Phil passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 20, 2008.
A long time resident of Hillsborough, Gilroy, and lately, of Burlingame. Phil was born in Sacramento on January 22, 1918.
Phil graduated from Washington State University in 1940, where he majored in Business, and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. During his life he believed in providing an opportunity for young people through education. He supported education at the high school, university and special education levels and founded the Lighty Leadership Award, one of WSU’s largest endowed scholarships. In addition to providing tuition, he offered his friendship. Because of this, and his dedication to the University, WSU named its “Student Services Building” for him. He founded the California Chapter of WSU’s Alumni Association and was the first “President’s Associate” and served as a Trustee Ambassador.
He served in the Army Air Corps as a combat gunnery officer in the Philippines and the South Pacific during World War II. He retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel.
In 1946, Phil joined Dean Witter and Company in San Francisco and later became a partner. After managing the San Francisco office, he opened two branch offices in Palo Alto. He retired as Senior Vice President for Investments in 1983.
Phil made many contributions to his community. He was a member of Kiwanis, Burlingame Lodge 400 FM Asiya Shriners, Scottish Rite, American Legion, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and served as Foreman of the San Mateo County Grand Jury. He was the first Big Sir, the first Governor, and the first Honorary Life Member of the Gilroy SIRS 119, South Santa Clara County Branch. As a Boy Scout leader, he helped found Camp Cutter in San Mateo County and was a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America “Silver Beaver Award for Distinguished Service.”
He was a wonderful, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and loyal friend.
He is survived by his wife, June, of 64 years; his sons Phillip, Jr., Thomas, and Stephen; daughters-in-law Jill and Roberta; grandchildren, Jennifer, Scott, Phillip III and his wife, Kimiko, and John; and brother-in-law Robert Miller and his wife, Lois.
Private arrangements by Woodlawn. A “Celebration of Life” will be announced to family and friends at a later date.
As Executive Director of WSU Alumni Relations, Keith Lincoln said, “If everyone was like Phil, there would be no problems in this world.”
In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial to:
WSU Foundation, Phil and June Lighty Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 641042
Pullman, WA 99164-1042
