William Betts Phillips, 70

William Betts Phillips, age 70, passed from this world to the next on August 4, 2014, in Juneau, Alaska.

He was born to David and Francis Phillips, January 22, 1944, in Petersburg, where he lived most of his life. He was proud to be 100% Tlingit. His Tlingit name was KakKlun which means "Big Man". His Moiety was Raven and his clan was Beaver.

After high school, he spent time at Sheldon Jackson Jr. College. He followed college with technical school where he learned the trade of radio repair and furnace repair. He lived in Washington State for two years while at technical school.

Bill spent most of the last year in Anchorage to be close to medical care. He recently moved to Juneau and spent his last two months near his family and further medical treatment.

He spent his retirement years on the water catching shrimp, crab, halibut, all species of salmon, cod, octopus and anything else that swam or lived on the beach. He always shared with others more than he kept for himself. He said that was the Tlingit tradition and was the reason he had such unusual success.

Bill was an incredible cook and the evenings would find him in the kitchen surrounded by the aroma of whatever he was cooking. More often than not, many folks passed through his dining room sharing a meal with him.

The winters found him attending every athletic event put on by the school. His passion for basketball was most evident; and in 2007, he was awarded and recognized by the school as the most supportive spectator of the year.

Bill loved movies, visiting with friends, and family and always had numerous stories to share. His greatest and deepest love was for his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by both parents, his wife, Linda, his brother, Les, David, Daniel and his sister Tiny Lorraine Phillips.

He is survived by his children: Candi Henriksen, Gregg Lutton (Mandi), Tom Lutton (Karen), Jeanette Phillips (Donny), and Deanna Phillips; and by his sisters: Sally Phillips, Vera Moeller, Kathy Honea, Dolly Peterson and Barbara Johnson; and by his brothers; Jesy Phillips and Hank Phillips: and by his grandchildren: Kaylene, Tyler, Jordan, Jason, Leann, Thomas, Zach, Bareal, Trigby, and Linda, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Bill was also a foster parent to at least a dozen children.

A memorial service will be held in Petersburg at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13 at the A.N.B Hall.