Phillip Henry Backup died peacefully next to his wife of 51 years, Ruth Backup, on March 9, 2024 in Redmond, Oregon. Born in Tacoma, Washington in 1921, he said he lived a life “better than he could have imagined.” His passing at 102 was equally amazing–he had ample time to visit and reminisce with friends and family, demonstrating that he managed to always live his life on his own terms, even at the end. During his last few months, heart failure curtailed his mobility and strength, but he continued to be happy, loving, cogent, funny, wise, decisive, and fearless.

In addition to his loving wife Ruth, Phillip is survived by three daughters, Linda (Larry), Peggy, and Molly (Steve) Backup, as well as extended family in Alaska: Tim (Mary), Kay, and Woody Wallis. He has three grandchildren, Andrew (Jennifer), Meghan (Tom), and Ditra, one great-grandchild, Henry, and three step great-grandchildren: Samantha, Jack, and Adam. Phillip is predeceased by his older brother Clifford, his father Eliott, his mother Margaret, and his first wife, Edna Francis Dole Backup.

Although Phillip was born on the west coast, he grew up in Vermont and graduated from Middlebury College and the University of Vermont Medical School. He met and married Edna while at UVM, before moving back to Tacoma where they raised their family. Phillip chose to specialize in the then-emerging field of anesthesiology and spent most of his career as head of the anesthesiology department at Tacoma General Hospital. As a new doctor, he received excellent medical training at Madigan Army Medical Center and continued in the Army Reserves until retirement as a full Colonel.

He retired at 61 and lived on Vashon Island with Ruth where he thrived being a beachcomber, blackberry-picker, firewood-cutter, and all around fun guy. During this time, he and Ruth made regular visits to family in Alaska, skiing trips to Europe, and extended stays in Hawaii. He became increasingly interested in golf, culminating in a hole-in-one at 98 years old. Phillip became a dedicated stamp collector as a young boy of 7 and continued this passion until the end of his life.

When asked what he thinks accounted for his long and vigorous life, Phillip revealed three secrets before he passed: “eating good quality food in sensible amounts, marrying a native Alaskan nurse who helps take care of me, and always voting Democrat.”

Phillip will be missed by dear friends and family across the country and globally, especially in the Redmond area where he spent his last 20 years. Of all the places he lived and frequented, he was happiest in Redmond, truly loving his friends, his life, and the high desert.

This website will be updated as details of Phillip’s celebration of life are confirmed. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of Redmond, which provided loving care and support in Phillip’s final months, or to a charity of your choice. 

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