Celebration of life planned for beloved Eagle Valley High School coach

The Eagle Valley athletic community lost one of its most admired coaches earlier this fall. A celebration of life for Genaro “Jerry” Phillips will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Eagle Valley High School cafeteria. The beloved track coach died suddenly on Sept. 15 at the age of 69, leaving behind his wife of 44 years, Lesa, and his four daughters, Mary, Samantha, Kayla and Angela. Phillips arrived in Eagle County in the early ’80s. Eagle Valley track coach Myriah Blair, who had four kids come through the team, first met him 16 years ago when she started a youth track club. “Without hesitation, Jerry was more than willing to jump in and help in any way he could,” Blair said. “Little did I know then just how much of an impact he would have on our family and so many others in this community.” Phillips started coaching pole vaulters at Eagle Valley High School in the early 2000s.

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