"Thank you so much Pat for your thoughtful post. My family has read all the lovely comments on the Cross page. I recognize many of the names through conversations with my Dad. He created a special work family and often shared fun stories with us. We love him dearly and we miss him so much. He was our whole world. "
In loving memory of
Phillip R Litherland
November 2, 1939 -
Obituary for Phillip Litherland, 1939-2019, Age 79.
Phillip Litherland, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, (formerly of Clarkston, MI) passed away on Good Friday, April 19, 2019 in Sarasota, Florida. He was surrounded by his loving family, including his devoted wife of 56 years, Sandra (né Bolton) and their two children, Dana and Craig (Denise) Litherland. Phillip was a proud and loving grandfather to Cal and Raine Litherland. His extended family in Michigan meant a great deal to him. Phillip was deeply devoted to his family and will be forever missed with tremendous love as an outstanding husband and father.
Phillip, the son of the late Raymond and Dorothy (Kennedy) Litherland, was born in Pontiac, Michigan. He graduated Pontiac High school and enjoyed participating in local baseball leagues. Phillip shared many fond memories of building engines and racing his '57 Chevy on Woodward Avenue. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ann Lampert.
Phillip was an Executive in the automotive machine tool industry, eventually retiring in 2005 as Director of Aftermarket Sales and Service with the Cross Hueller Corporation. Phillip loved his work and advised his children to pursue careers they enjoy. He was highly respected by his coworkers and staff who expressed their genuine care for him during his illness.
An avid golfer, Phillip played on golf leagues in the Macomb and Clarkston, Michigan areas, where he came to know several courses and their management teams. He enjoyed participating in his company's annual golf outing, helping to organize the event each year.
Phillip's career involved a great deal of global travel, including Japan, Australia, France, and Germany. He and his wife Sandra relocated to Italy where his company developed machine tool infrastructure for Fiat Automotive. Phillip also enjoyed many memorable family vacations throughout the world.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers who supported Phillip the past several months preceding his passing. They are the angels on earth who gave us hope and faith until Phillip could reach his Eternal Peace on Good Friday, 2019.
A private memorial service will be held in Naples, Florida where the family enjoyed many wonderful vacations together.
Tributes
"My most sincere condolences to the entire Litherland family. Phil was an absolutely wonderful, intelligent, kind man. They don't make them like that anymore. Wish you peace. May God's perpetual light shine upon him. Blessings, Pat Rosso, MAG Automotive (Cross Company)."
"Our deepest condolences to the Litherland family and Friends from Kay Waites and staff a Sound Choice Cremation & Burials."