Phillip L. Orick left us unexpectantly and too soon on Monday, December 7, 2020. He was born in Seattle, Washington on February 19, 1953 to Rick and Louise Orick. The family moved to Arizona when Phil was 5 years old. Phil met his high school sweetheart Janice (Hammock) Orick their Freshman year in the fall of 1968 working on the East High School’s Freshmen homecoming float. Phil and Janice were married January 19, 1974. They were in-love for more than 52 years.
Phil is survived by his mother Louise, his loving wife Janice, his son Chris, his son Cole and his wife Michelle, his granddaughter Mayzie, his grandson Paxton, his sister-in-law Karen Bartz and her husband Don.
Phil’s love touched many lives. His heart was as big as he was tall. Phil’s laugh was infectious, and he had the biggest smile. He loved watching Hallmark movies with Mayzie and building Legos with Paxton. Before bedtime when Mayzie and Paxton had sleep overs at Papa’s and Gigi’s house, Papa would sing songs to them. Phil’s favorites were, “When the Pussy Willow Whispers to the Catnip” and “I Like Bread and Butter”. Thank goodness we have these bedtime songs recorded to hear Papa’s voice and Mayzie’s and Paxton’s giggles. Phil also loved going to lunch with Janice and vacationing at Disney Parks with his family where he collected smashed pennies. Phil’s life made an impact on many, stretching wide and deep. He will forever be missed, and always remembered.
Phil adored and spoiled his wife Janice, his princess. He was a dedicated and involved father. His boys knew their dad loved them and that he would do anything they asked of him. “Papa” to his grandchildren, he treasured and embraced every moment with his precious Mayzie and Paxton. He spent many hours with them sharing his love of watercolor painting and making crafts. Phil took incredible care of his mother Louise. Every Saturday morning, taking Louise to have her hair done, did her grocery shopping and took her to doctors’ appointments. Phil checked in on his mom every day and took her dinner every evening.
Phil was a very gifted and talented artist. He created jewelry sets, painted in watercolor, was an interior designer and decorated many churches, businesses, and homes for the Christmas season. He had an eye for color, created many floral arrangements and had a knack to make treasures out of other people’s cast offs. If you were fortunate to have been a recipient of a “de Phillip” original creation, you knew you were deeply loved by this very special man. He enjoyed baking and cooking. He made a sinfully rich chocolate Bundt cake for fellow employees’ birthdays, hot chocolate fudge sauce for his grandson Paxton and created fabulous gourmet dinners with his sister-in-law Karen every Christmas day.
His interpersonal, communication and artistic skills provided Phil with a varied career. He worked in banking, graphic design, owning his own graphic arts business Friend & Son Typography, interior design, and interior plant sales and design. Later in Phil’s career he was an instructor, trainer and representative for an international shipping firm, employment specialist and career advisor to refugees.
Phil’s favorite color is orange. The family has requested those who will be attending his Celebration of Life service to wear orange or bright colors. Phil’s service will be held in the sanctuary with Live-Stream viewing in the courtyard/patio area at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Valley View Bible Church, 4222 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253-3949. Masks are required while on the church campus with physical distancing. His service will also be available on YouTube https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC454owlMk157gLMBVygO-qg.
Flowers may be sent to Valley View Bible Church, or donations may be made to memorials that have been established in Phil’s name:
The Phil Orick Memorial
Children and Youth Camp Scholarship
Valley View Bible Church
4222 East Lincoln Drive
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-3949
Casa de Amor
Phil Orick Memorial Gift
819 South MacDonald
Mesa, AZ 85210-8613
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Marianna Gyger
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Phil was a good man! (I’m Sophia’s Mom )
Sandi L
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. It was a joy to work with Phil and I will never forget his sense of humor and genuine spirit. He was always willing to help and provide positive encouragement to our team, he will be truly missed.
Sachi & Pri
The first time I met Mayzie and Paxton was when they visited Phil at work and by then, I’d heard so much about them. Phil once told me the real gift of having kids was to be able to enjoy the gift of grandkids. They were his world. I remember when he would tell me all about his secret plans to surprise Janice for her birthday and the little cards they mailed each other was the most romantic thing ever. If you have relationship goals, it is to be like them.
The last time we communicated, he was telling me about the drive by birthday celebration he was planning for his mom. We talked about vinyl records and pandemic hobbies. He was such a great family man and inspiration for all of us to be better humans. Everyone I’ve spoken to first say he had such a big heart.
I was one of those lucky co-workers to benefit from his yummy baked goodies and understand what it meant to have someone at work go to great lengths to celebrate your birthday. The cake also came with cards and balloons. He spread so much joy. Six years later, I have still not met anyone like Phil in the workplace so I try to spread his energy around and pay it forward. No one can quite bring the same magic he brought to work everyday.
He introduced me to fry bread and used to know the best restaurants and knew all the best places in Phoenix. My mother has worn the jewellery he made and gifted to her in South Africa, Kenya, and they are now safely treasured in Sri Lanka.
I am having a tough time imagining a world without Phil right now. I feel so grateful for the warmth and friendship and love Phil and Janice have brought to my life, and my family and I are sending the Orick family all of our love in this time.
We can never truly lose someone like Phil, he will ive on through our collective memories and in the infinite amount of love and joy he brought to our lives. Thank you, Phil. I will miss you so much.
Ambassador Sunil De Silva
I met Phil sometime back at my daughter’s office , ‘Refugee Focus’ in Phenix . He was such a wonderful gentleman and I still can not forget his genuine smile. I still have 3 valuable Parker pens he gifted to me. I am very sad to hear his demise! Sunil from Sri Lanka
Diana Santana Chouinard
Dear Janice, Mrs Orick and Family- I was shocked and so very saddened to see Phil’s obituary in the paper today! You have no idea how often our family has thought abt you through the years. What fun times we had at St Mark’s and even more fun at East High. Phil always had a smile on his face and encouraging, funny words for everyone!
Even back in high school, I remember Phil and Janice being so much in love! Am sure 52 years was not long enough for you two lovebirds. May God bless you and give your family strength through these difficult times. I am confident that your treasured memories of his his smile and goodness will always keep Phillip in your hearts. I know the Santana family will remember him fondly. Much love and many prayers for you all.
Diana
Ken Zylstra
Sorry to hear of your loss. Phil and you wife Janice were such supportive parents to your boys not only but also events of the school, Phoenix Christian School. My wife and I winter in Scottsdale at our daughter’s place. They have built a casita that we live in while here in AZ. May God give you peace in your time of sorrow. My wife and I both had COVID while still in MI. Thankfully what remains is sort of manageable. Grace and peace to you and your sons.
Ken and Sue Zylstra
Joanne Schoenleb
I was sick at heart to hear the news about Phil tonight at CBS. Know you are in our prayers. When the dust settles know we will be there for you. May God shower His peace and love down on you and your family
Marnel Martin
What a gift Phil was to our world. I was never in Phil’s presence when I didn’t end up laughing! I’m so grateful that I was blessed to work with Phil and Janice a few weeks ago decorating a Christmas tree in our church. Love and prayers to you Janice, Louise and family. It’s always a privilege to celebrate a life well lived. Phil’s life blessed so many and brought glory to God.❤️
Rev. Jeff Varney
My deepest condolences to Janice, Cole, Chris and all the family upon Phil’s passing. It surely was too soon. I will always remember Phil’s sense of humor, creativity, faith, love of life and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the Lord grant you comfort, peace, and strength in the days ahead.
Lisa Zelenski
Dear Janice and family, So sorry for your loss. Nadine shared the news with us and we are heartsick. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Paul and Lisa Zelenski
Linda Williams
Janice, Cole, Michelle, and rest of the family, I am so sorry to hear about Phil. He was a good man, he mad myself and family feel like a part of your family! Such a kind and wonderful man! We enjoyed coming to your home for so many different celebrations and felt so welcomed. I will miss him so much. I have experienced the death of my husband as well, I know what you are going through. Love you all, Linda Williams