Philip M. Ringle Ph.D of Viera Florida beloved husband, father, and friend passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 5, 2022, in the hospital with his family at his bedside. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Barbara and their children Eric and his wife Kelly and grandchildren Emily, Katie, and Sarah of Kansas City, MO; daughter Susan Ringle of Philadelphia, Pa.; his dog Tripp of Viera Florida; Sister Norma Westfall and her husband Robert Westfall of Bath, Ohio. 

Born in Cleveland Ohio, Phil, known as Pinky to his lifelong friends, traveled to several states for work, pleasure, and ultimately for retirement. Throughout his travels, Phil had the love of his life by his side, Barbara.  Phil and Barbara met in high school and navigated a full life together living across the country (Cleveland, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Reno, Florida), having 2 children, and a plethora of canine kiddos (Sherlock, Poohbear, Sunny, Spats, Carly, Misty, Paw Paw Kay, Bella, and Tripp).  He made an impact to everyone he interacted with both personally and professionally.    Phil had a great sense of humor and loved to play games. 

For anyone that hasn’t written an obituary for a relative it is a mixed emotion event as you get to remember all the knowledge they have instilled in you, the great times, bad times and then you realize these memories will always be with you, which is great, but clearly not the same as having him next to you.

Despite some feedback from a high school counselor, Phil went on to college at Kent State University where he not only got his Bachelor’s in education, but also obtained his masters, and eventually his PhD in education.  He touched countless lives in his career in education.  Starting as elementary school teachers Phil moved into career development at community college to reaching the pinnacle of his career as the President of Truckee Meadows Community College. 

Phil engaged in various community and philanthropic organizations over the years.  For his retirement party / fundraiser at the college his children, granddaughter Emily, sister, and Phil’s lifelong best friend Tom Glickson were all flown in as a surprise and able to see Phil shine from an angle other than dad, grandpa, brother, and friend.  It became clear why Friday September 28, 2007, was Dr. Philip Ringle Day for the city of Reno Nevada, as well as the State of Nevada. 

I then realized, my dad prepped us for this event when he wrote his memoir “Seasons” a few years ago which was a compilation of Phil Ringle life events and learnings.   Some excerpts from his memoir as you remember, celebrate, and learn from Phil: 

“… we can gain knowledge and guidance from one person’s life experiences and the events that held significance for that person.  Even the smallest and most mundane experiences can yield important lessons.  An individual’s actions and words have an effect on those around them like rippling rings of water expanding out after a stone is tossed in lake…”

“There are lessons to be learned from history and there are lessons to be garnered from individual’s journey through life” 

“Throughout my career in education as a teacher, counselor, administrator, and college president, on more than one occasion I heard from someone I don’t or barely, remember recounting something I said or did that profoundly influenced their life. This has occurred in variety of contexts; a letter received from a student I had taught in 5th grade who was now a well-respected author of books for young adults, impact of audience member of speech I delivered….” 

“The impact people have on others often occurs when we are not intentionally trying to influence them”

“I do know that the foundation provided by my parents has allowed me – not without some angst and insecurities – to build a life that has been filled with joy and satisfaction”

“For me, the cycle of life starts in Spring.  I love the increased daylight hours allowing me to stay outside longer in the evening hours.  There is always a sense of optimism in the Spring”

Senior Dinner – “The school enrolled over 3000 students so you never saw everyone in your class.  At dinner I was seated across from Barbara Miller.  She wore a white sweater with blue trim, looked great and I was immediately smitten.”  We all know how this story ends.

Kent State – “Fifty years have passed and the symbol of that tank and all it represented – oppression, warfare, and destruction – juxtaposed with the symbol of the university and all it represented – freedom, learning, and growth is an image from those few days in May that haunt me this day”

“I use Ph.D.” following my name and I used President title when I served in that capacity, but I never used the “Doctor” title professionally.”

“I learned that in the end, all that we have are the people we touch.  Not money or possession, not fame or position, not strength.  Just the people we touch.”  

“On Death

Love is stronger than death,

   and has not end. 

 Death is more complex,

   hard to comprehend.

The key is knowing that love will last,

Even when lovers have long since passed.

To some, death begins a journey anew.

Scientists take a more final view. 

The young don’t dwell much on death’s finality.

The old have accepted their own mortality.

I am not sure where I stand on “life-after” debate.

While here celebrate, leave nothing to fate.

Life offers both joys and sorrows,

Death offers no tomorrow. “

Lastly as dad discussed in his move after Florida: “my next move will be an urn on the mantel”

 

IN LEIU OF FLOWERS FAMILY WISHES DONATIONS TO A Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (https://myasthenia.org/)