Perry "Gus" Phillips

Gus Phillips, AKA Perry Earl Phillips, who knew? Left us on October 12th. Gus leaves behind his loving wife Pat and his sister Betty and friends far and wide. Gus was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Marie Phillips and his co-pilot, Sammy. A funeral service will be Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel with burial to follow at Manchester Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow burial at 3:00 p.m. at Eagle’s Lodge. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Gus came into this world on April 23, 1953 in Lewistown, MT. Gus and his family lived in Windham where his parents owned and operated E & M Grocery. Gus graduated from Stanford High School in 1971. After high school, Gus worked as a milkman in Harlowton. In 1972, Gus went to work for Bozeman Sand & Gravel where he discovered he loved to play with the big toys. In 1974, Gus bought his first piece of equipment, a Michigan backhoe. Gus began installing septic systems in the Belgrade area and Phillips Construction was born. During this time, he met the love of his life, Pat, and on December 8, 1975, he made her “His Bride.” In 1976, they landed their first of many major contracts, starting with the US Forest Service. They were sub-contractors on several momentous projects. The ones no one will ever forget are “The Stack.” In 1982, Gus supervised the demolition of the Anaconda Company smelter stack in Black Eagle. He also built the Great Falls Skate Park. Gus will not get to see his final project completed. But what Gus leaves behind will always be remembered, his love for life, his family and friends. Gus never met a stranger and would help anyone in need. His unselfish deeds are too numerous to count, but those he helped, and those who knew him, will never forget! As Bob Hope used to say, Gus thanks for the memories! We will always carry your memory with us in our hearts! In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gus’s honor may be sent to the Great Falls Humane Society, 1010 25th Ave NW, Great Falls, MT59404 or the Great Falls Shriner’s, 20 3rd St N #1, Great Falls, MT59401.