February 17, 1950 - November 19, 2015
Passed away suddenly November 19, 2015 at his home in Spokane. A celebration of his life will be held at Community Cremation & Funeral in the Spokane Valley on December 18th at 11:30 a.m. Phil, a lifetime Spokane resident was born February 17, 1950 to Eugene and Joanne Burkwist. He graduated from Lewis & Clark HS in 1969, attended Spokane Falls Community College, and received his Bachelor of Arts from WSU in 1976. Phil was an outstanding track and cross country runner throughout his life. He received countless awards during his running career including NJCAA 1970 National Track Athlete of the Year, WAACC 1 and 2 mile Champion 1970 & 1971, and 1969 X-C Champion. He was inducted into the Community Colleges of Spokane Hall of Fame in 2010. Over the years Phil worked as an assistant coach in track and cross country at Lewis & Clark and Ferris High Schools. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and was happiest in the outdoors. Phil was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Tom Burkwist. He is survived by his brother Steve (Linda) Burkwist of Sagle, ID, and his sisters Barbara Pyle of Orondo, WA, Bev (Richard) Johnson of Bellevue, WA and Terri (Dan) Hanenburg of Bayview, ID. Community Cremation & Funeral - Spokane Valley - 13127 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, (509)926-2020 - Communitycremationandfuneral.com
