Graham R. Philip

February  26th, 1958 October  21st, 2024
Washington Crossing, PA
Graham R. Philip

Take time to smell the flowers,

before you conquer the world.

Obituary

Graham John Russell Philip, an incredible husband, father, friend and human being, died on October 21st, 2024, at his home in Washington Crossing, PA surrounded by loved ones. Diagnosed with cancer in 2021, he outlived his 6-month survival diagnosis with inspiring courage and vitality. Deciding that he would travel the world with those he loved, he never allowed the demands of radiation and chemotherapy to hinder his spirit.

He spread his wings and journeyed across the globe—a romantic catamaran voyage around the Galápagos Islands with his loving wife Linnea; a family reunion on the Peloponnese for his Aunt Dawn’s 90th birthday; and fishing trips to the Caribbean and the Rockies with dear friends. As a loving and devoted father, he explored Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, England, Scotland, Wales, and the Netherlands with his children.

Born on February 26, 1958, in Southern Rhodesia, Graham lived a life of love, generosity, curiosity, and perseverance. In 1980, he married his beloved Linnea, sharing 45 years together, raising three children—Maxwell, Heather, and John—and becoming an adoring grandfather to Emily.

Graham had a passion for nature, often spending time fishing, camping, and cooking outdoors with those he loved. He had an insatiable curiosity and love of learning that helped drive his professional success in technology and finance where he retired as a Managing Director of Citibank. This love extended beyond into a passion for history, 3D design, art, literature, politics, music, and all the impossible possibilities of our universe. Even more importantly, he was a great listener, communicator and friend. Graham loved nothing more than to talk for hours with those he loved. His generosity and spirit live on through the countless lives he touched and the love that he shared.

The leaves fall slowly
Then one day, the branches bare
In silent sadness

Within and beyond
Your love flows through roots below
And the falling leaves

The seasons of change
Sailing away on the wind,
Lifted to the skies

Your leaves are like stars
Reaching in all directions
The echoes of time

Shining in our hearts
For there is no true darkness
By memory’s light

🎶 Fly High

Fly high over the mountains

Over the seas
Over the clouds
And into the unknown

Let the wind guide you
Soar above and beyond
Where nobody has been before

Travelers like yourself know no fear
Adventures ahead are just to begin
Paths sailed are memories dear to hold on

Fear no fear as your wings will hold you
Sail my dear friend to the place distant on the horizon

Aye captain, it’s time to say goodbye
Time to let you fly, time to let your hand go
Time for us to meet soon again, no worries

We’ll all sail together
prepare the mead, port, and beer
As you will have a boat full of people who love you

See you my friend,
Fly high

(Poem written by Dejan Terzic)
🎵 Listen to the poem with this instrumental song: Écume et vague à l’âme

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📝 Share your Memories of Graham

Post your condolences or share your Memories below.


October 30, 2024
Such fond memories of working with Graham at Citi. He was always there with a smile and good humour to provide support and valuable coaching. A lovely person who led with kindness and understanding.
James Starzacher
October 30, 2024
Graham was a such a special guy, great fun, massive heart and a great leader, loved working with him and learning from him whilst at Citi. My sincere condolences to the family x
Bill Monks
October 29, 2024
Dear Linnie, John, Heather, and Max,

We cannot express how sad we are for your loss. We can however say we were privileged to spend joyful Thanksgivings with your family and treasure those memories of turduckens, deep fried turkey, super competitive trivia games, and of course wonderful company. We wish you joy in the memories you have shared over a lifetime of love.

With all best wishes,
Alan and Helen
Helen and Alan Schwerin
October 27, 2024
Dear Graham,

The peace and love you left behind are a powerful testament to your legacy.

You faced this journey with courage, resilience, and kindness. Even through the toughest days, you taught us the meaning of living fully, without agonizing over things beyond control. Accepting challenges with grace and finding joy in life’s simplest pleasures—like chocolate, hugs, and hang-drum music—showed us what it means to truly embrace life.

Your strength reminds us that, though death is often feared, love and memories transcend it.

I believe, as I did with my father and brother, that you are just on the other side of a wall, forever close in spirit.

We are eternally grateful to have been part of this beautiful family you and Linnea created.

May you rest in peace.

With love,
Mila
Milangela Diaz
October 27, 2024
Dear Linnea and all the family.We are so sad to hear of Grahams passing .He sure showed everyone that he was going in his own time .He packed in a lot in his lifetime - lived life to the full!We are so glad that we had some good holidays together - in Irene,Knysna ,Florida and Lake Powell .Never enough ! And we were looking forward to catching up in February this year in St Maarten but unfortunately it was not to be.We were always assured that if Graham was around there would be lots of fun!!!We are so happy he got to do a lot of the things he wanted to and that you and we will always have lots of great memories.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we send or love and hugs over the oceans .Love Anne Kevin Doughan and Glen
Anne Kriel
October 26, 2024
Linnea,
though I didn’t know Graham, it sounds like he was an incredible man who loved you very much. My condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Janet
Janet Wenig
October 26, 2024
Linn, Graham will always be remembered as a great man and will always be missed. Thinking of you and your family.
Norma Kaufman
October 26, 2024
What a special man you are my darling Big Cuz.
He has always been Big in my heart and mind. A Big wonderful hugger. Huge generosity of spirit and soul. Big fun. Big love for his family & loved ones. Big astute mind. Big celebrations of life.
We loved spending the time we did with him.
A privilege to share parts of your life.
We love You Graham.
We miss you already.
Padi & Christo
Padi Christodoulou
October 25, 2024
There was always something to learn from Graham, on any topic. Cuisine, sociology, and technological advances are just a few to name. But the bounds of his knowledge and ability to relate to the people around him were limitless. He was the personification of warmth and kindness. The world would be a much better place with more people like him. To say that he will be missed is an understatement.
Danielle Pierre
October 25, 2024
Graham, thank for being such a great mentor and coach to me duriing the time we worked together at Citi. You always brought the personal touch to technology regardless how difficult a challenge we were working on. The pictures of your adventures in the last few years brought a smile to my face.
Peter Holden
October 24, 2024
I first met Graham 34 years ago when I started dating my husband, Kurt, Linnea’s brother. He welcomed me with open arms and became a special part of my life. So many fond memories of our joint family vacations with his family, Eric’s family and ours. We had a total of 9 kids. 8 boys and 1 girl. It was never a dull moment with Graham. He was famous for his dance off with Eric after a few drinks of course at all the weddings. In Captiva, Florida he decided to go swimming with a manatee by doing a canon ball. Of course it scared the manatee off much to the dismay of the crowd watching it! I could go on and on but what I will miss most was his kind heart and loving personality. So Graham fly with the angels and say hello to Ryan for me. I miss you already. Love you❤️
Marsha Frickmann
October 24, 2024
Was previledge and honor to work with you at Citigroup. Your cheerful nature YIELDed smiles towards our BOOK of lives.
You will always be remembered...
Haresh from Citi
October 24, 2024
Hi Lynn. I know we’ve met each other a few times at Ro and Kevin’s house (my husband is Ro’s brother). I’m so sorry to hear about Graham. You’re in our thoughts and prayers ❤️
Lori and Gerry Salvatore
October 24, 2024

One of the world's warmest, kindest men I
knew - sadly we never got to see more of you and your beautiful family.
No more pain -Rest in Peace Graeme

🙏


Gail Hartman
October 24, 2024
condolences
John Smith
October 23, 2024
Dear Linnea,
I wanted to offer my condolences over the forced farewell of the person who filled your times and spaces with their unconditional love. That shared universe has suddenly disappeared beyond all limits through the only path that belongs to all of us. In the face of this unacceptable yet real event, no one is ever prepared to understand it. What remains is the indelible mark of his love, running through the blood of his children and granddaughter, his pleasant conversations, his joyful steps along life's paths, and the last touch of his warm skin.
Now, there is pain and confusion, and no one knows how to overcome them, but one day a calm breeze will come to help in facing this difficult trial. His lamp has gone out on this side of the path; he has spread his wings and left to the other side of the clouds. Now, his steps tread the free and eternally open path where suffering no longer exists.
Peace on the eternal journey of your beloved husband, and strength to you and your children.
With feelings of respect and solidarity,
Julio and Sylvia
Julio & Sylvia

Family tree

Mavis Hartman
Eitel Hartman
Douglas Philip
Mary Philip
Roma Philip
John Philip
Linnea Philip
Ross Philip
Michelle Philip
Heather Philip
John Philip
Emily Philip
Maxwell Philip
Ross Philip
Michelle Philip
Linnea Philip
Heather Philip
John Philip
Emily Philip
Maxwell Philip
Graham Philip

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“You must see with eyes unclouded by hate. See the good in that which is evil, and the evil in that which is good. Pledge yourself to neither side, but vow instead to preserve the balance that exists between the two.”

― Hayao Miyazaki

❤️‍🩹 Donate to American Cancer Society

$ 660
Raised by 4 people
In tribute to Graham's enduring kindness and courage, we welcome you to make a donation to the American Cancer Society. This gift will celebrate his life by supporting essential research and aid for those battling cancer. Let’s honor Graham’s spirit by standing together in the fight for a brighter, cancer-free future.
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