Philip John: A Testimonial
Phil was a young man, about thirty-seven, when he joined the Knights of Columbus. Given his talents and dedication, he was on a fast track to leadership becoming the Grand Knight by the age of forty. Fast tracking was no surprise for this former track star from South City High School. He gave generously along with his wife, Michelle, in the prime of their lives (1993-94) to lead the St. Thomas More Council in Paradise to new heights. Under Phil’s leadership the council raised funds for an array of charities. At the same time, Phil encouraged others to join the council, led monthly meetings, and encouraged brother Knights to live by the principles of the order. While serving as Grand Knight, in 1993, Phil joined the ranks of the highest degree (4th Degree) of the Knights. The principle of the 4th Degree, patriotism, was a natural for Phil given his award-winning service in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Throughout his life Phil lived the other principles of the Knights: Charity, Unity, and Fraternity. Charity was number one with Phil in his dedication to his family, his neighbors, and his community. He devoted his life to his wife, Michelle, and focused with her on their family. Phil spent endless hours with his children to ensure their success in the adult world and then with his three grandchildren. He drove through the flames of the Camp Fire to save the life of his mother-in-law, Sandra. He made the world a better place for neighbors and community with many years of service in the health information system industry, organizing community events, and leading the Paradise Fire Safe Council. Phil was also dedicated to the principle of Unity being united with Christian friends, leading children’s choirs, and singing at Church services. Fraternity was always one of Phil’s special traits. Phil was a brother to many in the Army, the Knights of Columbus, the Rotary, and other organizations. He was a friend to the very end riding in a bike race with his cousin, Shin, the final act of friendship and brotherhood in his short life.
I thank Phil for his dedication to the Knights, but most of all for the legacy of his life dedicated to the core principles of the Knights. When we fall short of those principles, we need to pick ourselves up and follow his lead.
Jim Collins
Grand Knight
St. Thomas More Council 7773
2018 – 2019