Sylvester Olin Phillips Obituary

Sylvester Olin Phillips, age 73 of Stacy, MN, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Olin was born on August 22, 1951, in Chester, S.C. to Sylvester and Marjorie Phillips. He graduated from Durham N.C. Senior High School in 1969 and attended Virginia Tech on a football scholarship. He earned a B.S. in Forestry and Wildlife and an M.S. in Plant Pathology & Physiology, graduating with honors. Olin met the love of his life, Bev, in 1969 as freshmen at Virginia Tech and new believers through involvement in Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru). They married in 1971 as students.

He was an Extension Agent in Emporia, VA, for 6 months before becoming a Forest Pest Supervisor in the Missouri Department of Conservation. Four years later he was hired by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in the Forestry Division as a Forest Health Program Supervisor. During his years at the Minnesota DNR, he worked as the Wildfire Protection Supervisor (Go Smokey Bear!) and the Forestry Nursery Program Supervisor. He especially liked serving as a liaison for Forestry at the State Fair where he emceed performances on one of the stages and was instrumental in re-opening the Fire Tower onsite. He retired as the DNR Deputy Director of the Operation Services Division in 2018. He continued to do contract work for the DNR through 2020, fully retiring at age 69.

Olin was known for his contagious smile, passion for teaching the Bible to all ages, and leadership. His humor, kindness, and generous spirit brought joy to many. He was a member of Lakes Free Church for over 30 years, serving as an elder, Sunday School teacher, co-leader of the grandparent ministry, small group leader, and mentor. He and Bev were volunteers with the national Christian Grandparent Network, presenting conferences and workshops together. Since retirement, he enjoyed Bible study, gardening, grilling, making jewelry and paracord crafts to give away, and – most of all – playing with his grandchildren.

Olin lived a life filled with loving dedication to serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family, and the church community. His heartfelt desire was to leave a faith legacy to his children, grandchildren, and younger generations. He looked forward to meeting Jesus face-to-face and spoke often about heaven.

He was predeceased by his parents, brothers David and Bruce; parents-in-law, Betty and Harold; and brothers-in-law, Dennis and Marvin. Olin will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Beverly; children, Joshua (Lisa) Phillips, Ruth (Neil) Bell, Zachary Phillips (fiancé Angela), Benjamin (Anika) Phillips, Adam (Jillian) Phillips, Rachel (Chris) Smith, Luke Phillips, Rebekah Phillips, and Joanna (Francisco) Salas; and 16 grandchildren: Cheyenne, Erin, James, Irie, Trey, Michael, Lynde, Charleigh, Hadleigh, Zachary, Lochlan, Ransom, Meraliese, Annora, Casey, and baby grandson (arriving in a month). His prayers were that all those he loved would accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and someday join him in heaven.

Visitation 4-8 PM Thursday, March 6th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Olin's life will be celebrated with a service at 11 AM Friday, March 7th with visitation beginning at 10 AM at Lakes Free Church, 29620 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom. The service will be livestreamed here. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christian Grandparenting Network (Donate - Christian Grandparenting Network) (https://christiangrandparenting.com), Lakes Free Church (Give | Lakes Free Church).