Thomas Kent Phillips

“I went to Luther College because my grandfather paid for it.” What began as a practical decision became a defining experience in Tom’s life. Luther College played a significant role in shaping who he was, and it was there that he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Thomas Kent Phillips was born on April 27, 1947, in Chicago, the son of Wallace and Norma Fleischer Phillips. He is survived by his devoted partner of many years, Vickie Brown; his loving sister, Jano; special cousin, Larry Fleischer; and Sergio Riddel; along with three additional cousins, extended family, and many friends.

Tom’s achievements were many. He attended St. Paul Lutheran Elementary School and Prospect High School, both in Mt. Prospect, Ill., where he was active in sports and scouting. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Luther College, received his CPA designation from the University of Illinois in 1979, and later earned a master’s degree in art from the University of Wisconsin–Superior in 2000. Tom was admitted to MENSA and expressed his intellect through competitive duplicate bridge, achieving the rank of Ruby Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). He was also a certified bridge instructor. It was not fun to play against him in bridge; somehow, he knew every card in all four hands.

Tom’s career as a CPA took him from Chicago to Hawaii and then to Los Angles. He alternated work with painting and bridge during this time. He traveled the bridge circuit for over two years and was especially proud to have played as a partner with Omar Sharif.

Tom’s interests were diverse. He equally loved his time at the bridge table and his time in the art studio. He loved the plays of Shakespeare and the music of the Bee Gees. In his healthy years, Tom enjoyed parties with frat brothers and dates with lovely women. Tom had a lively sense of humor and regaled friends with jokes and stories.

When multiple myeloma cancer struck, Tom fought the disease valiantly. He was a role model for the perfect patient and survived 20 plus years. More than one doctor suggested that Tom should be named the poster boy for battling and surviving cancer. He gracefully endured chemo and the side effects of that treatment. Tom’s doctors and nurses at Tennessee Plateau Oncology were both medical helpers and friends. When Tom was recently hospitalized and missing chemo, he wished he were in his special treatment chair at TPO.

Tom will be dearly missed by classmates, neighbors, dear bridge friends and family.