Memories of Dr. Philip "Phil" Colman Kreitner

In memory of

Dr. Philip "Phil" Colman Kreitner

Portland, OR, USA

November 28, 1939 - August 24, 2021

Nov 28, 1939 - Aug 24, 2021

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Michelle Adler

Sherril - I'm sorry to hear of Phil's passing but so thankful that he was peaceful and in the comfort of his own home. I truly appreciated our annual lunch dates with the two of you...Phil always enjoyed the outings and the tasty menu selections! I will miss his humor and wit. Warm thoughts and strength to you through these challenging times. Michelle

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Comments:

Sherril Gelmon

Thank you Michelle - we've appreciated seeing you when you get back to the US each year from wherever you... Read more Thank you Michelle - we've appreciated seeing you when you get back to the US each year from wherever you are working. You and... Read more Thank you Michelle - we've appreciated seeing you when... Read more

Genevieve Stevens-Johnson

Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, Southwest Hillsboro Highway, Hillsboro, OR, USA

In a moment of serendipity, Atty's scout troop had an event to plant trees and plants with Friends of Trees the day after Sherril posted about her students donating to them in honor of Phil. Atty took the opportunity to think of Phil as he worked

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Paula Gelmon

Sherril Gelmon

2021, Portland, OR, USA

My wonderful PhD students in the OHSU-PSU Health Systems & Policy program collectively made a gift in Phil's memory of seven Gift Tree Groves (43 trees). Friends of Trees plants these Gift Trees as part of their efforts to restore natural areas throughout the Greater Portland region; the trees play a vital role in restoring sensitive natural areas that are key for habitat, clean air, and watershed health. BIG thanks to my very considerate (and talented!) students.

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Please consider a gift to Oregon Health and Science University Foundation or Canadian Consortium for Neurodegeneration in Aging.

$13,982.00

Raised by 73 people

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Paula Gelmon

2004, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Cassie and Phil at Cassie's Bat Mitzvah

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Rachel Langford

Paula Gelmon

2002, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Sasha's brother-in-law Blake and Uncle Phil carry her on a chair at her Bat Mitzvah celebration.

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Rachel Langford

Comments:

Rachel Langford

Fantastic picture! Fantastic picture! Fantastic picture!

Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to Phil's family or funeral.

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Paula Gelmon

1998, Vancouver, BC, Canada

With 2 Langford nephews at Elliot's Bar Mitzvah

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Rachel Langford

Comments:

Paula Gelmon

(Nick on the left, Stefen on the right) (Nick on the left, Stefen on the right) (Nick on the left, Stefen on the right)

Rachel Langford

Look at those handsome chaps. Look at those handsome chaps. Look at those handsome chaps.

Paula Gelmon

1998, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Brothers-in-law at Elliot's Bar Mitzvah

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Rachel Langford

Comments:

Paula Gelmon

You can actually see brother-in-law Larry at the back between Peter and Phil......... You can actually see brother-in-law Larry at the back between Peter and Phil......... You can actually see brother-in-law Larry at the back... Read more

Paula Gelmon

1992, Osoyoos, BC, Canada

Another camping photo

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Rachel Langford

Comments:

Rachel Langford

This picture is so very sweet! This picture is so very sweet! This picture is so very sweet!

Paula Gelmon

1992, Osoyoos, BC, Canada

Sherril and Phil joined us at our favourite campground.

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Rachel Langford

Sheril Gelmon

Vancouver, BC, Canada

you can see, they were glued together! — with Julian Vaisbord

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Comments:

Sherril Gelmon

And Phil was equally mesmerized by Julian! But perhaps not quite as silly a face :-) And Phil was equally mesmerized by Julian! But perhaps not quite as silly a face :-) And Phil was equally mesmerized by Julian! But perhaps... Read more

Sheril Gelmon

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Breakfast with Sherril and Sheril

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Eliza Strode

Comments:

Sheril Gelmon

What I remember most is our wonderful conversations, with the adults, and with my kids, especially my son... Read more What I remember most is our wonderful conversations, with the adults, and with my kids, especially my son Julian, who was mesmerized... Read more What I remember most is our wonderful conversations,... Read more

Sherril Gelmon

Two Sher(r)il Gelmons together -- what a lovely experience! I also remember terrific food that you prepared,... Read more Two Sher(r)il Gelmons together -- what a lovely experience! I also remember terrific food that you prepared, cousin! Two Sher(r)il Gelmons together -- what a lovely experience!... Read more

Martha C

The thing I remember most about Phil is his intense energy and positivity. I'll never forget seeing him completely drenched in sweat from a work out at the gym? at a bat/bar mitzvah and then a couple hours later completely drenched on the dance floor. I LOVED dancing with him. His facial expressions as he twirled me around the room, his just zest and excitement, that mouth open and eyes big as I just smiled back at him. He made me feel magical and alive. I think he had that effect on people. And then of course the million extra cotton t-shirts to change into after he sweat through all of them :) I also remember his utter humility and humour. Chatting with him, hearing his stories, and sharing his passion about the environment.

The other memory that sticks out is witnessing the love you two shared. The way you two looked at each other. The deep devotion and dedication. The way he looked at you, and then you smiled back, slightly smirking :) You two were the epitome of a partnership in my mind.

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Comments:

Sherril Gelmon

Thank you cousin Martha -- I love that you have these dancing memories of him from various family events ... Read more Thank you cousin Martha -- I love that you have these dancing memories of him from various family events in Vancouver, Toronto,... Read more Thank you cousin Martha -- I love that you have these... Read more

Paula Gelmon

I believe it was Leila who recommended that Phil bring extra shirts to these events so he could change when... Read more I believe it was Leila who recommended that Phil bring extra shirts to these events so he could change when he got too sweaty ... Read more I believe it was Leila who recommended that Phil bring... Read more

Tracy Zitzelberger

2015

Phil and I took Wren to the Oregon Zoo, and celebrated our fun with frozen yogurt for lunch! Phil was Wren's favorite person that day; she dragged him from pillar to post to make sure he saw all her favorite animals. A cherished memory.

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Comments:

Sherril Gelmon

Phil was generally good for helping young people, in particular, to have nontraditional meals (often with... Read more Phil was generally good for helping young people, in particular, to have nontraditional meals (often with the emphasis on frozen... Read more Phil was generally good for helping young people, in... Read more

Tracy Zitzelberger

Gratitude is quite mutual! Your support of the Layton Center and generosity in sharing your story are incredibly... Read more Gratitude is quite mutual! Your support of the Layton Center and generosity in sharing your story are incredibly appreciated. Gratitude is quite mutual! Your support of the Layton... Read more

Sherril Gelmon

2018, Tillamook Creamery, North Highway 101, Tillamook, OR, USA

Phil doing one of his favorite things. We made a Phil memorial visit to the Creamery today, but no one had a triple scoop cone since most humans lack Phil's ice cream capacity.

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Sherril Gelmon

2008, New Market, VA, USA

From Sister-in-law Margaret Sova: "Phil gave super, warm, loving, affectionate bear hugs. I’ll miss those and I’ll miss Phil." Photo taken by Lucy Coleman at Thanksgiving at Clint & Margie's.

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Andrea Lepcio

Dr. Krietner did alot of brilliant things in his life. The most brilliant? Marrying Sherril.

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Sherril Gelmon

Comments:

Sherril Gelmon

Thank you Andrea! It took two to build and sustain our relationship ... Thank you Andrea! It took two to build and sustain our relationship ... Thank you Andrea! It took two to build and sustain ... Read more

Sasha Langford

2002, Island of Hawai'i, Hawaii, USA

Phil with a rabbit sculpture

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Comments:

Sasha Langford

This photo was taken in December of 2002 when I took a trip with Sherril and Phil to Hawaii. I believe that... Read more This photo was taken in December of 2002 when I took a trip with Sherril and Phil to Hawaii. I believe that this was at a hotel... Read more This photo was taken in December of 2002 when I took... Read more

Sherril Gelmon

Yes, Sash, this was during your post-Bat Mitzvah trip with us at the Hilton on the Big Island (where you ... Read more Yes, Sash, this was during your post-Bat Mitzvah trip with us at the Hilton on the Big Island (where you went swimming with the... Read more Yes, Sash, this was during your post-Bat Mitzvah trip... Read more

Sherril Gelmon

2021, Portland, OR, USA

This is our summer 2021 companion Julie, who created (on her own time) "Phil's Adventure Book" so that subsequent companions would have information on venues, hours, access, amenities, etc. at the places that Phil might visit. Julie is now in her senior year of nursing school and will be an amazing addition to the health workforce. Pictured with her is Luna.

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Sasha Langford

Shauna Petchel

Sherril Gelmon

2020, Portland, OR, USA

For the past three years Phil has had a companion hired through United Homecare who spent time with him four afternoons per week, going on walks and various local adventures. Pictured here is Carolyn Kay who worked with him for 15 months. This was a choral event they attended at Cedar Sinai Park, a different activity than the usual walks, museums, etc.

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Comments:

Andrea Lepcio

This is my new favorite picture. This is my new favorite picture. This is my new favorite picture.

Sherril Gelmon

Especially since Phil was not known for his singing voice, and he had the microphone for a brief solo! Especially since Phil was not known for his singing voice, and he had the microphone for a brief solo! Especially since Phil was not known for his singing... Read more

Sherril Gelmon

2019, Portland, OR, USA

In Fall 2018 Phil began attending the Adult Day Services Program one day per week at the Cedar Sinai Park in Portland. He seemed to enjoy these 6-hour days (including snacks and lunch); on his 80th birthday everyone celebrated with him (I baked the cake). Big thanks to Nancy Heckler, Leise, Donna and Jasmine for their good humor, compassion and kindness.

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Rachel Langford

Shared a heart

Genevieve Stevens-Johnson

Comments:

Genevieve Stevens-Johnson

The following pictures are from a photography project I created, using Phil working on his tables made from... Read more The following pictures are from a photography project I created, using Phil working on his tables made from reclaimed wood from... Read more The following pictures are from a photography project... Read more

Sherril Gelmon

Gen - Thanks for posting selections from your series. He was hard at work, trying to be serious, but couldn't... Read more Gen - Thanks for posting selections from your series. He was hard at work, trying to be serious, but couldn't help laughing and... Read more Gen - Thanks for posting selections from your series.... Read more

Genevieve Stevens-Johnson

Comments:

Genevieve Stevens-Johnson

My favorite photo of the series of photos. I loved Phil's sense of humor My favorite photo of the series of photos. I loved Phil's sense of humor My favorite photo of the series of photos. I loved ... Read more

Genevieve Stevens-Johnson

Comments:

Genevieve Stevens-Johnson

Comments:

Genevieve Stevens-Johnson

Sherril Gelmon

I'm amused he was wearing his wedding ring which he normally removed for any wood projects and/or working... Read more I'm amused he was wearing his wedding ring which he normally removed for any wood projects and/or working out! I'm amused he was wearing his wedding ring which he... Read more