It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of chip phillips, the English Department’s Computer and Network Systems Manager. chip was universally helpful, engaging and inventive, skilled at computer analysis as well as solving hardware and technical glitches.
Prior to working at Western, “computer chip” worked as a technical specialist for International Telecom and for a host of non-profit and artistic companies including Planned Parenthood, the Seattle Rep, and Columbia Legal Services. chip was passionate about local theatre, pickleball, boating, Vespas scooters, film and—especially—gender justice and trans activism. They helped plan numerous Trans Pride events and were a board member of the Gender Justice League. In Bellingham, chip helped found the Bellingham Queer Collective.
We miss chip and the energy and whole-heartedness they brought to our department, their many pastimes, and their activism. You can read chip’s obituary here.