Charles "Pete" Dean Phillips

Charles D. was born to Lindley and Ethel Phillips on April 18, 1937 in Dillon, Montana. His Grandpa Bert nicknamed him “Pete” that day, which is the name he would be known by for his entire life. Over the next twenty years, brother Roy and sisters Sharon and Pat completed the family.

Pete resided in Spokane Valley for the majority of his life, graduating from West Valley High School, Class of 1956 and later from the Operating Engineers Diesel Mechanic Apprentice Program. He was a life member of the IUOE. In 1962 he joined the NA Degerstrom Construction Company, where he would remain for the rest of his career. He began as a field maintenance mechanic going to freeway, bridge, road, and dam construction jobs throughout the PNW. In 1974 he shifted to the shop fulltime as the motor/transmission specialist then in 1984 he became the shop superintendent, continuing in that position until his 2000 retirement. He truly enjoyed and thrived in being a part of the Degerstrom family for so many years and had many great stories to tell and good friends to remember.

While his work ethic and commitment to NAD were major driving forces in his life, his love for family and friends was even greater. In his own quiet way he looked forward to and enjoyed the time spent with everyone, sharing our lives and making memories. Besides Ann and his children, Pete is survived by grandchildren Ashley and Marcus, great grand Ellie, siblings Roy(Carol) Phillips, Sharon (Tom) Conlon, Pat (Don Satko) Phillips, sisters-in-law Elaine Cornwell and Lynn Page and his fifteen precious nieces and nephews.

Pete also found great joy in his “off” time. It was filled with fly fishing in the mountains of Idaho and the rivers and streams of Montana, snowmobiling for over 25 years, Sunday drives to the mountains (or to jobsites to check them out for the next week), and travel both to see the country and family. In retirement, Pete and Ann added RV travel and hiking with “puppy” D.O.Gee. Summers were spent in the PNW and Montana then snowmobiling was traded for warm winters traveling in the South which also added another layer of wonderful, lasting friendships that Pete always cherished.

Thru God’s grace, we were given an extra, very special, two years together. Pete worked so faithfully to rebuild his strength, kept a positive attitude through all of the challenges, never losing that beautiful smile. We are so grateful for that time and also extend our heartfelt love and thanks to the family, friends and medical staff who helped us on the journey.

At Pete’s request, there will be no services. There will be a family graveside in the Spring and a gathering to celebrate a good man and a life well lived.