‘I miss you, Phil’: A tribute to an old friend

by Clyde Whitaker

All of us at one time or another have had people in our lives whom we admired—people who inspired us. I have been blessed to have many people around me to help me navigate this journey we call life.

Phil Gladstone is one of those people. Phil was small in stature, but he had a big heart. Phil had no enemies and whenever you saw him, he always cracked a huge smile and was happy to see you.

As most of my readers already know, I was lucky enough to play basketball, baseball and run cross country in my high school career. Phil, unfortunately, could not participate in sports. You see, he was born with curvature of the spine, which required him to wear a full body brace. He could not run, and even walking was a struggle.

What Phil missed out on in athletics he made up for in academics. Phil was very intelligent and did well in school. He took after his father, Bob Gladstone, an engineer and robotic plane enthusiast.

Phil never complained about anything. He was even-keeled and always had that smile on his face, while offering encouragement to us all. I consider myself a lucky guy for having Phil in my life, a man of great courage and someone who was always happy to spend time talking with you.

Phil didn’t know it, but I used him as motivation to perform to the top of my abilities in whatever sport I was in. I thought to myself, what would Phil do if he could participate like me? That made me give 100% all the time.

Sadly, my friend passed away on a cold December day, Dec. 1, 2021. I think about Phil often, wishing he were here. He and I both laughed when the song “Frankenstein” would play on the radio. Phil left his mark on all of us who knew and loved him.

Till we meet again old friend, “I miss you Phil.”

(P.S. When I get up there someday, we will play some hoops and have some laughs.)

Clyde Whitaker is a 1973 Stockbridge graduate. He and his wife, Mary, raised four children in Stockbridge, and they still reside in the Stockbridge area.