Christopher Kyle Phillips
On March 7, 1981, in Rochester, Christopher Kyle Phillips was born. He was the treasured son of Ted C. and Victoria J. Langenbahn Phillips. As the youngest of the Phillips children, growing up he shared his childhood with two sisters Laura and Amanda. During Kyle’s high school years he was a right handed pitcher for the Zebras baseball team. With great pride he graduated from Rochester High School in 1999. Following high school Kyle went to Indiana University at South Bend where he studied criminal justice, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2003.
During his formative years, Kyle enjoyed annual autumn trips with his family to explore Brown County. He hosted his high school buddies gathering around the pool and grilling out. Kyle was always up for the challenge playing Trivial Pursuit and other board games with his family. Prior to the purchase of appliances, he would research on the internet and read consumer reports. Whether it was at the family pool, the Dunes or on the beach, Kyle loved the warmth of the sunshine and water activities.
Remembered by class mates as the life of the party, Kyle possessed an extraordinary ability to add comedy, laughter and an assortment of fresh practical jokes. With twinkling green eyes and a radiant smile, his sense of humor could light up a room. If there was an adventure on the radar, Kyle was ready go whether it was local or to the nearest amusement park to ride the coasters.
Heading out on the open road was a favorite way Kyle enjoyed relaxing. These spontaneous road trips might be for an evening ride or consuming the entire weekend. Climbing aboard his yellow and black Honda motorcycle, allowed him the freedom of catching the warm summer breezes. Kyle took great joy in cheering for the Colts, NASCAR and Indiana University. With an appetite for politics, he intently watched cable news, Steven Colbert, Bill Maher and David Matthews. Always at his side was his faithful canine companion George.
An avid reader, Kyle owned a collection of books authored by Mitch Albom. Among them was his favorite, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. He enjoyed all types of music, with the volume cranked. Tears for Fears was his group of choice singing, Everybody Wants To Rule the World.
Paramount in Kyle’s life was his family. Grilling out poolside was his forte’ while sharing some of his patented stand up comedy. Hanging out like the three amigos with his brothers-in-law supplied a special camaraderie, many memories and great fun. Brian was his rock, while David served as his partner in crime. There was never a dull moment as awareness was heightened for the next practical joke that was about to be played. As a doting Uncle, Kyle adored and admired Graeme and Gabby. He was always there for them, and their admiration was mutual.
Left to cherish Kyle’s memory are his parents, Ted and Victoria Phillips of Rochester, two sisters Laura Goss and husband Brian of Rochester, Amanda Levy and husband David of Chicago, niece Gabriella Goss, nephew Graeme Goss both of Rochester, two Aunts and Uncles Karen Hendry and husband Kevin of Gulfport, MS, Helen Durkes and husband Tim of Rochester, several cousins also survive, his canine companion George, the special custom blend. Preceding Kyle in death are his all of his grandparents.
A celebration of the life of Mr. Christopher Kyle Phillips will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 28 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Chaplain Jason See will officiate. Friends may visit with his family from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday and an hour prior to the services in the funeral home. Kyle will be laid to eternal rest at Rochester’s IOOF Cemetery. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association 30 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60602. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.