Philip Wax

Philip Fayerweather Wax, was born in Honolulu to Maryjane Fayerweather Brown of Honolulu, and A. Willard Wax of Portland. In 1944 Phil graduated early from Punahou School and left to the mainland to attend Caltech. After one term, with no young people at school because of WWII, he asked for parental consent to join the navy at 17. On completion of service he returned to Honolulu to attend the University of Hawaii. Always one to seek adventure, Phil moved to San Francisco where he made many fun and happy memories, and where he met Mary Patricia “Pat” Connelly. They married in San Francisco and later settled in Portland after Phil completed his studies at the University of Oregon. Together they raised their three children in northeast Portland. Although later divorced they remained friends. In 1973 he married Anne Skirven and they spent 43 years together before Anne’s passing in 2016. Phil taught English at Franklin High School for most of his career.

He loved to travel, hike the Sierra, sail the Willamette, fly fish, read and learn everything, converse about almost anything. He was one of the first owners of an Alfa Romeo in the region, and owned Alfas most of his adult life and teaching his three children how to drive with them at the Portland International Raceway. He was a witty, funny, knowledgeable, curious, courteous, charming, loving, affectionate, and very gracious person. Aloha!

He is survived by his brother David, his children, Philip (Viola), Ellen (David) and Carmel, five granddaughters, and one great grandson (Leo) born 5 days before Phil’s passing. A graveside service and celebration of life has been held. Memorial gifts in Phil’s name may be made to the Oregon Humane Society.