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
📷 Share your Photos of Graham
📝 Share your Memories of Graham
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
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
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
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
You will always be remembered...
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
🙏
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
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― Hayao Miyazaki