| Notes |
- Remembering Ulysses Simpson Phipps aka Ulyss Phipps, https://www.facebook.com/groups/434248217610785
Ulysses Simpson Phipps
January 21, 1933 - November 26, 2020
"Live life to the fullest." A phrase that pales in the light of this life that spanned 87 years. He was tough, ruged and tender hearted. Protective of those he loved and cared about. With a generous spirit that touched countless hearts. "Ulyss" (as he was known) wil be greatly missed and the world less rich without him.
Ulysses Simpson, the fourth son given by the Lord to Lewis Edward Phipps and Virginia Ellen (Haley) Phipps, entered the world January 21, 1933 in Marfrance, W. Va. and left it peacefully November 26, 2020 from Tonasket, Washington.
At the time of his death, he was residing at an extended care facility, where he tested positive for covid 19 on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. The facility allowed his daughter to see him on Wednesday. Then Thursday morning he passed peacefully in his sleep. So even in his death he went the way he wanted to.
To his last day he kept that mischievous twinkle in his eyes, the wink and smile that melted hearts, and a sense of humor that put people at ease, he was stil bantering with the nurses (who loved him and wil miss him). He had an unconditional love and appreciation for life and for his Creator.
He was preceded in death by his father, his mother, all eleven siblings: Effie, Blanche,
Hansford, Margie, Francis, Stella, Louise, Edward, Frank, Trudy, Noah and great-great
granddaughter Madelynn Grace.
Surviving him are two daughters and a son Margaret Ellen, Kathy Sue and Micheal. He is also survived and loved by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews and those whose lives he touched.
His early life was spent running barefoot through his mother's garden and swinging on the grapevines that hung from the trees in the woods surrounding their homestead. His love for equine was cultivated on the bare-backs of draft horses while working at his father's sawmill. He became skilled at mining while owning and operating a small coal mine with an older brother. These interests, and many others, would follow him throughout his lifetime.
On September 25th 1952 at the age of 19 in Clifton Forge, W. Va. he married his first love Jacqueline Gay Barker. Then in January 1953 he joined the army. On August 13th 1953, one day prior to the birth of his first daughter, he was shipped out of Fort Lewis, WA to serve his country in Korea. Not long after his return to the States in February of 1955 it became obvious that the beautiful mountains and flowing rivers of Appalachia could not satisfy the wanderlust that had been ignited deep within his soul.
In the mid 1950's Ulyss, a nephew and close childhood friend in search of work followed
the beckoning two lane blacktop West. Chasing dreams and adventure.
Nearing the dusty rattlesnake infested town of Lordsburg, NM their car sputtered and died in front of a garage where they would eventually work and then run the business. This bustling railroad town would become his home base for the next decade or so. While living there he continued his wandering ways, living briefly in Oregon. He later co-owned a working quarter horse ranch. When the horses were not out on the race circuit he hosted junior rodeos for the community. Time was spent traveling around and touring with a Country Band who he sponsored and helped cut a record in Nashville.
The early 1970's saw the ranch relocate to Catalina, AZ a residential and ranching community in the rolling hills outside of Tucson. While still racing and breeding quarter horses, he partnered with a friend on a placer magnetite mine for 25 years in the desert between Catalina and Florence, AZ. He continually added to his long string of innovations, inventions and patents.
Later in life he lived for a time in Rocky Point, Mexico; Tucson, AZ; Florence and East Mesa, AZ.
In the summer of 2018 he went to live with his daughter Margaret. They lived in a cabin on the edge of the Okanogan River just outside the town of Tonasket, WA. He spent many hours observing the wildlife from his bedroom window and reading.
He had mentioned to a friend that he would like to have his ashes spread at the old mining site in Arizona (He loved the warm weather). A celebration of his life is tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2021 at that mine.
"And I heard a voice fom heaven saying unto me, write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord fom henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest fom their labors: and their works do folow them." (Revelation 14:13).
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1933 - 2020 (87 years)
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