Philip George Rumsey

Philip George Rumsey passed away on January 27, 2016, surrounded by his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. We are so blessed to have had him in our lives. Phil was born on October 20, 1943, in Rexburg, Idaho, the third child and second son of Layne and Claudia Rumsey. In his early years, he attended Lincoln, then Central Elementary schools in St. Anthony. He loved to be active: swimming, hiking, diving, and playing sports of all kinds, with his brothers Clay and Hal. He attended South Fremont High School, where he lettered in basketball, football, and track. He was active in student government, sang with the choir, and excelled in academics. At South Fremont, Phil also became acquainted with blonde and blue-eyed Cheryl Rudd, whom he would later marry. He graduated from South Fremont in 1962 and went on to attend the University of Idaho in Moscow, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. On August 26, 1966, Phil married Cheryl in the Idaho Falls Temple. They made their first home in Moscow and then moved to Seattle, where Phil attended graduate school at the University of Washington, and their first daughter, Anne, was born in 1968. A second daughter, Elaine, would follow in 1969. Phil and Cheryl returned to Idaho to raise their family, where Phil began his career as a civil engineer for the Idaho Transportation Department, and Cheryl began her teaching career. The roads he designed are a living reminder of his 39-year career as the project design engineer for District 5. They lived in Boise and then Pocatello, where their third daughter, Lisa, was born in 1976. Shortly after, they bought 40 acres of farmland near Virginia, Idaho and built their current home, where they have lived for nearly 40 years. Phil was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings in Virginia Ward including high priest group leader, and as a counselor in the bishopric. He enjoyed working with the youth of the church, supporting Cheryl as she served in Young Women’s. He especially loved camping, hiking, and going on high adventure camps in the heart of the Idaho wilderness. He taught his daughters and grandchildren to love and appreciate the beauty of God’s creations. Ward members will also remember him for his beautiful singing voice. In his later years, he and Cheryl were called to serve as temple workers in the Logan temple, which was one of his crowning blessings. Phil and Cheryl became an integral part of the Marsh Valley community, creating long-lasting friendships with their kindness and generosity. He taught his children, by example, to always look for the good in everyone. He was a champion of those who were in difficult circumstances. He believed in hard work, honesty, and in following the example of the Savior. Phil will also be missed for his humor and dry wit, and ability to deliver a one-liner. He is preceded in death by his parents, Layne and Claudia Rumsey. He is survived by his wife Cheryl, and his daughters, Anne Rumsey Wairepo, (Jason), Elaine Rumsey Wagner (Thomas), and Lisa Rumsey Harris (Griffin), along with his sister, Vera Rumsey Gallagher (Bill), and his brothers, Clayton Rumsey (Avalene) and Hal Rumsey. He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren: Philip Andrew Wagner, Morgan Wagner Parkinson (Shaun), Spencer Wagner, Dallin Wagner, Benjamin Wagner, Sela Harris, Sasha Harris, Clara Harris, Ella Harris, Shea Wairepo, and Philip James Wairepo. Phil relished his role as a grandfather. He loved his grandchildren and frequently carried them on his strong, broad shoulders when they were young. When they were older, he became their counselor and supporter. His influence on their lives is immeasurable. He is our hero and example. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 3 at 11 a.m. at the Arimo Stake Center. Friends may visit with the family at the church Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday prior to the service.