California passed away on December 1, 2022 after 81 years of life. He passed peacefully, knowing he was loved.
Donald, fondly known as Don, was born in Tonawanda, New York on August 18, 1941, to John Garfield Phillips and Kathleen Mayne Phillips, the fourth generation of Irish immigrants. His sister Barbara or Bobbi was born 3 years later in California after the family moved cross-country from the East to the West Coast.
Don graduated from Castro Valley High in Alameda County and shortly after married his one true love, Sharon Arlene McKinnon. Over 50 years later their union resulted in 7 children, 18 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. As a devoted father, he would often take his children to work with him. Known as a good provider, he passed on the qualities of hard work and dedication to his children, as well as sharing his many skills in sales, business and construction.
Don is survived by his wife, Sharon and his 7 children, Kimberly Ann, Johnny Arthur, Deborah Sue, Jennifer Maylene, Matthew Ethan, Bethany Ruth, and Megan Dawn. He is also survived by his 18 grandchildren, Morgan, Molly, Laura, Aubrey, Bonnie, Raquel, Dustin, Mary, Grant, Zachary, Cassandra, Carlita, Stephen, Isaac, Jacob, Michael, Brenna, and Tessa, as well as his 31 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Kathleen and sister, Bobbi.
Don loved travel, woodworking and building things with his own two hands. His children warmly remember Dad’s sense of adventure, the many projects he had under construction and how he was always willing to share. Dad was an avid reader and movie buff, much to the delight of his grandkids who he would regale with theatrical renditions of beloved children’s tales. His father was a jazz pianist and Don grew up with a love for Bluegrass and Dixie, that followed him throughout his life. Don always had hobbies, from his collection of miniature cars to old pirate ship models and in later years his extensive stamp collection. Don had a warm manner, a quick wit, and a dry humor that drew the affection of others. His love for God, was part of family life and he passed with the knowledge of hope, just around the corner. (Acts 24:15)
The family will host a private Memorial Service to be announced later. Please send condolences to donaldphillipscondolences@gmail.com Thank you.
