Rotarians meet weekly and weekly meetings allow members to get to know each other personally and develop a high level of Esprit de corps. This comradery builds not only builds a strong bond but also encourages members to not only participate but explore numerous avenues to explore “Service Above Self”.
On October 6th, Phill Briscoe came forth with the touch of autobiography that we term a classification talk. (Traditionally Rotary classifies us as to occupation. Maybe there are other ways). Phill originated in Great Bend, Kansas. Its name would appear to come from what one sees on a map, to wit, its location at the apex of a major bend in the Arkansas (pronounced ar kan’ zass) River.
- Aesthetically minded, his school chose a gorilla as a mascot. Phill did his best for the Gorillas in track. The teams did quite well.
- Kansas is not entirely flat; there is an elevation named Mushroom Rock.
- His family, ever-supportive, was active in diverse community activities.
- Phill moved to the northwest in 1972 and became a lecturer in ethnic studies at Central Washington State College.
- Further career progression:
o 1976–Upward Bound instructor at Evergreen State College.
o 1980–Allstate Insurance finance; agent (20 years)
o 2000–Microsoft certified systems engineer, then Microsoft small business specialist.
o Established Ebony Knight Consulting/Briscoe Network Solutions
- Military–Republic of Viet Nam, a significant period in his life’s direction.
- Tai-Chi, an important part of his life. He went to China as an honoree in the discipline.
Presently Phill is retired and spends time with friends. Friends, Rotary, Tai-Chi, and race relations currently fill his calendar. A closing memorable photo of Phill on a Chinese litter after an injury piqued some interest. Some yuan changed hands at that juncture.
Conclusion: Phill filled the bill, but we’ll never have our fill of Phill.