We are so sad to write that this will be the last post. Philip died suddenly on Thursday morning - he got up early as he usually did, had a cup of coffee, read an article about penguins in National Geographic, and went down to the basement. He must have done some gardening puttering too, dividing Shirley poppies or moving around some big crotons. Then he transferred a load of Agape Café laundry the dryer, and apparently, had a massive heart attack and died instantly. Julia found him a little later when she went looking for him to go on a walk.
Philip was a remarkable person in many ways. He was a fine lawyer-- an advocate for people who often had difficulty finding sympathetic counsel-- an avid gardener and photographer, and fundraiser for local foodbanks. His death leaves a hole that will be difficult to fill. A full obituary that attempts to capture some of his splendor will follow.
There will be a memorial service May 31st at the Lodge at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area in Iowa City at 1 p.m. Details will be forthcoming. We will post those details here but please RSVP via this link if that’s doable for you so we can put out enough chairs. We know he was well loved.
The plant sale will continue through the summer, and visitors continue to be welcome in the garden. If you want to help tend to his amazing garden this season, please be in touch and we will get you on an email list to get that coordinated. We will need many helpers.
If you want to make a donation in Philip’s memory, the Coralville Community Food Pantry or CommUnity food pantry in Iowa City would be appropriate choices.
Here are a few pictures of the beauty this week, taken by Philip and others of us this week in the amazing spring weather.
As he would say, pray for peace in so many places.
Give thanks for your loved ones and hold them tight.
Make good trouble.
Be kind.
If you’re in the neighborhood, please come by. Pull a dandelion if you’re so inclined – there’s a dandelion sticker at the foot of the kitchen stairs.
With love,
Julia, Maggie and Katie
Give thanks for your loved ones and hold them tight.
Make good trouble.
Be kind.
If you’re in the neighborhood, please come by. Pull a dandelion if you’re so inclined – there’s a dandelion sticker at the foot of the kitchen stairs.
With love,
Julia, Maggie and Katie
10 comments:
I am so sorry to hear to Philip's passing. I met Philip through the Iowa City Orchid Club and enjoyed visiting with him along with visiting his garden and plant sales through the years. May the memory of Philip give all who knew him peace and comfort.
One of the best and kindest and truest. His capacity to love and to understand was bottomless. Thinking of him will continue to restore my faith in human nature.
Julia, Maggie and Katie, I am so sorry for your loss of Philip, such a wonderful man. So sorry and sad. Sending love to you three. Michael
I am so sorry to get this news. I always admired Philip, professionally and more generally as an human being. And I loved the steady expectation of this weekly photo blog and its beautiful photos and I will miss it very much. Words are never adequate during times like this. My heart is with your entire family.
I'm so sorry about Philip's passing. My sympathies to Julia and the rest of his family and friends.
Philip’s blog reflects his steadfast, caring nature in a tumultuous world, and I will miss his weekly posts. Since receiving the tragic news of Philip’s sudden death two days ago, I’ve appreciated going back to read the blog from the beginning, and I am hopeful that all of his garden pictures and words will remain available online, even though the future entries will come to an end.
Thank you to the Mears family for all that you do in service to others.
Phil was a remarkable man, who was graced with a remarkable family. Despite all of his achievements, it’s hard for me not to think of his devotion to Katie, Maggie, and especially Julia, first. RIP.
What a shock! I am so sorry for your loss. I mostly know Phillip through this garden blog. It has been a source of comfort and joy. I will miss this bright spot in my weeks and can only imagine how much you will miss Phillip in your every moments. Peace be with you.
Carolyn Johnson
I bought 2 pots of ginger last Thursday, and strangely.. wondered who would eventually help keep his labors of love alive. Not knowing the next day would be his last among his gardens.
His kindness & the community nourished by him (& fellow plant sharers) will live on.
Please include me with those willing to tend his plants, driveway sale etc.
I am so sorry to hear of Philip’s death, and send my condolences to Julia, Maggie and Katy and family. Philip’s blog spot was a joy to me every Sunday and I always looked forward to voting. He will be missed by me and many others for his humility, humor and kindness and generosity. Rest in peace dear Philip.
Jean Hulme
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