Phillip Flagg

BANGOR - - On November 23, 2020, Philip E. Flagg Jr. passed away peacefully at age 76 in his home while surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. Philip was born on June 23, 1944, in Portland, Maine, to Philip Sr. and Viola (Sanborn) Flagg. He grew up in Rockland, Maine with two sisters, Joyce and Rita. He met the love of his life, Katherine Blastow, at a school dance and they married after graduation. He worked at Van Baalens clothing factory as a sewing machine mechanic until he was drafted into the Army to serve in Vietnam, which began his 40-year military career.
During his time in Vietnam he received the Soldier's Medal for risking his life to save his crew-mates after their helicopter crashed. He was able to pull all but one to safety. He flew more than 175 combat missions during this time. When he arrived home, he was greeted by his wife and 6 month old daughter, Ann, who took right to him.
His love for the Huey brought him to the 112th Aviation Medical Company, Air Ambulance. He made many great friends who became like family. During the last 5 years of his Army career he flew counter drug operations as part of a RAID crew. Many of them still get together monthly for breakfast and camaraderie. In August, when Philip could no longer walk, they brought the breakfast to him at home for a final salute.
When he wasn't flying missions with the 112th, he was volunteering with DEEMI Search and Rescue where he formed a special relationship with Richard Bowie and Dr. Robert Bowie. They shared many experiences and great laughs together. Philip also spent many years in Indiana volunteering with the American Huey 369 organization refurbishing the old birds. Johnnie and Kae Walker became close friends of Philip's during his many trips out there. Hueys were his passion and life.
When he wasn't flying, he could be found in the deep woods of Maine on his atv. He was the Trail Master for Airline ATV Riders for many years. He enjoyed many friendships in the club. Philip was a member of Crosspoint Church for many years, and volunteered countless hours to help the congregation.
Outside of work and volunteering, Philip could be found making memories with his daughters, Ann and Susan, and passing on life lessons to his grandchildren, Ben, Philip, Olivia and Colby Johns, who was like a granddaughter to him. Ben and Colby were a tremendous help in caring for their grandfather as he battled cancer. Their grandmother is forever grateful.
Philip is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathy Flagg; two daughters, Ann Flagg and her partner, Jim Campbell, Susan Slick and her husband, Clint Slick; 3 grandchildren, Ben, Philip and Olivia
Slick; two sisters, Rita Webster and her husband, Ron, Joyce Olsen; brother-in-law, Clifford Blastow and his wife, Cindy, and brother-in-law, Robert Blastow; his four special friends, Peter Grant, Bob Labrie, Ed Markey, and Lennie Dietz; two special cousins, Ramona Plourde and Ethell Milano; many nieces and nephews, and of course his devoted furry friends, two rescue dogs, Bruce and Rae, that never left his side.
His family would like to say a huge thank you to St. Joseph Home Health and Hospice for the wonderful care Philip received which made the transition much easier for his family. A graveside service honoring his military career will be held at Togus Veteran's Cemetery in the spring. Those wishing to remember Philip in a special way please make donations to the Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt. Hope Ave. Bangor, ME 04401, and carry on his love for animals.