Phillip Young Koldewyn

Husband, father, grandfather, and professor of 35 years at Claremont McKenna College, Phillip Young Koldewyn died on March 1, 2020 at his home in Centennial, Colorado. He was 89 years old.

Phillip was born in Loma Linda, California on March 2, 1931 to William and Rebecca Koldewyn. He was the first of four children. After graduating from high school in Ogden Utah in 1949 he attended the University of Utah for one year. He then served a mission for 3 years for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Mexico and Texas and became fluent in Spanish. He attended and graduated from San Bernardino Valley College in 1954 with an Associate's degree in chemistry. From 1954 to 1956 he served in the Army in Korea during the Korean War. He was the radio and communications specialist for his unit, and he was in charge of training new recruits on using two-way radios. After being discharged in 1956 he attended Brigham Young University, graduating in 1958. He then attended UC Berkeley receiving first a Master's Degree in Spanish in 1960 followed by his Doctorate degree in Romance Languages in 1964. During his time at Berkeley, Phillip met Wilma Hamann at a church function and they were married in January 1965.

Phillip and Wilma moved to Claremont, California in 1965 where Phil began teaching as an Associate Professor of Spanish at Claremont McKenna College. During his 35-year career at the college, he, alone, constituted the Latin American Studies department, teaching Spanish, Latin-American History, and Literature. He also published numerous professional articles on various subjects including ""Alfonso Reyes, Hispanic Non-Profit Organizations in California"" and ""Mexican Voluntary Organizations"". He lived with his family in Mexico while on sabbatical from 1970 to 1971. During his time in Mexico, his son Shaun was born. Another highlight in Mexico was when he was invited to speak on two unpublished books authored by Alfonso Reyes. The President of Mexico was in attendance as well as the family of Alfonso Reyes. Phillip enjoyed the academic world and always had an open door for his students, consulting with them and providing advice and encouragement.

Phillip served many years in his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Soon after moving to Claremont, he was invited to serve as the leader, or President, of the Student Branch associated with the Claremont Colleges. He was well-liked and filled the role of professional and spiritual mentor to many students and members of the congregation. During his nearly 50 years in Claremont, he and Wilma visited and blessed the lives of many, many people including struggling families, victims of addiction, aging and lonely individuals, people struggling with illness and pregnant teens. Some of those individuals were invited into Phillip and Wilma's home for extended periods. After retirement they took their service full-time and served an 18 month mission for the church in Northern California. There they again supported struggling congregations and even took a homeless family into their home until they were able to get on their feet.

Phillip was an inspiration and leader to his sons. They, as well as others, learned from his example to work hard, be kind to others, and to support those around them. Phillip loved music and often began Sunday mornings in the home by playing classical music. He also loved the outdoors and took his family camping, introducing them to National Parks such as Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon. Phillip was an accomplished handyman. He converted his garage into a study/den. He built a carport, bookshelves as well as a patio cover and brick work around his home.

Phillip often attended his son's activities and wrestled with his boys at home. He was a supportive and loving husband, seeing that his family visited and got to know Wilma's family in Germany. He was sensitive to the fact that she was living far away from many of her loved ones.

Phillip is survived by his wife, Wilma Gertrud Hamann; his brothers Alan and Richard Koldewyn; his children, Deren Koldewyn and wife Tara Koldewyn and their daughter Claire of Centennial, CO; Soren Koldewyn and wife Leah Koldewyn with their children Andie, Sophie, and Sam of Morgan Hill, CA; Kelley Koldewyn, wife of Phillip's late son Shaun Koldewyn, and their children Kira, Owen, and Grant of Buckingham, VA. His son, Shaun, having passed away due to cancer in 2002, and his sister Nora, who passed away from cancer in 2010, have certainly welcomed Phillip with loving arms in the next life.

Services will be held on Friday March 13, 2020 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Centennial, Colorado. Burial followed at Fort Logan Military Cemetery, Denver, Colorado.