To the editor:

My father, a former Washburn University communications professor and later a chaplain for Midland Hospice, called Lawrence his home with his wife, Eileen, for 22 years. I live in Topeka and have really enjoyed visiting my father, Dr. Don Phillips, at his home on the west side of town, and also I enjoyed his driving me in his car around Clinton Lake. Lawrence was a special place for my dad in his later years before he passed away of Parkinson’s disease this past March.

I felt something special when I came to visit my dad and his wife. Eileen loves Milton’s and she and my dad had many special friends. My dad was a special person to me and to my younger sister, Laura, and I remember her driving me from Topeka to Lawrence to visit my dad one afternoon and we listened to our favorite Michael Bublé CD in the car. We were driving to a unique town with very cool people.

I want to thank all of my dad’s friends and the people who knew my dad for making his life a gift. I want to thank the people of Lawrence for always putting a smile on my face when I visit. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Topeka, but still it’s a place that makes Kansas a gem. Thank you!

Rebecca Lyn Phillips,

Topeka