Phillip Gordon Rath

Phillip Gordon Rath passed away suddenly on June 22, 2020, at the age of 69. Phil was born on December 13, 1950 to Gordon & Alice (Stemen) Rath. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, July 13 at 11:30 at Avink Funeral Home; 5975 Lovers Lane Portage, MI 49002. A private internment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a later date. Phil served his country proudly in the US Navy during Vietnam from 1968 to 1972. He also served in the National Guard. He is survived by his son Shane (Lynn) Rath; two grandsons: Dylan Rath and Devin Rath; the love of his life, Rebecca Brinks; an Uncle Lee Stemen; as well as several cousins and aunts. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Pam Schaffer. Phil earned a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Northern Michigan University. He served as a Magistrate in the 93rd District Court as well as the Undersheriff in Schoolcraft County. He worked as a parole agent with the Michigan Department of Corrections in Kalamazoo County, retiring after 20 years. Phil had a passion for motorcycles and loved to ride. He rode yearly to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC every year since 1988. He rode as a member of Rolling Thunder and was the President of Michigan Chapter 6. Phil was a founding member of Blue Knights Law Enforcement Club-Michigan VI U.P. Chapter. He co-founded Blue Knights Law Enforcement Club in 1992 in Manistique, MI. Phil was also a lifetime member of Lakeside Lodge 371. He was an advocate for Veteran’s Rights. Phil quietly helped many people during his lifetime. Memorial donations may be made to the Veteran’s organization of your choice. While visiting Phil’s webpage at www.avinkcremation.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family. Arrangements being made by Avink Funeral Home and Cremation Society.