Phillip Edwin Radford 

Radford, Phillip Edwin Beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend, Phil Radford, age 77, passed away June 4, 2020 due to complications related to Covid-19.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; his children, Alison Moidl (Joe), Jason Radford (Janet) and Michael Radford; his grandchildren, Joey and Peyton Moidl, and Cormac, Cara and Makenna Radford; and his siblings, Mary Margaret, Betty Ann, Kathy, Martha, John and Theresa.

Phil was born on November 16, 1942 in Richfield, MN, where he spent his childhood. He graduated from De LaSalle High School in 1960 and Saint John's University in 1964. After graduation, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam from 1964 to 1966, where earned notations for excellence during his service. Upon his return home, he secured employment with Control Data, where he worked for nearly 25 years in both Omaha and Minneapolis.

Phil was known for his laughter (that would always fill the room), his humor and his perpetual positivity. He created treasured memories, made special moments better, turned bad days around, demonstrated that laughter heals and encouraged greatness in others. A passionate gardener, he had the best lawn in the neighborhood, and grew fantastic tomatoes and cucumbers that he readily shared with family, friends and neighbors. Phil loved to whistle, and was often heard walking the halls of our home or at work sharing a playful tune. He fed the neighborhood birds, did battle with the squirrels, was quick to smile and laugh, pushed his grandkids on swings until his arms ached, adored watching old westerns, played softball with the "Bald Eagles" for 30+ years, was well- known for his garage sales, shared goofy jokes, loved breakfast and collected a ridiculous amount of tools (45 screwdrivers, 4 hammers and 3 handsaws, but only 1 rubber mallet). He was a wonderful storyteller and always went out of his way to make you feel important. Through these last years, he fought courageously to stay with us for as long as possible. He loved his family, friends and neighbors with a big heart and will be incredibly missed. He did it right. Dad, well done!! In light of our current situation, we will hold a funeral, burial and memorial for our dad in the future. We want to celebrate him to the fullest extent possible and will communicate those dates with all of you. Washburn-McReavy.com Werness Brothers 952-884-8145

Published on June 14, 2020