Phillip Steven Barlow's Obituary
Phillip Steven Barlow Phil passed away in Thailand on September 24, 2011.
Phil was born in Portland Oregon on July 29, 1972 to Clyde M. Barlow and Shirley J. Barlow.
Phil was involved in many activities throughout his life including opening a detail shop at age 15. He helped to start a weekly radio show for the youth in the community called Youth Talk of America YTOA. Most recently Phil hosted a weekly syndicated radio show on KOHI, in which he discussed both local and national political issues.
Phil, along with his friend Dean Eibert, created a logo for Bearcat Fireworks, which is used during the 4th of July at the stand in Scappoose and the one at the Bowling Lanes in Saint Helens. The logo was produced so it could be handed out for fridge magnets during 4th of July sales.
His love for High Tec gadgets began at a very young age. Phil maintained a twitter account, face book page, u-stream account U-tube, and all forms of social networking and was very active in inter-acting with friends and family. This carried over in his City work. Barlow was instrumental in promoting social networking and live streaming of Council meetings in keeping with his idea of an open and transparent government for its citizens.
At the age of 18 he made his first bid for public office when he ran for Mayor of Saint Helens, although unsuccessful. He then ran for City Council in 2006 and was elected to his first term. He was re-elected to the City Council in 2010 and his current responsibility was as the City of Saint Helens Police Commissioner. While in office he advocated for better communication between the City and the Citizens and fought hard to maintain the City's current Commissioner Form of Government.
Phil had a passion for the youth of Saint Helens and was currently involved in working on a community youth center which he believed was important to provide a safe place for the youth to socialize.
We as a family hope to see Phil's dream realized.
Phil sat on many committees including the City Planning Commission, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee as well as one in Vernonia for flood relief victims. It was not unusual for Councilor Barlow to visit with city workers in the morning and bring them donuts then listen with interest to their concerns in the work place or to drop by the senior center to see if he could be of assistance.
Many times it was witnessed at The Bike Shop of citizens coming in to see their city representative about a matter that was important to them, Phil would treat them all with respect and hear them out and then take appropriate action on their behalf.
Phil was an accomplished musician and had the ability to pick up and play almost any instrument that he chose to play which included the Piano, Organ, Electronic Keyboard, Guitar, Banjo, & Trumpet, just to name a few. He was an accomplished songwriter, as well as, a recording artist. Phil produced and recorded one solo album and one album with his brother Paul, sister Annamarie and sister in-law Tina Barlow.
In November of 2001 Phil, along with his brother Paul, mom, and dad purchased The Bike Shop in Saint Helens, which was later re-named "Barlow Bikes & Boards". Phil served as the lead mechanic and worked on numerous bicycles in the community. Phil participated in and enjoyed riding in the annual Providence Bridge Pedal with his family. Phil was also instrumental in creating Barlow Adventures to offer adventure packages to individuals with the motto "we sell dreams".
Phil along with his brother Paul, and numerous volunteers, created the local BMX track at McCormick Park in 2002 and operated the facility under the name of Columbia River BMX as a sanctioned American Bicycle Racing Association Track until 2005. The BMX track was re-opened in 2011 and is once again being operated by Columbia River BMX as a sanctioned BMX racing venue, as well as an open facility for all to enjoy. The BMX jersey design used by our racers serves an icon for Phil's vision of the BMX racing track. Steve Johannsen tells how Phil approached him about a vision of a "gnarly biker going so fast his skin is peeling off, becoming near skeletal .The revised drawing is now on racing jerseys and t-shirts throughout the area. To see the art concept go to Face Book and visit Phil Barlow's page.
Phil is survived by his Fiancé Jirawan "Tan" Chomseang, and his parents Clyde & Shirley Barlow. Siblings: John Barlow, Annamarie Holt and Paul Barlow. Nieces and Nephews: Jordan Barlow, Baylee Holt, Steffan Susee, Marissa Barlow, Jared Barlow, Jacob Barlow, Julia Holt and Hailey Barlow.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the "Phillip S. Barlow" memorial fund at US Bank.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Helens High School Auditorium, Saturday, October 8 at 11:00 A.M.
Committal Service & Vault Interment: Columbia Memorial Gardens-Scappoose, OR.
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