Julius Philip Schenck, Jr.

Julius (Phil) Philip Schenck Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on March 26, 2024. Phil was born on October 19, 1938, in Farmington, New Mexico, where his father was an apple orchardist at Mile High Ranch. At the age of 5, Phil's family relocated to Sequim, Washington, where they fostered close bonds with the land and water of the area.

Phil graduated from Sequim High School in 1957 and went on to Central Washington University. He was a member of the ROTC during his time in college and graduated with a degrees in Chemistry and Physics. Following his graduation, Phil dedicated six years of service to the Washington National Guard.

During his college years, Phil met Anna McKinley, who would become his beloved wife of 59 years. They married in 1964 and together went back to Sequim, where Phil worked at Pen-Ply in Port Angeles. However, Phil dreamt of becoming an orchardist like his father and the couple moved to Sunnyside, Washington, in 1973, where they established Schenck Variety Orchards.

Phil poured his heart and soul into the orchard, cultivating not only apples and cherries but also a family of 6 children, 13 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Phil's family fondly remembers his years of dedication as a Boy Scout leader, and his ability to fix almost anything. Phil was a quiet man, but he loved to tell stories to people and animals alike. He talked to every animal he met and often had long conversations with them. His current dog, Tinker, will miss him greatly.

After a lifetime of hard work and dedication to his craft, Phil retired in 2014, returning to Sequim with Anna to build their home on family land. Despite retiring, Phil remained active, continuing to care for the land he cherished and spending time with his family. Phil was also a man of faith and was actively involved in the First Church of Christ Scientist in Sunnyside and Sequim. He was known for his kindness, gentleness, and willingness to open his home to anyone in need.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Phil and Alberta Schenck; sisters Rena Heintz and Gail Steen; and sons James Schenck (1973) and Rex Schenck (2013). He is survived by his wife Anna; sisters Mary Bland, Betsy Jones, and Patsy Robison; daughter Dessie (Travis) Oxley; sons Phil (Jessica), Ron (Terri), and Joseph (Andrea); grandchildren Cheyen, Jordyn, Victoria, Jace, Alexis, Jessica, Tyler, Natalee, Kyleanna, James, Gabriel, Benjamin, and Emma; great-grandchildren Paxton, Jameson, Summit, Parker, and Emie. Phil is also survived by numerous "adopted" children who loved him dearly.

Phil will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, and a steward of the land. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Celebration of Life for Phil Schenck will be on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the John Wayne Waterfront resort. Parking is available at the Marina. We will gather at the duplex at the corner of Whitefeather Way and West Sequim Bay roads. Please bring lawn chairs if you can.

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