Phillip John Hailes, age 61, passed away in Delta, Utah on October 17, 2024. He was born March 13, 1963, in Salt Lake City to John “Jack” Hailes and Pauline Peck Hailes. He was the only son among 5 sisters. He continued that same tradition, having 4 daughters of his own and one “beloved” son.
When Phil was 17, he heard about twin sisters who had moved to West Jordan, right behind his friend’s house. After several failed attempts to toss his football over the fence as an excuse to meet them, he finally crossed paths with the one who would become the love of his life, Jackie Metcalf, at the West Jordan rodeo on July 5, 1980. Ever since that day, he has been completely smitten. To know Phil, you will know of the deep and enduring love he's always had for Jackie, who spent the last few years close by his side, caring for and loving him through his illness.
Phil graduated from Bingham High School, where he was always known as the “class clown” and has kept that fun personality his whole life. After graduation, he attended BYU for one year before serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Seoul, South Korea. Eight months after returning, Phil and Jackie were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 22, 1984. They recently celebrated their 40th anniversary.
Phil completed his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering at BYU in 1986. After graduation, he was offered an engineering position in Connecticut, so he and Jackie packed up and took their first daughter out east. The next 14 years took Phil and Jackie to 7 different states where Phil was furthering his career. They were blessed with 3 more daughters and a son during that time.
In 1999, Phil took a position at IPSC in Delta, where they have spent the last 24 years.
Phil loved to ride his road bicycle. Twenty-five years ago, he set a goal to ride “100 centuries before I die.” He accomplished that goal in 2021, having ridden over 10,000 miles. Many lifelong friendships were made on those rides, where he was lovingly referred to as the “Big Dog.” He had a talent for bringing people together and building lasting friendships, influencing many along the way.
Phil was an incredibly supportive dad who showed up to every event his kids were involved in, sometimes fresh off his bike rides, wearing his hi-vis shirts and biker shorts, and making sure his boisterous cheers could be heard over the crowd, much to the embarrassment of his children who have since grown to appreciate it. Phil was always taking his kids on adventures–“turkey trots”, “desert dogging”, “weenie roasts”, rock hounding, four-wheeling, and BYU football games. He loved to tell stories around the campfire. Many of his kids’ favorite
memories with him involved stargazing and his teaching that “all things denote there is a God.”
He loved spending time with his kids and lived up to the kind of dad he aspired to be. He enjoyed pranks, tinkering in his workshop, and making “Phil’s World Famous” recipes. A generation later, he became the best grandfather to 15 grandchildren. He was always excited to get a hug from the grandkids, eat kimchi and seaweed, play chess, and have water fights.
Phil was known for giving people he loved nicknames, and the grandkids were no exception. They each had at least one nickname. He will be greatly missed by those who called him, “Poppy.”
Phil was always learning and always coaching. He had a zest for knowledge, living by his self-proclaimed motto “Successful people read,” which gave him a wealth of knowledge on several topics, especially the gospel, mechanics, engineering, history, and geology. Later in life, he became interested in aircraft accident investigations and earned several certifications from Embry-Riddle and USC. He also earned an MBA from BYU. Scriptures were his passion. He had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was proud to share that with everyone. He had a true gift for teaching. His favorite calling was Gospel Doctrine teacher but nursery leader was a close second. Many people have been touched by his testimony. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving wife: Jackie; daughters: Kelsey Hailes Gardner, Kyley (Nathan) Beck, Courtney (Trevor) Finlinson, Heather (Dallin) Finlinson; and son: Jason (McCall) Hailes, along with 15 grandchildren; mother: Pauline Hailes; sisters: Pat Hailes, Penny Rhea, and Joyce Hailes. He is preceded in death by his father: John “Jack” Hailes; sisters: Peggy Lind and Lynn Schoenfeld; and grandson: Matthew Gardner.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, October 26, at 11:00 am, at the Delta LDS Stake Center Chapel, 125 South White Sage Ave. Friends and family gathered at the Delta Stake Center on Friday evening, 6:00-8:00 pm; and Saturday, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to the service. Those unable to attend are invited to view the recorded video of the service . Burial was in the Delta City Cemetery.