Phil Rice Obituary

Phillip William Rice of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away Friday, July 12, 2024, after a fierce battle with cancer at the age of 78.

Phil was born Sept. 19, 1945, in Grand Rapids, Mich. He is survived by his daughter Kayla Reiser (Pee Cambo Chheng) and three grandchildren: Brandon Bahr, Jayde Bahr and Larry Hawkins, of Anchorage. His sisters Diane Dillard (Kevin), Sandi White (Dan Svoboda) and Carol Ramsay, of Michigan. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grandnephews and cousins.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents Phil and Lucille (Patterson) Rice, brother Jim Rice, son Jade Ruhl, grandson Jeremiah Reiser, niece Heather Rice and Arlene Reiser. Phil was a highly decorated Special Forces veteran. He served 14 years in the service, including three tours in Vietnam.

He was part of the elite clandestine unit SOG, in which he fought behind enemy lines and gathered intelligence. This unit received the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism. Phil also received the Bronze Star, an Air Medal, and a commendation from the grateful Cambodian government, along with many other awards and commendations during his years of service.

After his military years, Phil worked as a master welder, mostly in Alaska. Phil's family thanks the many friends who visited him during his last difficult weeks. They would also like to express their gratitude to oncologist Dr. Steven Liu of Anchorage, Alaska, radiation oncologist Dr. Peter Paximadis of Michigan, the staff at Corewell Health Radiation, Anchorage Regional Hospital, Prestige Care Center and Ancora Hospice, especially hospice nurse Reuben Garcia.

Phil's funeral and burial took place on July 18-19 in Anchorage, Alaska. A celebration of life will be held on Sept. 15, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Lake Township Park at 10801 Gast Road, Bridgman MI 49106, at the lake pavilion. Luncheon will immediately follow.

Memorial donations in Phil's name may be made to Stevensville American Legion, 3093 Johnson Road, Stevensville, MI 49127.

Our hearts are broken, Phil will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He was a WARRIOR ... a SURVIVOR. No matter what befell him, his motto always was, "Keep moving FOWARD!"

Aye. Aye. Sergeant Rice!