Obituary of Phillip L. Harrington

Phillip L. Harrington, was born on November 20, 1935 to Ellsworth Wayne and Faye Dorothy Harrington, in Council Bluff, Iowa. This adventurous young man set out from at a very early age to fulfill his love for the sea. After a few years of sailing he found himself wanting to see more, he joined the United States Army and served during the Korean War. Phillip had a love for motorcycles and need for speed, he raced motor cross and flat track. He enjoyed flying planes and got his pilots license. Phillip transferred to Fort Lewis Military Base in Tacoma Washington, where he found an even greater love for a beautiful woman Wanda Belden and her two daughters Carole and Donna. Phillip and Wanda married and as years went by the family grew one by one, Wanda gave birth to four more daughters; Christine, Michelle, Shelia, and Tracy. After serving his time in the Army, Phillip went to work again on the sea until the day that Wanda gave birth to their son Steven. Phillip found his feet upon dry land again working as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic, his work took them to California and Oregon before settling in Vancouver Washington, where Phillip was employed as a mechanic for the United States Postal Service. But, adventure called again and he was off to the last frontier, Alaska. He had to leave his family behind during his employment working in the rugged wilderness on the Alaskan Pipe Line. After his work on the pipeline, Phillip went back to work for the United Sates Postal Service. Phillip and Wanda divorced in the early 70’s. Phillip met his soul mate, a young Sandra Kelley along with her son Vincent. Phillip, Sandra and Vincent moved around to various locations in Oregon, only to settle down in Vancouver Washington. Here Sandra gave birth to their son Kevin. Phillip joined the Operating Engineers Local 701 where his work took him traveling to other states until finally settling in Ethel, Washington where Phillip worked as the Superintendent on the Mt. St. Helens observatory and Visitors Center Project. Nearing the end of this project, Phillip took a Supervisor position with Toledo Sand & Gravel until he retired. Enjoying retirement on their little farm in Ethel, Washington until Sandra’s passing in September of 2005. Phillip was diagnosed with lung cancer in the spring of 2007 and continued to live on his farm until he could not keep up the farm any longer. Phillip spent his final days in the company of his family until his passing in Centralia, Washington on January 28, 2008. Phillip is survived by his Sons: Steven Harrington, Vincent Harrington, Kevin Harrington; Daughters: Carole Paul, Donna Krause, Christine Patten, Michelle Bretzel, Shelia Benson, Tracy Dane, Anne East and Danielle Harrington (Langton); 25 Grandchildren, 27 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren and numerous friends. Phillip L. Harrington Loving Husband, Father and Friend, He will be missed by all. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.