Phillip James Zulfer

Phillip was born on August 24, 2026 to George and Velta Zulfer. After graduating from Jefferson High School, Portland, OR, Phillip went on to serve in the Air force. He served in WWll and the Korean War and had a great love of flying. After WWll, Phil met the woman of his dreams, Patricia McLean. They married on April 17, 1949 and celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary last April. He frequently joked that it was just a “trial marriage.”

After the Korean war, Phillip went on earn a business degree at Louis and Clark College, Portland, OR. Post college, Phil had a lengthy and successful career at Sears and provided for his family very well. His career took Phil and his family several places, including eastern Washington, southern California and finally, Bellevue, WA where they spent many years. They loved camping and spending time in Yachats, on the Oregon coast. He retired from his position as Store Manager in Lynnwood, WA in 1987 and then became an “Arizona Snowbird” for 20 + years with his beautiful wife, Pat. They had many wonderful years golfing and socializing with dear friends and enjoying their homes in Mason Lake, Washington and Mesa, Arizona.

When they were done with traveling between Washington and Arizona, Phil and Pat settled in Washington until 2019, when they moved to be near their son, Jeff and daughter-in-law, Robin.

Phillip was preceded in death by his father, George Zulfer; mother, Velta Zulfer; son, Steven Zulfer and several beloved pets, including recently, his adored cat Sonny.

Phillip is survived by his wife, Patricia Zulfer; sons Phillip Zulfer Jr., daughter-in-law Pam Pohl Zulfer; Jeffrey Zulfer, daughter-in-law Robin Thompson Zulfer; grandchildren Jamie Taylor, Erik Zulfer and wife Betsy, Alexandra Zulfer and Maxwell Zulfer; great grand-children Zoe Taylor, Hattie Zulfer, Thea Zulfer and Bruin Zulfer.

The Zulfer family will celebrate Phil’s life at a later date. In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to your local Hospice.