Around 2:30am he had some seizure activity on EEG and shortly thereafter had a major spike in his body temperature. Around this time his EEG signals began to flatten out and his brain stem reflexes began to become compromised. It is believed that the highly labile blood pressure he has had for the past 2 weeks contributed to injuring the brain matter in both hemispheres leading to diffuse malignant edema. This swelling began to shut down cortical function, and eventually press on his brain stem leading to herniation and a rapid decline in Phil's health. By the time the family arrived around 6am his EEG showed only trace marks and his posturing and neurological exams were suggesting the worst. Within a few hours his prognosis became so poor and his EEG so faint that he was pronounced brain dead and final arrangements were made. These, as per Phil's wishes, included donation of organs so that the lives of others may be spared.
To anyone that knew Phil, or has been a friend to the family, I'm sure you can understand what a loss this is for us all. His ever-friendly and tirelessly giving personality won so many over, and his wit will be remembered down the ages. While shy, my father had an endearing charm that spoke of comfort, ease, mirth, and security. I'm sure each of you who knew my father can easily think of a well timed pun you can blame him for. But more than anything, to his family, my Dad was our rock. I'm sure my brother and sister will agree with my saying that whenever we needed advice or help with anything, Dad was there for us with well thought out suggestions. Whenever anything went wrong, Dad was there. And whenever something truly great has happened in my life, invariably a large part of the thanks belongs to him.
My father raised me to love technology, to love understanding how things work, but more than anything, he raised me to love learning. It sometimes feels like Dad taught me everything I know, but I realize it's more that he encouraged me to learn everything I have with his support and adoration. Between him and Mom, I do not feel I could be blessed with any better parents, and I will remember and remain grateful to him always. I would only ask that those of you who knew him continue to treasure him in your hearts so that his legacy might live on and flourish.
A memorial service will be held, and when the specifics have been determined I will post them here. Thank you everyone for your support and love in this trying time. Our world has lost one of its treasures, and I'm sure you will all not only join me in grieving for him, but also in remembering and emulating his kindness and humor.
The memorial service will be at 3pm on October 3rd, 2009 at Mills Riverside Park in Jericho, VT. The service will be a potluck, so if you can bring any food that would be appreciated.
Evergreen, Phil and Shanin, Isis and Larson and dear little girls,
ReplyDeleteWe all love you and we truly loved your husband,father and grandfather too. It is the worst thing we could think of to lose our family "teddy bear." But we are glad that all of you had some responses from him in the last days that you can remember and in time take comfort that he was showing you his great love for you. His family was everything to him. All he stood for and did was for you. We hope you will have no regrets;you were all there for him throughout his illness and we know he appreciated your efforts. His love and personality will live on in his great influences on all of you. The best part is that he will always be remembered and held dear by everyone who loved him. We treasure our happy memories of Phil. All of us want that when we pass to the other side..
Peace and love to you all,
Don and Marsha
I am so profoundly saddened by this news, and I can only imagine how difficult this time is for all of you. Uncle Phil was a 'one of a kind' mid-western guy, full of kindness, intelligence, worldliness, and generosity.
ReplyDeleteI recall childhood visits to the house in Sherborne and later Jericho with such fondness, always being greeted at the door by Uncle Phil's unassuming grin and smothering bear hug. Following my mother's recent surgeries he was always right there to lend a helping hand. He even made a special trip with Isis to paint her house. My mother and Phil shared a special brotherly/sisterly bond. She loved him dearly and will miss him each and every day, as will we all. She recalled the same qualities that Larson mentions, of how insightful and helpful his advice always was, his intelligence, and warm heart. There are far too few people in this world like him, and the world has suffered a great loss.
We must take solace in the fact that he is now at peace, no longer struggling with any discomforts, and resting quietly.
You are all in my thoughts each and every moment and I am praying for you all, as well as for Phil. We will miss you Uncle Phil but will keep your spirit alive through our happy memories and good deeds.
Love to all, Molly
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I am very saddened by his passing and will miss him very miss. I loved your father. Renee
ReplyDelete