Philip L. Rothman

This is a web page for my father, Phil Rothman, who died March 30, 2005 in Columbus, Ohio.

last updated 3 April 2014

Please help me add to this page

If you'd like to add something to this page, a note, a thought, a memory, whatever, please send it to me at steve@palmerrothman.com. Please let me know if it's ok to put it on this site, and how you'd like me to list your name.

Notes from friends

from Peggy

Phil was my friend. I smile when I think of the sweet and funny things he would say. We were both social workers. I loved looking at the photos on this page.

from Al Reitter

At one time Phil & I were good friends, this was during the 1970s through the early 1980s. We sold real estate together & had a few things in common. Especially a love of Jazz. We also enjoyed conversation one-on-one or good times with friends. (click for more by Al)

from Carl Yaffey cyaffey@carl-yaffey.com

Phil and I were at the AMUUSE singles camp in Lake Geneva in 1982 or 1983. We had gone to a poetry sharing group. The moderator asked everyone to introduce themselves and share a poem. When it was Phil's turn, he said he didn't have a poem to share at the moment. The moderator, a woman who had been staring at Phil with an adoring look, said, “You ARE a poem!”

from Judith Lynne

We were joint “directors” of Group Date along with Greg and Mike. We'd get in big arguments and Phil would try to keep the peace. We attended Saugatuck at the same time for many years and one year were platonic roommates. We'd check in with each other about what experiences we were having and how our day was going. He and I were among the original members of the Support Group that evolved out of our experiences at Saugatuck. Through that group we've shared so many experiences over the past 20+ years.

from Kari G.

My deep, richly-textured friendship with Phil began in 1984. For many years after this he was one of my best friends. I have a great sense of loss and love when I think of him.

So many memories! We loved to explore new restaurants and films, to walk and talk below the surface of ordinary sharing. He was a terrific foul-weather friend, not only listening deeply but helping with insights, contacts, and hypnosis tapes.

I remember one day when we decided to go out to lunch and he said he had an adventure for me. He drove me downtown into a black neighborhood where I never would have gone myself. We listened to wonderful live jazz and had delicious soul food. He just shrugged when I asked him how he found this place.

During the six years he rented a floor in my home, we often shared meals, walks, friends, and companionable daily chatter. The memory of this is precious to me. I hold him in my heart in love.

from Richard Mentzer, ACSW, LISW, BCD

I was Phil's supervisor at North Central Mental Health Services.... I was fortunate to work with him for about four years. Phil was an inspiration to all of his collegues. He was kind, thoughtful, giving and loved by those he touched. Phil had a way of being there for his clients when they needed him and he was always true to his values.

from Ginger-lyn Summer

Phil was truly a complex man, with a giving heart, a vibrant soul, and a love of fun and adventure. I will miss him deeply. (click for more by Ginger-lyn)