Philip Vickers |
| Posted 2009-06-26 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Philip Vickers Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Aug. 27, 1919. Departed on June 16, 2003 and resided in Sedona, Arizona. Philip Vickers Spitfire Pilot, Actor, Sculptor, Writer Sedona has lost one of its great talents. Philip Vickers passed away at home with his wife, Barbara and sons Stephen and Christopher at his side on Monday evening June 16. Vickers' long and illustrious life included almost 200 missions flying for the RCAF in World War II; ten years on the stage, in TV and radio; forty five years as a sculptor and most recently authoring a novel based on his life in World War II. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan but reared in Oklahoma City. After a couple years at the University of Oklahoma and armed with a new private pilot's certificate, he headed to Canada to enlist when the US wasn't getting into the war quickly enough. After training in Newfoundland, he headed to Great Britain to fly the elegant Spitfire, often as wingman to Johnny Johnson, England's top scoring Ace. After the war he spent some time as a commercial pilot for Commonwealth Aircraft before discovering The Stage. Opportunity took him back to London's West End where he had a starring role in Damn Yankees, emceed shows for Bob Hope and played with scores of the 1950's tops actors and actresses. But then he found a hidden talent for sculpture which became his new passion and which led him to a position designing exhibits for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. In the early 70's he broke away to open his own sculpture design studio in Bethesda, Md., where he also developed a new casting process which he eventually trademarked as 'Matrix Metals'. In 1975 he met another young sculptor/furniture maker, Barbara, who became his studio mate and wife. Together they created large exhibit sculpture such as an over-life size Uncle Sam which has his self portrait and still stands in the Smithsonian Air and Space museum holding our actual first satellite in his hand. They also designed and constructed a three room cave complete with life size early man figures for the National Geographic Ecplorer's Hall. Research for the caves brought them to Arizona where they discovered Sedona and settled in 1979. The Southwest became the inspiration for his new line of over 75 mostly bas relief portraits and landscape sculpture which has been featured in many Sedona galleries, including La Fuente, as well as galleries all around the Southwest and nationwide. Since his work was in Matrix Metal limited editions, thousands of poeple enjoy his work in their homes today. He did not want his casting method to disappear with him, so he wrote a booklet outlining the complete process. In so doing, he again discovered a new calling-writing. At the time of his demise, he was engrossed in writing a novel based on his World War II experiences. His wife and sons will attempt to complete the book. Philip Vickers is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Barbara, a longtime Sedona real estate broker; sons, Stephen Vickers, San Mateo, Calif.; Mark Vickers, Silver Spring, Md. and Christopher Vickers, Atlanta, Ga.; sister Winifred Grossman and nieces Nancy Dockter and Christine Slocumb of Little Rock, Ark; and 'adopted' son and daughter in law, Enrique and Cristina Avilez of Ensenada, Mexico. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at 4:30 pm on Saturday, June 21, at the Vicker's home, 659 Navahopi Road. All friends, relatives and acquaintances are invited. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Northern Arizona Hospice (269 Candy Lane, Cottonwood, Arizona, 86326 are requested. Westcott Funeral Home of Cottonwood, assisted the family with arrangements. Westcott Funeral Home, Cottonwood and Camp Verde, Arizona. |
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