NWA Capt. Bernard R. Phillips (Mandelkern)

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Bernard R. Phillips (Mandelkern)

July 18, 1941 ~ June 12, 2016

 

Word has been received with the passing of RNPA member retired Northwest pilot Captain Bernard Richard Phillips, age 75.  Captain Phillips joined Northwest Airlines 05-27-1987.  (note... Capt. Phillips changed his last name from Mandelkern to Phillips during his time at NWA)  

Captain Phillips obituary may be viewed online at http://www.aspentimes.com/news/obituaries/22918236-113/bernard-richard-phillips  which indicates a date of death as June 12, 2016. 

Celebratory memorial services will be held August 15th in Aspen, Colorado...please see obituary for details.   

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN   

Bernard Richard Phillips, 74, died Sunday, June 12, 2016, following a brief illness. Raised in Buffalo, New York, Bernard attended Park School and subsequently received a B.A. degree in Mathematics from the University of New York at Buffalo. After additional studies at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University, Bernard Joined the Coast Guard where he was deployed for a year to Antarctica as a celestial cartographer. He then transitioned to a position as a pilot with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA), National Hurricane Center, until his retirement as a Lt. Commander. However, his love of flying remained unabated; he quickly secured employment as a commercial pilot with Northwest Airlines where he retired as Captain.

From: William Day [mailto:wlday@comcast.net]  Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2016 9:53 AM
Subject: Retired NWA pilot Bernard Phillips (Mandelkern) has flown west

Retired NWA captain Bernard Phillips (Mandelkern), age 75 passed away on July 12, 2016 in Aspen Colorado. Bernard was hired by NWA on May 27, 1987 after retired a US Coast Guard Lt./CMDR serving as an aircraft pilot with NOAA. He is survived by his sister Susan Mandelkern.

Raised in Buffalo, New York, Bernard attended Park School and subsequently received a B.A. degree in Mathematics from the University of New York at Buffalo. After additional studies at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University, Bernard Joined the Coast Guard where he was deployed for a year to Antarctica as a celestial cartographer. He then transitioned to a position as a pilot with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA), National Hurricane Center, until his retirement as a Lt. Commander. However, his love of flying remained unabated; he quickly secured employment as a commercial pilot with Northwest Airlines where he retired as Captain.

Bernard was a worldwide traveler and relished an active lifestyle. An avid skier and ski instructor, he could often be seen on the Vail and Aspen slopes. When not on the slopes, he pursued his other passion, music. He played the cello throughout his adult life, participating in numerous chamber groups and orchestras. He was most recently a member of Symphony in the Valley and High Country Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra. As all who knew him could attest, Bernard had an intense love of life and treasured the Aspen community. He is survived by his sister, Susan Mandelkern. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Mandelkern; his parents Bernard and Rivka Mandelkern; both parents were former violinists with the Buffalo Philharmonic.

A celebratory memorial will be held on Monday, August 15, 2016 at 4:00 P.M., at the Mountain Chalet, 333 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611. Contributions can be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation. In addition, the Bernard Phillips Fund has been established through the Episcopal Church of Christ, 536 W. North Street, Aspen, CO 81611. The Church houses Music in the West End. Donations may be made to the Christ Episcopal Church with a designation on the memo “Bernard Phillips Memorial Concert Fund.”