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PHILIP FIELD, Obituary

Philip "Phil" H. Field, 88, retired railroad machinist and local volunteer, died Sunday, March 3, 2002, at a Havre hospital of natural causes.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial Service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church in Havre with Pastor John Chapman officiating. A

private family committal service will be at a later date. A fellowship luncheon will follow the memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church.

Philip was born July 11, 1913, to Philip and Willimina "Mini" (Beck) Field at Havre. Philip was the youngest of five children. He was educated in Havre and graduated from Havre High School.

On July 20, 1939, Philip married Helen Brown in the home of Dr. Houtz, located in Havre. The couple have four children. Philip worked for the Great Northern Railway for 42 years, retiring in 1976. After retiring, he volunteered at the Northern Montana Hospital. He took the book cart to patients and also worked in the gift shop. He also volunteered at the Senior Center in Havre. He was the first to volunteer at the food bank and was also the first volunteer with the commodity program. He has served as elder for his church, had been active in volunteer services at Northern Montana Hospital for many years, and had also served as president of the Good Sam's Club. Phil worked as a machinist for the Great Northern Railway. He was awarded a gold-plated commemoration for his dedication to the machinists organization and did a term as local chairman. Philip was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as an elder and a deacon. He dearly loved his family grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Within the Masons, Philip H. Field was initiated Dec. 26, 1957. He passed to a Fellowcraft Jan. 7, 1958, and was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on Jan. 23, 1958. He was active in both Lodges #134 and #55, which were both located in Havre. He was a Master of Havre Enterprise Lodge 134 in 1969 and in 1992. Brother Phil had been instrumental in coaching and raising members not only in his own lodge, but also in the adjoining Hi-Line lodges and neighboring lodge, Medicine 2 in Canada. He excelled in his degree work. He is one of the few who could do any part of the degree work. He received merit aprons from Royal Arch Masons Chapter 19 in 1976, and Chinook Council 7 in appreciation for his assistance. He was awarded the designation of Knight of the York Cross of Honour, highest in the York Rite of Free Masonry. He was also High Priest of Havre Chapter Royal Arch Masons, and he was a member of the Advisory Council of the Havre Chapter of Demolay during his younger years. Brother Phil's assets included his ability to organize and direct Masonic affairs. This was proven in his own lodge, as well as in his work as Co-Chairman in setting up the Grand Communication in Havre in 1969. In 1995, he was called upon by the Grand Master to call the Grand Communication to order in Havre. Also in 1995, he ran the York Rite Festival in Havre.

In addition to his dedication to Free Masonry, Phil was active in his community. For many years he and his wife, Helen, voluntarily participated in distributing food for the food bank.

To Brother Phil, Masonry meant everything good in this world. He had always given of himself gladly and willingly to the cause of Free Masonry, and displayed himself as such. At 88 years of age, his dedication and commitment to Masonry continued to be an inspiration to all Masons and to the true purpose of their Brotherhood.

His hobbies included playing cards, hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He enjoyed traveling from Alaska to Mexico in his RV, spending the winter down south, being an active member of the Good Sam's Club, camping with them often. He enjoyed watching football and ice skating, working a little at a time with his yard work into December each year before traveling south for the winter to keep his yard and walks clear.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip Field and Willimina "Mini" Beck Field; sisters, Kathryn Moss and Julia Sullivan; brother, Victor Field.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Marie Brown Field of Havre; sister, Rose Hamilton of Havre; daughters Linda (David) Keeler of Havre, Phyllis (Jerry) Hurley of Great Falls; sons, Ronald (Gloria) Field of Denver, Colo., Dwayne (Sharon) Field of Camarillo, Calif .; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; special pets Peppy and Mitzy.

Memorials in Philip's honor may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, P. O. Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210-2472, the First Presbyterian Church, 701 Fourth Ave., Havre, MT 59501, or Havre Hill County Library, 402 Third St., Havre, MT 59501.

Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.

 

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