Ronald Wayne Philips

Early Sunday morning, on July 16th, this world lost a great man in the person of Ronald W. Philips MD (affectionately known as “Dr. Ron”), when he completed his 97-year sojourn on Earth and reached his heavenly destination with Jesus.

Ron was born in Takoma Park, Maryland on February 25, 1926 to Eugene D. Philips, an electrical engineer, and Eunice Andreasen Philips, a newspaper proofreader, joining sister, Barbara, who was just eleven months older. Growing up in the Chevy Chase, Maryland area and with both parents working, Dr. Ron spent much of his time on his own with his dog, Barron. Dr. Ron enjoyed dancing, ice skating, sailing his kayak, swimming, and the outdoors. Following graduation from Woodrow Wilson HS in Washington DC, Dr. Ron joined the Navy’s V-12 College Training Program through Cornell University in 1943. He decided to test and qualified for the more challenging V-5 Naval Aviation Cadet (NavCad) program which allowed individuals to concurrently work towards a college degree and serve in the military. Dr. Ron was trained and certified to fly multiple aircraft including the Boeing-Stearman Model 75 biplane, Douglas SBD Dauntless, and the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver. Dr. Ron earned his wings and obtained his officer’s commission at age 19, the youngest possible age to become a commissioned officer at that time. In 1945, a Navy chaplain’s message followed by attendance at a Youth for Christ meeting struck him deeply, and Ron committed his life to Christ. Dr. Ron spent the majority of his active duty at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. In 1946, Dr. Ron transferred to the US Naval Reserves and moved to his parent’s house in Inglewood, CA where his parents had moved for the health of Dr. Ron’s father.

In early 1946, Dr. Ron was invited to attend a church in Los Angeles where he met and subsequently fell in love with his future wife, Janet (Jan) R. Sweazy. Jan was 16 years old while Dr. Ron was a 20- year Naval officer. Dr. Ron subsequently transferred his science studies from Cornell University to George Pepperdine College (now Pepperdine University) in addition to tutoring undergrad students in physics and also taking theology classes at Los Angeles Baptist Theological Seminary (now The Master’s University) both located in downtown Los Angeles, California. Dr. Ron earned a B.S. degree in pre-medicine from Pepperdine in June 1950 and one week later, Dr. Ron and Jan were married on June 11, 1950. Their marriage was a life-long commitment that lasted for 73 years.

Following a month-long Honeymoon mostly in California, Dr. Ron received a job offer from UCLA conducting cancer research on mice. In 1951, Dr. Ron and Jan added son Sheldon to their family just as Dr. Ron was accepted into medical school at the College of Medical Evangelists (now Loma Linda University) with the desire to become a medial missionary. In 1953, Dr. Ron moved to LA County Hospital and White Memorial Hospital to continue working in lab research. They welcomed daughter Lisa to the family in 1954. In 1955 having successfully completed his MD degree at Loma Linda University, Dr. Ron and Jan moved to Portland, Oregon for medical internship at Portland Hospital and Sanitarium (now Portland Adventist Medical Center) and radiology residency at OHSU. Late in 1955, they welcomed son Scott into the clan, and in 1958, they completed their family when they had son Lindsay. In 1959, following residency, Dr. Ron began his radiology career at a private practice in Vancouver, WA. Over a span of 55 years, Ron was privileged to practice medicine at several private practices, Lloyd Center X-Ray Group, Portland Adventist Center, Emanuel Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, and various smaller hospitals and clinics around the Portland, Oregon area. He retired for the third and final time, just two months shy of his 90th birthday.

Alongside his rewarding medical career, Ron enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He and Jan were intrepid travelers, visiting approximately 100 countries around the world, and spending time on short-term medical mission trips, including 17 trips to countries in Africa, Central and South America, and Europe. Boating and sailing, music, home improvement projects, camping, reading, jigsaw puzzles, playing board games, and church involvement remained a life-long passion for Dr. Ron and Jan. As late as 87 years old, Dr. Ron was required to complete 30 hours of CME (continuing medical education) to maintain his physician’s license. He did so cheerfully.

Dr. Ron particularly enjoyed sharing his faith in Christ with others through his kindness, gentleness, generosity, patience, and integrity with anyone he met. He was softspoken, never angry with others, always prepared for any challenge, and never started a project that he didn’t finish. Each of his children consider him a gift from God and the best father and mentor one could ever want. He was our role model and hero!

Dr. Ron is survived by his wife of 73 years, Janet R. Philips, his four children including Sheldon W. Philips (wife Debbie), Lisa Philips, B. Scott Philips (wife Sheri), and Lindsay B. Philips (wife Vicky), 12 grandchildren, and 34 great grandchildren. Dr. Ron will be interred at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon with full military honors.

Memorial service

• When: Saturday, September 16 at 11:00 am

• Where: GracePointe Church, 10750 SE 42nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222

• Livestream: http://gpointe.com/memorial

Donations (in lieu of flowers)

• World Medical Mission c/o Samaritan’s Purse: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/donation-items/world-medical-mission/

• Union Gospel Mission: https://ugmportland.org/donate/