Phillips, David Gee

Dear Kathleen,
Shocked, saddened, sorry for your loss. I know that you two had a great time romping through Yellowstone, your favorite haunt.
And I believe it's part of the lore whereby one or both of you experienced the flames of the Park fires in '88 first-hand? True?
Watching the recent PBS park series gives me new respect for any park ranger -- and the funny questions they get. What a wonderful place to work and live.
Here's the best to you and your family...yes, even Boo.

Gerry O'Brien, Butte, MT

Nothing but great memories of the many many miles traveled in the Yellowstone world with Dave. Some highlights: being at Dave's side brining the wolves into Yellowstone; training with sun on our backs and mud in our faces while serving many years on the Yellowstone Park Speical Operations Team; skiing with the Dave and the FBI SWAT over the Yellowstone backcountry...and many more memories. To Kathleen and Dave's extended family - may the world's warmth and strength be with you all.

Bundy Phillips & Jane Ruchman

Our sympathy goes out to you and your family. Although, I did not know Dave personally, his influences were far reaching in Yellowstone's Backcountry. His efforts were greatly appreciated in making the backcountry a better place.

Kathleen & Family,

Although I didn't know Dave, I remember you sharing many stories of your experiences with your husband in Yellowstone. These stories helped the students of Shoshoni OREO program, understand the importance of 'Leave No Footprint'. And your recycling efforts that you shared with the students, helped them understand the need to take care of our environment. I know you have touched my children.

Kathleen, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless,
Lynn & Tim Thompson & children
Tim, Pat, Sarah, Olivia, Brianna & Cheyenne

To Kathleen, Tyson and Linnea,

You are in our hearts and thoughts at this time, we love you and treasure the time that we knew Dave in Yellowstone and Bozeman. His heart was large and he always had a big smile for us. His grin and forthwright manner will never be forgotten. We love all of you,

Alice Siebecker and Brian, Rocky and T. Crandell

Dave saved my life more than once. By teaching me which end of the horse I should face when riding I was able to still function at the end of a long trail day. By pointing out the force of the Snake River at the South Entrance and 'suggesting' another day would come when fording would be possible he kept me out of Jackson Lake. Showing me the lesson of the 'BIG BLUE CUP' at meal times taught me the importance of food and body when working hard.

I've told new seasonals over the years that if ever lost in the backcountry of Yellowstone there are very few people you need to look for you. Dave Phillips, anybody who's last name is Ross, and Jerry Merrin.
Not only will they find you but you're come back a much better person than you left.

I'm a much better Yellowstone 'groundpounder' because of Dave and his gentle and humorous way. He'll be missed, but he certainly won't be forgotten by the hundreds of men and women he influence over the decades.

Bill Kraegel

I didn't know Dave well, but his working with him in the back country and visiting with him at the outfitter meetings was always a pleasure. I am truly Sorry for your loss.

I met Dave and Kathleen and Tyson and Linnea in 1992 when I moved into the E-shelter with a seaonal ranger named Matt Vandzura. Little did I know that Dave would do so much for me. He showed me the backcountry of Yellowstone; put me on a horse named Shoney to ride; helped me buy my first horse, my first saddle; and talked me into carrying a kayak 7 1/2 miles into Heart Lake. Matt and I will miss him more than we can say, but he left us with many good stories and memories. We hope the memories you have will help you through the hard times. We love you, karen and matt

He is in the bugle of the elk, the roar of the lion,
the whisper on the frosty breath of a stallion.
He is mist, he is humming, he is the babbling stream.
He is missed but always in my dream.

Thank you, Dave for a true friendship through the years.
World Campus Afloat

Words can not express the loss I felt when I heard the news of Daves passing. It was only a few weeks ago that I talked with him in Big R in Riverton. It was truly a shock. I will dearly miss him and the occasional chat we shared. God has a greater misson for him. Take comfort in knowing that he is with the almighty creater and watching over us.

Gods be with you

I knew Dave for a few years when he lived at Shelburne Farms in Vermont. Two memories stand out; Laughing til my sides ached at his stories of dealing with bears in Yellowstone. And watching him disc a field with his baby in a backpack. Such a warm hearted and kind soul is surely missed.