In memoriam - Rudy Phillips

Rudy Phillips, who served as President of the Foundation for World Education for ten years, passed away from complications of colon cancer on November 26th. At his bedside was his partner, Tom O’Brien, and his two sons. He was 77 years old.

Rudy had also served on the Board of Matagiri Sri Aurobindo Center and was instrumental in creating an annuity for founders Sam Spanier and Eric Hughes and helping to transfer the property to the nonprofit organization which now owns the land and buildings.

Both a lawyer and chemical engineer by training, Rudy brought his corporate background and skill-set in service to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville and participated in numerous All USA Meetings. He served as President of Crompton and Knowles, a leading ingredient technology company.

He and Tom hosted many visitors from India in their New Jersey homes. For the past 16 years Rudy practiced massage therapy on Cape Cod where he and Tom had moved.

Rudy was an avid skier, painter, gardener and scuba diver. He was deeply committed to human and civil rights.

Tom commented on his partner’s passing, “In an early morning dream state I saw Rudy walking in the Elysian Fields of paradise surrounded by light and feeling very peaceful and blessed. He sent love and encouraged me not to worry. He will also live on in the hearts of all who loved him.”