of Kalamazoo, formerly of Cooper, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011 surrounded by his wife and children at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. He was born on August 20, 1923 to Sidney and Una (Barnes) Sleeman on the 76 acre farm in Cooper that his grandfather purchased in 1908 after emigrating from Canada. The farmhouse was home to a Sleeman family for almost three quarters of a century. Phil and his wife, Marian, who survives, lived on the family farm, until 2008 when they moved to The Fountains in Kalamazoo. His passion from a young age was farming, which he continued at least part time with the help of his children, especially his middle son, Mike, until he was 80. In his early years, farming was still done with horses and his family raised crops, beef cattle, hogs and milked a small dairy herd. Near his 16th birthday and high school graduation from Plainwell High School, he saw a truck driving by the Sleeman homestead delivering "some lucky farmer" a new tractor. He was thrilled to discover that the delivery man was actually looking for the Sleeman farm to give Phil what was probably his most treasured present ever. Active as a member and leader in 4-H for many years, one of his proudest moments was showing his champion steer under the Michigan State football stadium's goal posts and being awarded a $50 scholarship to the school. Unfortunately, he couldn't go to college, as he was needed on the family farm. He was disappointed that his asthma and our country's need for farmers kept him from serving in the military during World War II. However, he was a patriotic, faithful man who served his community as a 4-H leader for many years, a Cooper Township trustee for 16 years and was an active member and leader of Cooper Congregational Church, which was his parents' and grandparents' place of worship as well. On October 22, 1948 he was joined in marriage to Marian Hearnshaw, a city girl, who he first met on VJ Day and later at a dance at Club Hollywood in Kalamazoo. They loved to dance throughout their lives to the music of the Big Bands. As they started their family, Phil's allergies forced him to stop farming full time. He worked for Carlton Equipment, before taking a sales job with Farm Bureau Services selling farm equipment throughout southwestern Michigan, moving up to a sales manager position. In 1955, he purchased a service station with his brother in downtown Cooper, naming it Sleemans' Service. Shortly after, his brother decided to return to college, leaving Phil to operate and expand the business until his retirement in 1981. His sons, Mike and Steve, continue the business today. His other passions in life were his children, grandchildren and sports. Phil was a hard working, ethical man who if you were sick, knew you would feel better if you got out of bed, took a shower and got dressed. He worked long days and often fell asleep watching a Tiger baseball game or reading. He was extremely proud of all of his children and grandchildren for their many unique accomplishments, but was most pleased with the good citizens they became. He was quite handy and was not afraid to learn to do most anything - a trait he passed on to all his children. He was quick to help his wife and kids with all kinds of projects; from helping wire houses to building barns, decks or whatever else he could help with. He rarely missed any event of his kids or grandkids from dance recitals to athletic games, from pee-wee beginnings to collegiate achievements; he was there for his granddaughter's high school basketball just before Christmas. He loved basketball and football, though any team that his kids or grandkids played on was the game of the week. He might not have totally understood soccer or the quiet etiquette of tennis, but he still brought his and Marian's folding chairs to cheer on his grandkids' teams. Though he claimed his children got their athletic talents from Marian's side of the family, he was an avid golfer and proved his own athletic prowess by garnering three hole-in-ones during his many years on the links. He and Marian played golf for over 25 years in local leagues and in many states. They enjoyed an active and long retirement with family and friends, traveling to their winter home in Lazy Lagoon Park, Punta Gorda, Florida for over 30 years where they made many other close friends. He was not a physically demonstrative man, but a handshake with his large, thick, calloused hands was firm and sincere as was his affectionate pat on the back or bottom. He leaves behind a legacy of the importance of family, faith, character, humor, loyalty, commitment, positive attitude and strong work ethic. Phil is survived by his wife, Marian (Hearnshaw), children Steve (Cyndee) of Plainwell; Mike (Mary Jane) of Kalamazoo; Cheri (Steve) Schulz of Allegan and Scott (Linda) of Otsego. His treasured grandchildren are Matt (Chris) Sleeman in North Carolina; Ben, Alex, and Molly Sleeman in Otsego; and Shelby and Hannah Schulz in Allegan. Also surviving is his older sister, Thelma Mollet, Galesburg and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sydney, and his brother, Gordon. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Cooper Congregational Church on Saturday, January 29, 2010 at 11:00, with a light lunch immediately following. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Cooper Congregational Church or Rose Arbor Hospice residence in Kalamazoo. Arrangements by the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel.