Richard "Rick" Douglas Phillips

Richard Douglas “Rick” Phillips, 76, passed away peacefully Friday, December 4, at Asheville Specialty Hospital.

Rick was born April 24, 1944, in Syracuse, NY, to the late William A. and Dorothy Elizabeth Van Dyke Phillips. He received a bachelor’s degree in physics from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh where he met Joan Mary Kopyta. The two wed in 1966, shortly before graduating. Joan survives him after 54 years of marriage.

After graduation, Rick joined IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY, where he began a successful 28-year run with the company as a computer programmer. His career took him to Rochester, MN in 1975, where he and Joan lived and raised their family for the next 40 years. In 1982, IBM invited Rick to join a 14-month European assignment. The entire family moved just outside Portsmouth, England. When not working or going to school, the family enjoyed touring and cycling. Rick and Joan became involved in square dancing where they met wonderful, lifelong friends.

Noting the dawn of the Internet and taking advantage of an early retirement buyout opportunity, Rick left IBM in 1994 to launch Bismark Internet Services. With his expertise, commitment to excellence, and as one of the first Internet consulting and web hosting services firms in Minnesota, Bismark flourished, including securing a top 20 U.S. life insurance company as a long-term client. In 2009, Rick retired from his professional career.

A man of faith throughout his life, Rick’s belief in God was always present yet was estranged during his early-to-middle adult years. Later in life, a friend asked Rick to participate in the Walk to Emmaus spiritual renewal retreat during which he was inspired to reconcile with God. What followed was a spiritual journey that gained continuous momentum throughout the remainder of Rick’s life. At first, he began to study the bible and regularly attended church with Joan. Eventually, he re-enrolled in college and earned a second degree, a bachelor of theology, from Crossroads College in Rochester, MN, graduating as valedictorian in 2007.

Soon after graduation, Rick was appointed the pastor of two country parishes in Minnesota: Bethlehem United Methodist Church (UMC) in Hammond and Douglas UMC in Douglas. Rick continued to preach at both parishes until 2014. In addition to his work in these parishes, he taught bible study, and Rick and Joan were active in numerous community programs including a prison ministry, Walk to Emmaus, and leadership of Alpha programs where people discuss faith, life and God. Rick delivered his final sermon (at 41:34) entitled, Amazing Grace, to the parishioners at First Christian Church of Marion NC on October 25, 2020.

In 2015, Rick and Joan moved from Minnesota to Asheville where the mountains are similar to those of his youth. Rick and Joan enjoyed bluegrass culture, annual passes to the Biltmore estate, mountain drives with the top down in the 1956 Mercedes 190SL convertible he fully restored. He enjoyed taking classes at the University of North Carolina at Asheville’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and engagement with the local church community.

Above all else in his life was Rick’s intense dedication to family. He was completely committed to his marriage; to connecting with his children, grandchildren and extended family; and to doing whatever he could to ensure each was better off for having known and been loved by him.

In addition to Joan, Rick is survived by son Richard Douglas Phillips, Jr, (Kelly), daughter Deborah Joan Swanson and son William Charles Phillips (Amy). His ten grandchildren include: Adam Douglas Swanson, Andrea Dorothy Swanson, Matthew Richard Phillips, Megan Kelly Phillips, Shannon Deborah Swanson, Sarah Jean Swanson, Caitlin Anne Phillips, Erica Elizabeth Phillips, Emily Joy Phillips, and Garrett William Phillips. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Ann Phillips and Joan Crane. He is survived by his youngest sister, Kathryn Phillips-Duniho (Dan).

Mr. Phillips will lie in repose at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, December 18 and again from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 19, at which times friends may pay their respects and sign the register. Face masks and social distancing will be required.

A private family memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, December 19. The service will be live streamed at Facebook.com/Grocefh for those unable to attend in person. A celebration of life ceremony will be scheduled summer 2021, exact date to be determined, for family members, loved ones, and friends who are unable or who feel unsafe to travel at this time.

Flowers are appreciated, or donations may be made to the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, 20 Twentieth Street, Asheville, NC 28806. Online donations will be accepted.