Phillip Eugene Wigglesworth

Phil Wigglesworth is a true Colorado treasure who has left us way too soon, but we know Heaven is celebrating his arrival.

Born into a pioneer family – and the first male born in the Pioche, Nevada hospital – Phil had an adventurous soul from the very beginning, forged through frequent moves with his family throughout the western US and Canada, and powerfully fueled by his innate desire to explore.

As a teenager, Phil worked with his father in the mines of southwestern Colorado, mastering the skills of assaying, which eventually led him into a long and prestigious career as a highly respected chemist. After graduating from Silverton High School, Phil proudly served in the Air Force before returning to the Four Corners region and pursuing his career in the power generation and related industries. Those who worked with him, whether closely or from afar, certainly witnessed his unique level of brilliance when it came to chemistry; to Phil, the formulas and solutions came easily, and he helped further entire industries with his insight, application and advanced understanding of chemistry. Toward the end of his profound career, Phil was a proud part of Rocky Mountain Industrial Services, a family business in which he shared ownership.

Phil was a man of deep faith and strong ideals, with a genuine sense of humor that surfaced with a deep laugh and broad smile. He had many passions, many of which were self-taught. He was an avid photographer and carried a deep appreciation for music. He loved cars and all things automotive. He enjoyed fly fishing and camping – and any other opportunity that allowed him to be outside. He was the first to seek out untraveled paths in whatever 4x4 was currently in his possession, and he was the last to give up on any challenge an unpredictable adventure might present.

He loved being surrounded by his children and grandchildren – as long as they were (mostly) quiet or at least gave him time to turn down his hearing aids – and he never missed a chance to take young ones on an ATV ride or down to the pasture to feed whatever cows or horses might be around. If a pet was lucky enough to be Phil’s, that animal knew love just like family.

Phil embraced solitude and often spent time in his mountain cabin, where he could tinker with various projects, read up on local history, and explore the old mines and trails nearby. He sought out new information and experiences whenever he could, whether by rebuilding a 1950s Ford truck, employing the latest technological gadget, creating new chemical advances, or finding a unique camper to add to his collection. His capacity for learning was infinite, as was the love between him and his family, who already miss him.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Esther; siblings Bobby, Louise and JoAnn; nephew John Miller; and grandson Keenan Wigglesworth De Herrera.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Santilli of Canon City; his children, Ernest (Carrie) Wigglesworth of Denver, Julie (Robert) Wigglesworth De Herrera of Arvada, Charles (Erin) Wigglesworth of Denver, James Wigglesworth Santilli of Canon City, and Jessica (Gary) Vigil of Canon City; his grandchildren, Casey, Robert, Jaeden, Victoria, Dylan, Ben, Joe, Lily, Phillip and Michael; and his great-grandchildren Kalynn and Zander.