Phillip W. Washburn

Phillip W. Washburn passed away unexpectly early morning on August 21, 2012 with his daughter Carolyn and his loving girlfriend Karen by his side. His family helped establish MidWest City and he was a popular student at Midwest City High School. Graduating in 1958, Phillip lettered in Wrestling and Swimming, he was the Wrestling Capitan his Senior year and won the State Championship in Wrestling in his weight class. Voted "Typical Midwest Citian" as a Senior Year Favorite, Phillip was a lifelong resident of Oklahoma, he did spent a few years in California getting his BA in Drama from San Francisco State. He also received another BA degree from OU in 1978 at the age 38. With a lifelong appreciation of learning, as an early adopter,he taught himself computer coding starting a propriety software company Strategic Information Systems in the late 70's. He went on to create the payroll systems used by the States of Oklahoma, Washington, New York, and others. Known as an passionate athlete, he was a daily mainstay at the Downtown YMCA swimming,running, cycling, and taking a variety of classes. Much of his life was Dance, Dance, Dance! He was well known as an avid advanced Argentine Tango dancer, along with Folk, and WestCoast Swing, traveling all over to the nation to attend dance workshops and festivals.He most recently climed Mt. Sneffels, a 14er in Colorado with his love, Karen. Phillip lived life to the fullest. We were honored to know such a vibriant vivacious human being. Phillip is survived by his Daughter Carolyn Matthews, His grandson Greg Matthews, His sister Sally McGill, his brother Gordon Washburn, and his loving girlfriend Karen Ohlheiser. A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held Saturday August 25th, 2012 at 10am at Smith & Kernke on N. May Ave. We welcome you to sharing memories, stories,and photos with us. Come celebrate his life! Memorial Contributions can be made to YMCA at 1 NW 4th St, OKC, OK 73102