Phil Rice, 64

Phillip D. Rice, 64, of Goodyear, AZ passed away on May 31, 2013. He was born in Sturgis, MI to Marion & Elizabeth Rice of Sherwood, MI. Following graduation from Colon (MI) High School he worked for Kirsch Co. of Sturgis, MI, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Fox for two tours of duty off the coast of Vietnam, 1968-1971. Following his discharge he returned to Kirsch Co. and enrolled in their electrical apprenticeship program, becoming a journeyman in 1976. In 1978, Phil moved his family to Arizona. He continued his industrial electrical career working for Reynolds Metals, The Arizona Republic, American National Can Co. and Unidynamics. He retired in 2009 from Arizona Public Service Company as an electrical maintenance supervisor at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station after almost 20 years of service. Phil was an avid hunter, camper and ATV rider, deep-sea fisherman, and enjoyed wood and metal work. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Ammi, brother Robert (Marcia) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. At his request, no services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held in September; if you wish to attend, please send an email not later than Sept. 1, 2013, to philriceparty@gmail.com with your name, phone number, email address and how you knew Phil. Memorial donations may be directed to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.