Philip W. Salembier

Philip William Salembier, the youngest of four boys, grew up in New Canaan, Connecticut, where he spent his childhood roaming the woods, racing go-carts, and playing tennis. At Blair Academy, he was swim team captain, chaplain leader, outstanding math scholar, and drummer for Blair’s only rock band.

Philip graduated from the University of Virginia, where he studied Anthropology, played tennis, and anchored the percussion section of the Barry Howland Blues Band. He lived with friends in a sprawling country estate, cooked for a crowd, and found his tribe of philosophers and dreamers.

In 1976, Philip married Janice Thorup. The couple moved to New York City, where Philip took a job as Production Manager in his father’s design firm. In 1978, their first child, Eli, was born, and the family moved to Salt Lake City to attend graduate school at the University of Utah—Philip in architecture, Janice in English Literature. A daughter, Winter, was born during spring break in 1980.

After graduate school, the family moved to St. Louis, where Philip joined a team of programmers who developed an innovative 3D design system for HOK. Key features of this software became standard in the commercial systems that followed it.

Another son, Chaz, was born in 1987. In St. Louis, Philip took up African drumming. He won a sectional tennis championship. He wrote novels on Sunday mornings.

When Chaz left for college, Philip and Janice began seven years of travel and volunteer work. In 2013, they settled in Paonia, having fallen in love with the pace of life, the surrounding natural beauty, and the people. Philip continued to play music, write novels, and cook for family and friends.

Philip was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2021. During his illness, he cherished time with his children, biking around town and pursuing his interest in history and science, often reading five books at a time.

Philip was a kind, gentle, non-judgmental, strong, and competent man. He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Thorup; son Eli (Amy Thudium); daughter Winter; son Chaz (Lio Tipton); three grandchildren, Theo, Nora, and Calvin; and his brothers: Charlie (Anne); Joe (Susan); and Bob (Susan).

The family wishes to thank HopeWest Hospice, especially the Ferris Care Center staff, where Philip spent his last days.