The very sudden and untimely death of Prof. Frank J. Phillips at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Feb. 12, 1911, deprives the University of Nebraska of one of its most brilliant professors and the forestry profession of one of its brightest and most enthusiastic members.
Prof. Phillips was born at Grandville, Mich., in 1882. His early education was received in the publi schools of Grandville, and he first became interested in the subject of forestry during the latter years of his scientific course at the Michigan Agricultural College, from which institution he graduated in 1903 with the degree of Bachelor of Science.
His great love for outdoor life and his intense interest in forestry caused him to continue his studies at the University of Michigan, from which institution he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1905 and the degree of Master of Science of Forestry in 1906. From 1899 to 1905 he spent his summer vacations with field parties of the Bureau of Forestry in studying forest conditions in various parts of the middle west, the south and the Pacific Coast states. Upon the completion of his studies at Michigan he was appointed Forest Assistant in the Forest Service, spending the year in the National Forests of New Mexico and Arizona, and resigned from the Service in September, 1907, to take the position of Professor of Forestry at the University of Nebraska, which position he held at the time of his death.
Prof. Phillips' death was a particularly sad one. It takes from our midst a man of rare ability and a keen observer, one who has accomplished much in a short time and one who was just entering the period of greatest activity and usefulness. His history is not unlike that of many others who have worked their way from a humble station, but throughout those years he maintained the same jovial spirit, the same enthusiasm and the same kindly regard for those around him.
His untimely death takes away from the small family of foresters one of its most efficient members, but the memory of his personality will be an inspiration and his infectious cheerfulness will be cherished by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife and one child.
F. B. Moody,
Class 1900.
Source: The University of Michigan Forester, published by the Forestry Club, Number 4, Volumes 1-2, March, 1911; Pgs. 9-10
