Phillip Walden Kooken was born in Vancouver, Washington, on April 28,1953, to Betty
Walden Kooken and David R. Kooken. He passed away peacefully on Dec. 12, 2023, from complications of a stroke. Phil was 70 years old.
Inquisitive, adventurous, solitary and active, Phil spent his life in the Pacific Northwest looking outward at the mountains and lakes around him, wondering where he’d go next. He loved reading books, running his own business and learning more about new interests. But he mostly loved getting outside to explore, perhaps his favorite thing of all.
Phil spent his childhood in Battle Ground, Washington, and graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1971. He later attended Wyoming Technical Institute, graduating with certification as an automotive technician. Curious about several other subjects, he also took numerous classes at Clark College, exploring his interests in Spanish language, glassblowing and photography.
Over the years, Phil worked in various northwest towns, including Willamina, Newberg and Vancouver (at Triquest Plastics and Concept Reality, Inc.), before setting up and running his own pad printing business, Oak 2 Design, in Battle Ground. He was still in the printing business when he passed.
Phil was always seeking ways to be active. His interest in running began with his high school cross-country team, and it proved to be a well-founded and enduring interest. The year after graduation, he ran from the Canadian border to Mexico, fundraising for the American Diabetes Foundation. Later, in-line skating was an active pursuit that Phil and his son shared together for several years. In more recent decades, Phil enjoyed getting out in nature by hiking forest trails several days a week, 3 to 5 miles at a time, with his beloved dog, Dax. His love for the outdoors also took him onto the water, developing his skills in sailing, canoeing and kayaking at Yale Reservoir and Netarts Bay.
Phil was predeceased by his parents, his son, Kyle, and stepbrother, Kevin Hummel
(Shelly). Phil is survived by his sister, Kayda Kooken Mitchell (Ben), and stepbrothers, Brent Hummel and Bruce Hummel (Naoko). Phil is also survived by his aunt, Gretchen Kooken Barelski (Paul), cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial gathering will be held in late spring. Memorial contributions may be
made to The American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org/diabetes), Friends of
Netarts Bay (Netartsbaywebs.org), or the charity of your choice.
