RULON, Philip Reed

Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, Arizona Philip Reed Rulon (February 20, 1934 - October 15, 2014) Philip Reed Rulon passed October 15, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. His parents Wayne and Ruby (Baldwin) Rulon contributed to his development both as a boy and a man. His father was related both to Nathaniel Hawthorne as well as Septimus Winner. Winner has a place in the Musical Hall of Fame for Hymn writing. His hymn “Whispering Hope” is a standard for protestant congregations. During the civil war he wrote classics such as “Ten Little Indians”, “Listen to the Mockingbird” and “Doggie in the window”. Grandmother Grace was a church organist and fought for prohibition with all the passion she could muster. Philip was always proud to carry both family names. As a youth Philip and his siblings attended and earned their diplomas from St. John’s School in Topeka, Kansas. Philip separated from the family flock to follow his own interests when he received a scholarship to attend Concordia in Seward, Nebraska. Upon early completion of college Philip accepted a year’s internship at a private school named Mt. Olive. Mt. Olive is located in San Antonio, Texas. Subsequently he decided to follow his father’s advice and volunteered for the draft in order to complete his military service obligation. He left for Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri. Having completed basic training and two courses in basic army administration, he completed his military obligation at Fort Lee, Virginia – an old Civil war army post. Philip made the journey back to Topeka, Kansas to reunite with family and enroll at Washburn University. Once finished at Washburn he commuted to Emporia State Teacher’s College by evening and worked as a freight investigator by day for the Santa Fe railroad. Philip earned his masters of arts at Emporia State, and wrote his thesis on Fidel Castro and the Cuban revolution. Philip then ventured toward Stillwater Oklahoma where he earned his doctorate in education. Teaching a course on the American Revolution and writing his dissertation on the history of Oklahoma State University. Oklahoma State University promptly published his work, and shortly thereafter was offered a position fitting his educational background at Northern Arizona University. Along with his small family, Philip traveled west to begin his 50 year run in Flagstaff, Arizona. With a new career on the horizon Philip Reed hoped to work with Philip Justin Rulon who helped create modern psychological testing with a team from Stanford University. Unfortunately before having the opportunity to team up, Philip Justin Rulon passed away. The 50 year chapter of Philip’s life in Flagstaff included his marriage to Annette Kohlmeier Thompson on January 2, 1976. Under the spirit of ’76 the Rulon-Thompson clan included Yvonne, AnnMarie, William, Scott and Douglas. They enjoyed vacations in Hawaii as well as fishing, swimming and endless barbeques. The clan expanded with the addition of son-in-law Leroy Zeller, and two daughter-in-laws; Lisa and Terry. The family continued to grow with the addition of 6 grandchildren. Meghan, Philip William, Lyla Mae, Douglas Andrew, and Thomas Scott. Again the family grew with Meghan getting married, and she and husband Mark adding Trevor and Fox as great-grandchildren. Shortly before Philip passed he had the pleasure of welcoming a 3rd great-grand child “Sam” into the world. Philip and Annette enjoyed watching the family grow and were passionate about life. They traveled extensively, spending many hours watching turtles and whales from Hale Makai; their house located near Kukuiula boat harbor in Kauai, HI. Excursions to Port Aransas, TX allowed them to appreciate and add some fine art to their truly memorable collection. Christmas was a special time for Philip and his family and the annual Christmas letter became a highlight of the season. Tiny Tim’s Christmas call “God bless us all” became their Christmas motto. Philip’s professional life included his work for the National Defense of Education Act, The Education development act, as well as advising students across the globe including Ethiopia and elsewhere. Such activities lead to twenty years of service to the center for the study of the presidency. He often served on the editorial Board of Presidential studies. Secretary of Education Terrell Bell asked Philip to help bring forth the prestigious project, “A Nation at Risk” All good things must come to an end, as was the case when Iwa and Iniki destroyed their beloved “Hale Makai” house in Hawaii, Philip witnessed brother Don succumb to cancer, and personally fought an eight year battle against the disease himself. Though they no longer walk among us, the names of Don Rulon, Richard Kohlmeier, and Philip Rulon have been added to the Admiral Chester Nimitz memorial walkway in Fredericksburg, Texas. We now imagine Philip and his family playing the game of “hearts” while solving the world’s concerns from his heavenly roost. The tension builds as he “Queen of Spades” is ready to be played. Our thoughts however drift toward Philips most important roles; beloved husband of Annette, and King of the road and King of Hearts to a family that loved him dearly. We wish him adieu. A private family burial service will be held followed by a Memorial Mass at the Church of the Epiphany on October 22, 2014 at 1:00 pm.