Remembering Art
When I got the phone call yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t believe it.
Art Phillips died at age 46.
It’s still shocking to my co-workers and I at the Gazette who worked with Art on a regular basis for a number of stories, since he was so involved across the county.
Ann Marie and I worked on this story this morning, gathering thoughts from friends and family. As is almost always the case, we left plenty in our files that couldn’t make it into the story.
Here’s some additional comments:
--“He was one of the top 10 people I’ve known in my life. He was a beautiful person. I miss him already, Rock County Clerk Lori Stottler said.
“My favorite memory is of him making faces at me from his chair at county board meetings.”
There were moments, Stottler said, when she couldn’t look out at the board from her seat at the front of the room, or she knew Phillips would catch her eye and make her laugh.
“If I dared look out at him, every one in the room would wonder what I was laughing about.”
“Even the people he had to arrest would say, ‘What a great guy.’”
--Art enjoyed representing the Evansville Police Department both in the community and at meetings throughout the county, Chief Scott McElroy said. He liked “being a voice for the smaller agencies,” he said.
McElroy said Phillips was the only person he gave his house key to in case something ever happened.
--On the school board, Art would say, “It’s all about taking care of the kids,” school board president Michael Pierick said.
He was a man of stubborn principles, but you knew exactly where he stood, Pierick said.
When Phillips immediately enjoyed his appointment on the county board, Pierick asked why.
“He said it was kind of like being the cop in Evansville—it’s all about taking care of citizens,” Pierick recalled. “He really was a caretaker for the community.”
Oct 6, 2008 at 8:54 p.m.
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I grew up in Evansville, lived near Art and his family. What great neighborhood memories. When I returned to Evansville with our family, Art was someone who welcomed me back and I didn't feel like a 'newcomer'. What he did for the community spoke volumnes for the quality person he was. He walked the walk and talked the talk. My deepest sympathy to all of his family and friends.
Oct 3, 2008 at 1:28 p.m.
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What a loss to our community. Art was known to be a "straight shooter" and infinitely fair. Though we had more experience than I would have liked with Officer Phillips, we always respected him greatly for the way he treated people no matter the circumstances. He was truly a fine officer and person.
Oct 3, 2008 at 11:56 a.m.
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I knew Art for many years when I work for the Edgerton Police department. He was an outstanding officer and a great person. Its hard to beleive Art is gone. I just talked to him about a month ago when I was involved in an investigation. I'll miss Art, he was a good cop, husband, and friend. Good by Art, and may god be with your family.
Your Friend,
Rick Nelson
Cambria Chief of Police.
Oct 3, 2008 at 9:42 a.m.
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As a City of Evansville employee I had the pleasure of working with Art for 9yrs. Before that I have known Art since I was a kid, when my mom worked as a police dispatcher for the City before they went 911. We here at City Hall are deeply sadden by his passing.I for one will missed his cheerful "Hello Ladies" every time he was at city hall. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Oct 3, 2008 at 6:59 a.m.
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I also want to say that people often talk about life being short. I think Art lived each day to the fullest. He appreciated each day and never took it for granted. We will miss you so much Art, things will not be the same here in Evansville without you.. I have never ever,seen this town so somber. We will miss you.
Oct 3, 2008 at 6:56 a.m.
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We will miss Art so very , very much. There never,ever will be anyone like him in our hearts or in our community. Our hearts just break knowing he is gone. He was so kind and showed that to everyone he met. We will miss you Art.
Oct 2, 2008 at 4:44 a.m.
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I imagine like most people when I first heard of Art's death I was filled with shock and disbelief. As a matter of fact it's still hard to believe I won't see that smile of his any more. Last year my Mother passed away. In the month or so leading up to that I made several 911 calls, more than likely Art would be the first one on the scene to access the situation and provide reassurance ad make sure she was comfortable until the EMT's showed up. Sometimes these things get taken for granted and you put off showing your gratitude for the things,however small they may seem at the time. We put it off until it's too late. These things do add up and add to the quality of life that made Art proud to live in and serve the people of Evansville.
Thanks Art!! I'll miss you.
Oct 1, 2008 at 4:32 p.m.
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A person like Art can never be replaced in a community but it's good to know that his works will live on..
Godspeed, Art.
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