Philip S. Dyett

Philip Simmonds Dyett, 84, of Frederick County, Virginia, died Wednesday, August 7, 2013, in his home.

Phil Dyett was born in 1929, in Buffalo, NY, where he lived with his parents, the late Edmond and Marion Dyett and his brother the late Edmond “Ted” Dyett, until going to college in Middlebury, VT.   In his early 20’s he joined the Navy and was in the Korea War.   During that time, he married Patricia MacCutcheon on September 26, 1952, in Washington, D.C. She preceded him in death on September 1, 2001.

After the Navy he sold and repaired hearing aids. He didn’t know that this job would change his life.   One day one of Jehovah’s Witnesses named George Alaferis walked into his store.   After listening to the truths Brother Alaferis shared from the Bible, he began to study and was baptized in 1967.   He quickly became an elder in 1969 and served continually until his death.   During those 44 years he also had the privilege of being the Watchtower study conductor, book study conductor, and School Overseer, among many other assignments.   One of the most fulfilling honors of his life was being able to start pioneering at age 67, serving for 10 years in the fulltime work.   He helped aid several people to the point of dedication and baptism.

He was known for being a strong man not only in character but also in his fight to keep living in this system of things as long as he could.   He was first diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago.   Even though he wanted to live as long as possible, he died knowing that this was not the end to his life.   He believed that Jehovah God would remember him and that one day he would see his loved ones again.   When that time comes he will never have to take another pill or visit another doctor.   Jehovah will make him healthy and young again.   He lived his life faithful to Jehovah, knowing the “real life” was just ahead.

His Family

“Dad” is survived by four wonderful children. Cynthia & Richard Spaar, Sherrill Pecharka, Philip M. & Linda Dyett, and Robert Dyett.

“Grandpop” also leaves eight grandchildren – Ricky, Michelle, Justin, Dawn, Sarah, Elizabeth, Patrick, and Katherine; and ten great-grandchildren – Emily, Tyler, Taylor, Logan, Eden, Preston, Camden, Brooklynn, Jason, and Jude.

Never to be forgotten is all of his extended family, his close friends from his congregations over his spiritual lifetime, those in Spring Valley, MD. Kensington, MD, Bennington, VT, Chapel Hill, NC, and East Winchester, VA.

His Legacy

There were many things that Phil enjoyed.   He loved listening to classical music, mowing the lawn on his tractor, conducting the Watchtower study, driving out in the field ministry, and helping others fix their car or giving them one.   He enjoyed being on the water whenever possible, especially sailing.   With all of his interests and hobbies, he will no doubt be remembered for his love of Jehovah and His organization. “Grandpop”, “Dad”, “Bro. Dyett”, “and friend” – Phil will be missed very much but never forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at the Winchester Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, 2416 Millwood Pike, Winchester, Virginia 22602, with Douglas Dayhoff officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, Virginia 22601.

Arrangements are being handled by Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.