Phil Boss, of Oregon City, age 57, died unexpectedly due to a hiking accident on June 23, 2018. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 25, 1960 to Jim and Elizabeth Boss. He lived the first 18 years of his life mostly in Sparta, New Jersey. During the rest of his life, he lived in Melbourne, Florida, Ellensburg & Spokane, Washington, and Beavercreek & Oregon City, Oregon. He attended both Florida Institute of Technology and Central Washington University in their flight programs, and also received his AA degree in electronics at Spokane Technical Institute. From 1984 to 2012, he worked in electronics first as a technician and then had a successful career in sales. In July 2012, he semi-retired and starting selling fishing reels all over the world on EBay. He loved hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking and other outdoor activities.
He was active in his community and was a member of The Optimist Club, and was the care ministry leader at Oregon City Christian Church. For twelve years, he volunteered as the marksmanship coach for the JROTC program at Oregon City High School and successfully led the team to multiple regional and national competitions.
He is predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth Boss, and survived by his father Jimmy L. Boss Sr.; brother Jimmy L. Boss, Jr.; his beloved wife of 37 years, Karen Boss; daughters Michelle Boss and Danielle Traver; son-in-law Justin Traver; and four grand-children: Joe, Josie, Kylie and Connor Philip.
His celebration of life service is July 21, 2018 at 11 am at Oregon City High School. In lieu of flowers, the family will be establishing a scholarship fund in his name for the Oregon City High School JROTC program.