KISN, KJR, WWDJ Talent
First "morning" man when KFRC became Drake Station
Program Director, KGW, KFRC, KYUU, K-101
VP/Programming, NBC Radio
P.D. & Architect, K-EARTH
Research Trailblazer (incl. Research Group)
Many many other professional accomplishments ....

But most important: Our FRIEND
 HOME

Portland Memorial - 10/28/2006

Family and friends gathered at Gene Phillips' home in Portland at noon on Saturday, October 28th. A hand-picked guest list joined the celebration of Mike's life in person and on the phone through a teleconference connection. Mike made it clear to Gene that he would prefer a life celebration in their home; even though his stay there encapsulated only about 3-1/2 months. It was clear from email traffic that the gathering could have been sizeable had everyone who expressed an interest and their support for the family been included on Mike's list.

Tom Parker, a long-time friend of Mike's, became an adopted family member -- visiting daily and reading scripture with Mike. Chelsea gave up her room so Mike would have his own "space"; but it wasn't long before he chided her with a list of changes that he was considering, such as "those pink walls have got to go".

Mike had some input in the tone of the gathering, reminding us that we need to remember his challenging and tougher times as well as the upbeat and humorous ones. When Mike moved from Santa Clarita to Portland, the family (including Tom) would gather at 9pm for a daily prayer service.

Some of Mike's more "interesting" moments were recalled:
* Mike visiting the infant department at Macy's and asking the clerk to help him pick out baby clothes .... that would be appropriate on his dog
* Securing some old, beat-up newspaper stands and chaining them to the lobby of an upscale hotel

Joe Sullivan, friend for more than forty years, recalled MICHELLE, a poodle Mike had trained. The dog would be told to find a toy .. and would rummage through toy box with dozens of toys and emerge with the one that was requested by name. His summation was that Mike grew up faster than many of us and recognized the importance early in his life that humility can play.

Terry Danner recalled the life-changing conversation over lunch when Mike suggested that she consider making some habitual changes with regard to drinking. She credits his awareness and his support for a complete recovery, which she undertook without ever enrolling in a twelve-step program. Terry's brilliant summation: We had so many cool kids to play with!

Tom Parker's wife, Sherry recalled her fondness that their home was always filled with the voice of Mike ... and how much she looked forward to that. Tom described Mike and the family as an obvious "carrier of the baldness gene". He recalled the extremes of his friend's warm, love and humor vs. the lows of gathering this day to remember how much we have all lost. "He cared deeply about everyone here", and celebrated Mike's 33 years of sobriety; noting there was no one present who doesn't have a significant degree of gratitude for the influence Mike had on their life. Aircheck reviews with Mike were always positive and upbeat ... with the enthusiasm afterward of "I can't wait to get back on the air and try these suggestions".

Tom recounted a letter from "Duke" Dave Sholin who recapped their time together at the Big 610. It was clear Mike totally cared about his staff ... including an evening when they met to discuss the impending ill-fated "game zone" experiment at KFRC. "Someday we'll laugh until it hurts," predicted Mike.

Others who recounted professional and personal encounters with Mike included Craig Walker, who was moved to KGW mornings under Mike's watch. Tom Murphy recalled early days at KISN where Mike was resourceful in gathering elements to make an authentic audition .. authentic enough to help him land a midday job at an amazingly early age. Shaune Steele recalled Mike's influence on her life as well as husband Don's career life and life, saying Don never had so much fun as he did working with Mike. Shaune reminded us how close Mike and Bob Kanner were, as well as a story involving RKO's Pat Norman and how they fashioned a voo-doo doll to try to get a troublesome front office worker to find another place to call "home".

Keith Smith, KRTH Production (who also hosted an L.A. memorial gathering the next day), suggested if Mike spotted any sales people at his memorial he would want someone to tell them to "raise the rates". Keith recalled how Mike wanted sound effects for a "Big Kahuna" promotion involving bowling. The effects, of course, had to be custom-recorded (so they could experience an afternoon of bowling). He pitched a ball toward the pins, and insisted the engineer run alongside the ball and record the sound of the connection. While the engineer was satisfied with the first take of the ball connecting with "a few pins", Mike quickly reminded him they still had to record the sound of "two pins", "three pins" and so forth.

Brother Jeff and wife Cathy, who were missionaries in South America, offered some scripture and reminders of Mike's spiritual side.

Ninety minutes passed quickly. A few tears for sure ... but many more smiles to show for the time. And, to show for the life, some amazing family members and clearly treasured friends.

If you have contributions, please send them to Eric