Phillips served his country, community
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TweetFriends and family of Milton Gregory Phillips, 68 laid him to rest at the Jones Point Cemetery on Jan. 8 before a memorial potluck at the ANB Hall. He died in Anchorage of throat cancer on Dec. 12, according to his daughter Bobbie Jo Phillips Johnson.
Milton was born in Haines on November 22, 1949 to Paul Eli and Daisy Phillips, an accomplished Native arts and craftswoman and Tlingit cultural leader. He grew up here before moving to Juneau where he graduated from Juneau Douglas High School in 1969. He was drafted into the Army and served from 1972-1974, then went to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Juneau and in Anchorage, where he retired.
“He was a quiet, humble man,” Bobbie Jo said, who enjoyed bowling and spending time in the family subsistence fish camp along the Chilkat River.
Cousin Sonny Williams will miss him. “I loved his company and enjoyed spending time with him when he was around. He was a good friend and a good family member.”
His wife Martina Phillips died last January in Anchorage.
In addition to his daughter Bobbie Jo in Anchorage, Milton is survived by brothers Paul S., Fred C., Eli W., and John G. Phillips of Juneau; sisters Flora Beierly of Juneau, Vivian Taylor of Anchorage, Nancy D. Phillips of Montana; granddaughter Janine M.R Phillips, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
Siblings Virginia Arnold, Pauline Case, and Howard K. Phillips and a granddaughter, Cynthia Marie Phillips, preceded him in death.
Cards may be sent to Bobbie Jo Johnson c/o Milton G. Phillips 340 E 13th Ave #4 Anchorage, AK 99501.
