Philip
Philip Randall Blakney
d. October 19, 2013
Philip Randall Blakney, 88, passed away at his home in Prosser, Washington on Saturday, October 19, 2013.
Phil was born on January 28, 1925 in Milton-Freewater, Oregon to George and Fay Blakney. Following his high school graduation, Phil enlisted in the United States Navy and served at a medical hospital in the Admiralty Islands in the South Pacific during World War II. Through the G.I. Bill, he was able to attend the University of Washington where he received his degree in pharmacy in 1951.
Phil married June Lehman on June 11, 1949 in Seattle. They lived in Heppner, Oregon for 10 years, where they owned Phil's Pharmacy. In 1961, they moved their family to Prosser where they were the owners of Phil’s Corner Drug for 23 years. Phil continued to work as a pharmacist at Costco until his retirement in 1990.
Phil was active in the Prosser community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and the City Council, and he also served as mayor pro tem for the city. His interest in politics led to his attendance of President Reagan’s inauguration in 1985, a highlight for Phil as a member of the Republican Party. Phil also enjoyed supporting local youth athletics and was one of the founders of the Prosser Piranhas Swim Team. In honor of his numerous civic contributions, Phil received the Distinguished Service Award from the Prosser Chamber of Commerce.
The Blakneys attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser. Phil was an active church member, serving on the parish council and parish finance committee. He was also a Eucharistic Minister and taught catechism. Phil especially enjoyed leading and organizing activities for the youth members of the church.
During retirement, Phil and June enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, and spending time with their ever growing family. He was also proud to be a volunteer at Prosser Public Schools and the Prosser Hospital Gift Shop. Following June’s passing, Phil married Barbara Stewart in 2000 and continued to enjoy retirement and time with family.
Phil is survived by his wife Barbara; sons and daughters-in-law: Phil Jr. and Kay of Wenatchee, Steve and Cindy of Vancouver, John and Carla of Prosser, and Myles and Kelli of Selah; daughters and sons-in-law: Susan and Jim Purswell of Hermiston, Sally and Arvid Smith of Prosser, Joyce and Mike Carpine of Spokane, and Julie and Owen Schoenberger of Cranbrook, British Columbia; four step-children: Tim and his wife Birdie, Tom, Pat, and Mike Stewart; 23 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife June, his son Mark, his granddaughter Leslie, and his son-in-law Mike Flory.
A rosary will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Rite of Christian Burial will be held at the same location on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the church.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Prosser Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Special Projects Fund at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, or a charity of your choice.
Phil was born on January 28, 1925 in Milton-Freewater, Oregon to George and Fay Blakney. Following his high school graduation, Phil enlisted in the United States Navy and served at a medical hospital in the Admiralty Islands in the South Pacific during World War II. Through the G.I. Bill, he was able to attend the University of Washington where he received his degree in pharmacy in 1951.
Phil married June Lehman on June 11, 1949 in Seattle. They lived in Heppner, Oregon for 10 years, where they owned Phil's Pharmacy. In 1961, they moved their family to Prosser where they were the owners of Phil’s Corner Drug for 23 years. Phil continued to work as a pharmacist at Costco until his retirement in 1990.
Phil was active in the Prosser community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and the City Council, and he also served as mayor pro tem for the city. His interest in politics led to his attendance of President Reagan’s inauguration in 1985, a highlight for Phil as a member of the Republican Party. Phil also enjoyed supporting local youth athletics and was one of the founders of the Prosser Piranhas Swim Team. In honor of his numerous civic contributions, Phil received the Distinguished Service Award from the Prosser Chamber of Commerce.
The Blakneys attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser. Phil was an active church member, serving on the parish council and parish finance committee. He was also a Eucharistic Minister and taught catechism. Phil especially enjoyed leading and organizing activities for the youth members of the church.
During retirement, Phil and June enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, and spending time with their ever growing family. He was also proud to be a volunteer at Prosser Public Schools and the Prosser Hospital Gift Shop. Following June’s passing, Phil married Barbara Stewart in 2000 and continued to enjoy retirement and time with family.
Phil is survived by his wife Barbara; sons and daughters-in-law: Phil Jr. and Kay of Wenatchee, Steve and Cindy of Vancouver, John and Carla of Prosser, and Myles and Kelli of Selah; daughters and sons-in-law: Susan and Jim Purswell of Hermiston, Sally and Arvid Smith of Prosser, Joyce and Mike Carpine of Spokane, and Julie and Owen Schoenberger of Cranbrook, British Columbia; four step-children: Tim and his wife Birdie, Tom, Pat, and Mike Stewart; 23 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife June, his son Mark, his granddaughter Leslie, and his son-in-law Mike Flory.
A rosary will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Rite of Christian Burial will be held at the same location on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the church.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Prosser Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Special Projects Fund at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, or a charity of your choice.
To order memorial trees in memory of Philip Randall Blakney, please visit our tree store.
Guestbook
Visits: 1
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors