Philip Dixon VanDaff

Jun 27, 1942 -

Sep 30, 2021

Philip Dixon VanDaff, 79, passed away on Sept. 30, 2021, with his wife and daughters by his side. He was active until his diagnosis of cancer, three weeks before his death. Phil, the youngest son of Bill and Gay VanDaff and brother to John and David, was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on June 27,1942. He grew up in Glendale and Orinda, Calif., and graduated from high school in Webster Groves, Mo. He obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa. He wanted to get back to California but, instead, he headed north. His first job teaching and coaching basketball was in Mill City, Ore. During his four years there he attended graduate school at the University of Oregon, completing his Masters and doing post graduate work. He was a school psychologist in Longview, Wash., for two years. A friend living in Alaska convinced him to come for a year in 1970, and he never left. The places he lived and the people he met were very important to him.

He met Jackie Kenny when he arrived in Alaska, they married in 1978 and became the proud parents of two daughters, Karen and Dyann. He was a school psychologist for the Anchorage School District for over 30 years. In addition to attending his daughters soccer games, dance recitals, swim meets and school events, he was active in the community. Phil was a member of AEA and NEA Boards; the Fur Rendezvous Board - President in 1990; Hope Community Board since 1977; University Kiwanis and the Keystone Kops; Pioneers of Alaska; precinct chairman for elections; and the Brentwood Homeowners Association.

He enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, traveling, Christmas in Hawaii, the cabin at West Lake, the Ducks and his morning coffee group. He enjoyed people and they enjoyed his sense of humor. He will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers. He is survived by his wife, Jackie; daughters, Karen VanDaff (Lance) and Dyann Urish (Max); grandchildren, Henry Grey Urish, Alice Kenny Urish and Ryan Philip Williams; nieces, Kristen Adams, Alison Thompson and Lindsey Kennedy; and nephew, David VanDaff.

A service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 12310 Lorraine Street in Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at 4 p.m. Masks are required and social distancing will be maintained. And if you're not vaccinated, Phil would say "what are you thinking."