Phillip Dan Staires, 50, died Monday, Oct. 19, 2009.
Mr. Staires was born in Kansas City, Mo., on July 23, 1959, to Mary K. and E. Harlin Staires. He was the youngest of three children. He and his family moved to Flagstaff in 1970, where he attended Kinsey Elementary School, East Flagstaff Junior High and graduated from Flagstaff High School in 1977. He attended Northern Arizona University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in geography and planning.
Mr. Staires worked for many years at NAU, beginning with grounds and retiring as State Fire Marshall. He was a great softball pitcher and an avid outdoorsman who participated in many seasons of hunting with his friends and family and lately with his youngest son, Lucas. He liked to refer to his home as "Elk Camp" where he enjoyed cooking, and incorporating his motto "The sloppier the better!" He also excelled at being a son, father, brother, husband and friend. He will be painfully missed.
Mr. Staires is survived by his wife of 23 years, Ramona; sons Jacob Lee and Lucas Dan; parents E. Harlin and Kit Staires; brother Steven (Rita); sister Deborah (George); many nieces and nephews; and many "adopted" sons.
An informal celebration of his life will be Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at 3920 N. Tam O'Shanter Drive.
