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Robert Grant Phillips
OCTOBER 18, 1962 – AUGUST 4, 2021
Robert Grant Phillips, age 58, of La Porte, Texas, passed away peacefully at MD Anderson Cancer Center, surrounded with the love of his family on August 4th, 2021 after a prolonged illness.
Robert was born October 18th, 1962, in Seattle, Washington to Mary Ellen and Donald Lem Phillips, but spent most of his childhood in North Albany, Oregon. Robert graduated from West Albany High School in 1981. He was a four year letterman in swimming, enjoyed track and field, and participated in marching band as a drum major and playing the oboe in orchestra. He also enjoyed playing other instruments, especially the piano which he continued to play most of his life. He was also active in various clubs, including Latin and Chess.
After graduating high school, Robert moved to Houston, Texas, and attended Rice University, studying mathematics and computer science. He learned to play different saxophones while participating in the college marching band. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science in 1985, and then earned his graduate degree in 1989 from Rice, with a Master’s in Computer Science.
Robert loved all things science fiction and space exploration, his dream job was to work at NASA. He started working at Johnson Space Center as a contractor in 1987. He worked mostly for the Engineering Directorate, including development of training and analysis simulations, automation, flight software, and flight controller applications for the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, Orion, and Lunar Gateway. He was employed by Odyssey at the time of his passing. Some of his notable work accomplishments were:
• Designed Antenna Management for the Space Shuttle antenna system. This cut Flight Controller antenna management time by 85% and almost eliminated human errors. • Was a lead developer on the world's first widely distributed simulation for multiple spacecraft proximity operations with the International Space Station and the Japanese HTV cargo vehicle. This became the basis for all ISS rendezvous training at NASA, include Space-X Dragon. • Published multiple papers on simulated proximity operations technical issues.
Outside of work, Robert loved spending time with his family, reading, cooking, scuba diving, snorkeling, traveling, woodworking, playing the piano, and watching movies. He loved making chili and sometimes participated as a cook in the annual NASA Chili Cook Off event.
Robert will be remembered by all for his incredible smart and beautiful mind, his wonderful sense of humor, to make anyone laugh with his witty jokes and stories, his unwavering optimism with any challenge, his good cooking, and his devotion to his loved ones.
But most of all, he will be missed by his loving wife and two stepchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, best friend and soulmate.
Robert is survived by his wife Lara, his two stepchildren Helena and Stephen and his sister Jeanette Osbourne, and many other family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ellen and Donald Lem Phillips.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will not be a visitation prior to cremation. A celebration of life for Robert Phillips will be scheduled when Covid-19 pandemic conditions allow groups to come together in safety.
Robert had always said "plant a tree to remember me by". Robert loved this giant blue planet we live on and a tree would be a perfect way to honor his legacy.
Deepest appreciation is extended to the amazing staff, both Oncology and STEM CELL Transplant, at MD Anderson Cancer Center for their unwavering compassion, support and attentive care to Robert.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
In memory of Robert Grant Phillips, contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts. Designation VD for Leukemia Research (LEUK11) for Dr Elias Jabbour, or STEM11 for Dr. Issa Khouri.