I feel very honored to have known Phil since I moved to Seattle and met him at my first Rainy Camp in 1997. I saw him at every RC since with the exception of one or two. At our first meeting he introduced himself and we talked for quite a while. In fact we always talked, he mostly, and he was also noted for his long scholarly introductions to his songs, ending with Hilda saying "Phil, just sing the song now!" The last time a saw him at RC, a little over a year ago, he was obviously grieving over Hilda's death, and I transcribed to CD a home-made tape of Hilda singing one of her most touching songs. He was very grateful to have that.

Some years ago I purchased his "Songs of the Pacific Northwest" as a used book over the internet. When I showed him my copy where it was stamped inside "Property of such-and-such School in B.C." he said "Damn! and to think we gave those books free to all the schools." He then took the trouble to give me some corrections and updates to some of the pages.

Phil could have nothing to do with religion, organized or otherwise, and we would talk about that as two former Unitarians who had managed to kick the religion habit. There was always something interesting to talk to Phil about.

Phil always had a kind word for me, and I guess that's what I appreciated most about him. I will miss seeing him at Rain Camp, but treasure his memory.

Cheers, S. in Seattle