Profile picture of Phil Young

Phil Young

(1936-2013)
Anthropology

Biography

Philip D. Young, 76, died June 30, 2013 in Cottage Grove, Oregon. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 18, 1936 to Donald and Jean (Ftacek) Young. He served in the Army in The Panama Canal Zone. Phil was Professor Emeritus in Anthropology at the University of Oregon, Chair of the Department of Anthropology (1985-1989) and Director of International Studies (1992-1995). He authored and co-edited 6 books and wrote numerous scholarly articles published in English and Spanish. He continued to be deeply committed to his work until his recent passing. He was a noted cultural anthropologist, a Latin Americanist specializing in socioeconomic change, adaptation among small farmers, and language and culture relationships. He had over 40 years of experience as a researcher, teacher, consultant, field-training director, project evaluator, and administrator. His bond with Ngäbe friends and family always drew him back to Panama. He leaves a legacy in his scholarship, his students and colleagues and the many people he touched throughout the world. To those close to him, Phil will be remembered for his wit and sense of humor, his devilish smile, and his collection of artisan frogs. His wife, Kathleen Black, will scatter his ashes at the Oregon coast, where they spent many happy times together. He is survived by Kathy, sons John and Andy, daughters Aixa, Juanita, Tanya, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all of Eugene, and brother Jerry Young, who lives in California.