May 8, 2020
May 8, 2020
Happy Birthday in heaven picklehead! You are out of sight but forever in my heart & mind. Love & miss you.
Dustin loved his life. We know because he told us so. More precisely, “He wuved his wife,” which somehow made it even better.
He loved sports and cheering for the Suns, Diamondbacks, and Cardinals. More than watching sports, he loved playing them. Whether it was bowling or playing baseball with his friends, or bringing the smackdown on you as he performed a “high-risk” maneuver. And he loved “talking smack” like all the wrestlers or baseball players he emulated. If he trash-talked you by calling you a pickle head, a punk, or a million other names, it meant you mattered.
He also loved music. He loved singing songs in the morning with his mom, music therapy with Miss Ann, and the music of Raffi, The Beatles, and most of all, singing along with Walt Richardson at Walt’s live gigs or at Dustin’s birthday parties.
And Dustin loved people. He loved his family. His aunts, uncles, cousins and his huge extended family that included Tim-Tim, Richie, Lena and so many others. He loved his friends Louie, Travis and too many more to mention because to meet Dustin was to become his friend. He loved laughing and making others laugh and always wanted the latest update of what was going on in your life. He loved whenever his dad called or visited, but more than anything, he loved his mom.
Dustin’s body is finally resting, but his spirit and joy will live on in the memories of all who were lucky enough to know him.
Tributes
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May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
For the light that will never fade
and for the memories we'll never forget.❤️
and for the memories we'll never forget.❤️
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
I remember the time he rode the go-kart, at our house in New River, and it was so much fun that he didn't even mind the three cholla balls on his head and face. It had to have hurt! But he was having such a good time speeding around the racetrack, that they didn't matter as much as the fun!
We put him up on a horse. You by his side smiling, but holding him on for his dear life all the same.
He was the first friend my oldest three girls ever had, besides each other. Christafer, Amy and Dana say he was their longest time friend too. When Scott and Bryn came along, they were also able to play with him. They have many fond memories of playing video and wrestling games with Dustin.
Your home was a community in itself. The children were all good friends. Each loving and supportive to each other, having been taught this kindness by you. Because of you, Dustin has had hundreds, if not into the thousands, of great friends who loved him mightily in his life.
You enriched his life lovingly, in every conceivable way. Sing-along music, concerts, vacations with sunset viewing, baseball games, a custom pool, cool birthday parties, no, the coolest birthday parties! Dinner with the King and Queen, a hot rod wheel chair with a lay-down-trap feature...
No kiddo ever had it better! No child was ever loved more. You gave him the best life!
We are heartbroken that he is gone. We will miss him, and remember him fondly the rest of our lives.
I wrote this last year. I got on to make a comment this year of how he was the best friend to so many kids, and I see this was only saved as a draft. Gotta be smarter than the tools you work with I guess. ( :
We send our love and good memories <3
Lori Suddarth
We put him up on a horse. You by his side smiling, but holding him on for his dear life all the same.
He was the first friend my oldest three girls ever had, besides each other. Christafer, Amy and Dana say he was their longest time friend too. When Scott and Bryn came along, they were also able to play with him. They have many fond memories of playing video and wrestling games with Dustin.
Your home was a community in itself. The children were all good friends. Each loving and supportive to each other, having been taught this kindness by you. Because of you, Dustin has had hundreds, if not into the thousands, of great friends who loved him mightily in his life.
You enriched his life lovingly, in every conceivable way. Sing-along music, concerts, vacations with sunset viewing, baseball games, a custom pool, cool birthday parties, no, the coolest birthday parties! Dinner with the King and Queen, a hot rod wheel chair with a lay-down-trap feature...
No kiddo ever had it better! No child was ever loved more. You gave him the best life!
We are heartbroken that he is gone. We will miss him, and remember him fondly the rest of our lives.
I wrote this last year. I got on to make a comment this year of how he was the best friend to so many kids, and I see this was only saved as a draft. Gotta be smarter than the tools you work with I guess. ( :
We send our love and good memories <3
Lori Suddarth
May 1, 2020
May 1, 2020
I can't believe it has been a year already. I still miss you Buddy as much as I did last year. I still have your picture in my car and often think about you! I can never forget this date as you share it with my Mother. Rest in everlasting peace and know that you are missed and loved by many.
Nurse Scott
Nurse Scott
June 21, 2019
June 21, 2019
My dear Dustin,
The following was written May 20, 1986. You were almost two weeks old:
"You bring such peace into my heart, your name is filled with love.
I feel as if you're in my arms, not miles and mile apart.
Each day you climb another hill to reach the mountain peak.
Your little soul so filled with strength, you'll not accept defeat.
The day will come you'll show them all, no puppet will you be.
The Lord is with you all the time, as he has been with me."
And, you did just that, my Dustin, you showed them all! You beat the odds, and definitely wasn't a puppet. If anything, YOU pulled on the heart strings of anyone who was lucky enough to have met you.
How I miss you, my favorite guy, and you always have that special piece of my heart, but I do know the day will come that you and I will see each other again. Until then....Love, "your favorite Aunt", Linda
The following was written May 20, 1986. You were almost two weeks old:
"You bring such peace into my heart, your name is filled with love.
I feel as if you're in my arms, not miles and mile apart.
Each day you climb another hill to reach the mountain peak.
Your little soul so filled with strength, you'll not accept defeat.
The day will come you'll show them all, no puppet will you be.
The Lord is with you all the time, as he has been with me."
And, you did just that, my Dustin, you showed them all! You beat the odds, and definitely wasn't a puppet. If anything, YOU pulled on the heart strings of anyone who was lucky enough to have met you.
How I miss you, my favorite guy, and you always have that special piece of my heart, but I do know the day will come that you and I will see each other again. Until then....Love, "your favorite Aunt", Linda
June 4, 2019
June 4, 2019
❤
We miss you more then we can say.
❤Until we meet one day.
❤ Forever in our hearts you'll stay..❤
We miss you more then we can say.
❤Until we meet one day.
❤ Forever in our hearts you'll stay..❤
May 25, 2019
May 25, 2019
Dustin, the not so perfect me was blessed to have a perfect friend like you. You are missed.
May 23, 2019
May 23, 2019
Although I was only Dustin's infusion nurse for a relatively short time, it does not mean that I did not get to know and love my buddy. I always looked forward to seeing Dustin every week and was usually greeted by him with a warm and loving smile. Sometimes he was in substantial pain when I walked into the room but I always tried to cheer him up to the best of my ability. Sure, I used to tease him about how much better the Dodgers were as a team than his Diamondbacks but it was enjoyable for me to get a rise out of him. My buddy never failed to ask me what patient I was seeing after him. He got to know that "Ben" would be my next patient and that he lived in Phoenix. When I rode my motorcycle to the Phipps'd home, Dustin never failed to ask me where I parked it. It also became a routine that i always had to rev the engine when I left. Every visit every week was a pleasure and when I stopped seeing him, it left a hole in my heart. I remember that Lisa told me that I shouldn't tell Dustin when I wasn't going visit him due to me being out of town on vacation because it would upset him that I wouldn't be there. I wish I had the opportunity to say goodbye to my favorite patient of all time but I am comforted by the knowing that Dustin, you are finally free from pain. Rest in peace buddy and know that this nurse loved you and misses you. Scott
May 13, 2019
May 13, 2019
Posted by Travis Faust on 12th May 2019
Dustin Phipps and I were great friends, we have met in elementary school. we have been best friends for years he loved it when we all got together for his birthday and Christmas the excitement in his face said it all past he will be missed and loved.
Dustin Phipps and I were great friends, we have met in elementary school. we have been best friends for years he loved it when we all got together for his birthday and Christmas the excitement in his face said it all past he will be missed and loved.
May 12, 2019
May 12, 2019
Dustin you were a light in our lives. You will continue to shine as your memory lights the way. Sending love to Lisa and Tim and family.
May 11, 2019
May 11, 2019
Cisco, my husband and I sure will miss seeing the delight on Dustin’s face as he was pushed around the bases after getting a hit at the hilariously fun baseball games we had the privilege of sharing with him. It takes a very special mom to raise a very special son and you and Dustin were two of the most special people I have ever met.
Lisa please accept our deepest sympathies over the loss of your wonderful son.
“No day shall erase you from the memory of time.” Virgil
Lisa please accept our deepest sympathies over the loss of your wonderful son.
“No day shall erase you from the memory of time.” Virgil
May 11, 2019
May 11, 2019
Lisa, Karen, Bob and family, we are so sorry to hear about Dustin's passing. He had a smile that brightened a whole room, and personally that made u smile back. He will always be in our hearts! U had a amazing son and were amazing mom. Karen and Bob
May 6, 2019
May 6, 2019
Dustin's playful humor and sense of adventure transcended the physical constraints. His joy to be with friends and family (especially those personal visits from Santa, the annual birthday bash at the Hilton, the outings to the ball games) was always so heartwarming to experience. And during the days or nights when his body fought pain, Dustin was an absolute warrior. Lisa, you and your vast entourage of devoted loved ones, helped Dustin live a full life of music and travel and gatherings and cheering for the home team. He lives on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure to meet him.
May 6, 2019
May 6, 2019
So sorry for your loss, Lisa. I was humbled seeing how much you loved and cared for your son, and how much he filled your life. It was a great pleasure meeting Dustin. May he rest in peace.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
May 8, 2020
May 8, 2020
Happy Birthday in heaven picklehead! You are out of sight but forever in my heart & mind. Love & miss you.
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
For the light that will never fade
and for the memories we'll never forget.❤️
and for the memories we'll never forget.❤️
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
I remember the time he rode the go-kart, at our house in New River, and it was so much fun that he didn't even mind the three cholla balls on his head and face. It had to have hurt! But he was having such a good time speeding around the racetrack, that they didn't matter as much as the fun!
We put him up on a horse. You by his side smiling, but holding him on for his dear life all the same.
He was the first friend my oldest three girls ever had, besides each other. Christafer, Amy and Dana say he was their longest time friend too. When Scott and Bryn came along, they were also able to play with him. They have many fond memories of playing video and wrestling games with Dustin.
Your home was a community in itself. The children were all good friends. Each loving and supportive to each other, having been taught this kindness by you. Because of you, Dustin has had hundreds, if not into the thousands, of great friends who loved him mightily in his life.
You enriched his life lovingly, in every conceivable way. Sing-along music, concerts, vacations with sunset viewing, baseball games, a custom pool, cool birthday parties, no, the coolest birthday parties! Dinner with the King and Queen, a hot rod wheel chair with a lay-down-trap feature...
No kiddo ever had it better! No child was ever loved more. You gave him the best life!
We are heartbroken that he is gone. We will miss him, and remember him fondly the rest of our lives.
I wrote this last year. I got on to make a comment this year of how he was the best friend to so many kids, and I see this was only saved as a draft. Gotta be smarter than the tools you work with I guess. ( :
We send our love and good memories <3
Lori Suddarth
We put him up on a horse. You by his side smiling, but holding him on for his dear life all the same.
He was the first friend my oldest three girls ever had, besides each other. Christafer, Amy and Dana say he was their longest time friend too. When Scott and Bryn came along, they were also able to play with him. They have many fond memories of playing video and wrestling games with Dustin.
Your home was a community in itself. The children were all good friends. Each loving and supportive to each other, having been taught this kindness by you. Because of you, Dustin has had hundreds, if not into the thousands, of great friends who loved him mightily in his life.
You enriched his life lovingly, in every conceivable way. Sing-along music, concerts, vacations with sunset viewing, baseball games, a custom pool, cool birthday parties, no, the coolest birthday parties! Dinner with the King and Queen, a hot rod wheel chair with a lay-down-trap feature...
No kiddo ever had it better! No child was ever loved more. You gave him the best life!
We are heartbroken that he is gone. We will miss him, and remember him fondly the rest of our lives.
I wrote this last year. I got on to make a comment this year of how he was the best friend to so many kids, and I see this was only saved as a draft. Gotta be smarter than the tools you work with I guess. ( :
We send our love and good memories <3
Lori Suddarth
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I miss you Pickle
Santa and Dad
Rocky Point fun in the sun
Captain Dustin Jack Sparrow
Recent stories
My buddy Bubba
May 17, 2019
Jesus was in middle school and Dustin in high school when they first met and Jesus was so taken by Dustin that he talked about him all the time. Jesus's face would light up every time he talked about Dustin. When mom met Dustin and his marvelous mom Lisa, I knew why. Dustin had this aura of warmth and love about him, a warmth that radiated and touched everyone who was around him. For the past several years, as soon as Dustin was in the bowling alley on Saturdays, word spread like magic -- "Dustin's here. Dustin's here," and we all got so excited, everyone looked toward the entrance waiting for him and Lisa to appear. Smiles spread from face to face as soon as we saw him and we quickly felt that warmth spreading to all of us. Whenever we think of Dustin, we feel that warmth. We miss you Bubba.
Superman
May 6, 2019
Dustin came into this world defying the odds. He inspired so many people, as these stories attest, he was our champion. In hospice care, he defied the odds for days. Surrounded by his supportive family and the most-devoted, resilient, loving Mom possible, he left this life as we know it wearing his Superman shirt. No doubt ready for the adventures that lie ahead.
Defiant Dustin...
May 4, 2019
by Nicole Riker
Since day 1 you defied the odds and consistently proved them wrong because you were Dustin and that's what you did and would continue to do!
I remember when I was in 5th or 6th grade I was given an assignment to write an essay on someone who inspired me. I was 10/11ish and I wrote about my 2 maybe 3 year old cousin, Dustin, who inspired me at such a young age then and continues to still. Your sense of humor and witty sarcasm was hands down, the best I have EVER encountered. Your sports knowledge was impressively outstanding. I couldn't recite a starting line-up of any of my favorite teams if you paid me. Yet you could and did.
So when I was diagnosed with MS at the age of 35, after the shock wore off, a 3 year pity party on my behalf commenced. I can't remember exactly what you did, but it was bouncing back from a hospitalization and it was like getting knocked upside the head. The pity party was over! If you could do what you've always done, I could LIVE with MS, and I did and still do.
Part of me was hoping that you would do the same this time and bounce back because you always did. But it was time and you needed to go. You are the strongest person I know. And although neither one of us knew our grandmother, I always believed she was your guardian angel.
I love you Dustin.