Dr. Lloyd Myles Phipps

Dr. Lloyd Myles Phipps passed away on May 27, 2022 in Shelton, WA after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. He passed peacefully surrounded by family. Myles was born Aug 29, 1942 in Grinnell, IA to Lloyd Moore Phipps and Doris Irene Phipps. He was the eldest of three children. In 1947 the family moved to Port Angeles, WA where Myles attended school and graduated from Port Angeles High School in 1960. He went on to Western Washington State College where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 1965. During his undergraduate years, he married Barbara. He then earned his Master’s degree from Western Michigan University, and his Ph.D. from Washington State University. He and Barbara had three daughters by this time and the family moved to Spokane, WA where Myles began a long and distinguished career teaching chemistry at West Valley High School, where the students and faculty affectionately referred to him as “Doc.” He also coached football and track and field at West Valley, and taught night classes at Spokane Falls Community College. Over the years, he won numerous teaching awards and sent many of his students to national science competitions. Many of his students stayed in touch with him after high school and remained friends for many years.

He married Marguerite Munk in 1987, and then retired from teaching in 1992 to pursue a career in the chemical manufacturing industry and as a freelance inventor. He worked with many colleagues over the years, on various projects from paint and coatings, to the food industry, to healthcare products. His name appears on numerous patents. After Marguerite retired, they moved to Harstine Island, WA, where they lived for over 24 years. Myles continued his laboratory work there. Myles also had many hobbies including flying, skiing, boating, bicycling, and music. While living in the Harstine Island/Shelton, WA area, Myles played bass guitar in several rock bands. His music was a favorite pastime, and he continued to pursue his other hobbies as well, including achieving a pilot’s license. He was part of a flying club which afforded him the opportunity to take friends and family on flying outings, which he greatly enjoyed. He and Marguerite also had many opportunities to travel. Myles will be remembered for his passion for science, education, and for music, as well as his irrepressible sense of humor and his “Dad jokes.”

He is survived by his wife Marguerite, in Shelton, and daughters Laurel Batterson (Herb), Angela Flink (Sean), and Jenefer Simmons (David) all of Spokane, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Mark Phipps (Bonnie), Eugene, OR, and Tom Phipps (Yakima, WA)

Per his request, no services are planned.