Philip Leavitt, M.D.

PHILIP N. LEAVITT, M.D. IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Philip Neldon Leavitt, M.D., 83, of Idaho Falls, passed away December 11, 2006, at his home of natural causes. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice. He was born August 18, 1923, in Pine, Arizona, one of seven children of Mary and George W. Leavitt. When he was two and a half his family moved to Mesa, Arizona. He grew up and attended schools there. He graduated from Mesa High School where he was active in music and drama. He attended Arizona State University and Brigham Young University, Provo. He served as a B-17 pilot in the 384th Bomb Group in World War II. He was stationed in England and flew 34 missions over Germany. He entered Stanford University Medical School, graduating in 1953. He interned in San Jose and San Francisco, California, eventually setting up private practice as an OB-GYN in Idaho Falls in 1956. He married Dawn Gilpin in 1952 in Mesa and they were later divorced. He then married Barbara Roberts Wheeler in 1974 in Jackson, Wyoming. He practiced medicine in Idaho Falls from 1956 until 1994, when he retired. He raised Arabian horses, loved skiing, dirt biking, mountain climbing, and traveling. He continued in drama and music, starring in several productions. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Leavitt of Idaho Falls; sons, Philip N. (Shellee) Leavitt, Jr., of Pocatello, and William F. (Mary) Leavitt of Emmett; daughters, Susan (Ken) Dicus of Idaho Falls, Stephanie (Joe) Walrath of Idaho Falls, Elizabeth Hoskinson of Shelley; stepchildren, Doug Wheeler, David Wheeler, and Jana (Clay) Walker, all of Idaho Falls; 21 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Kip Leavitt. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 14, 2006, at the Shelley LDS Sand Creek Ward, 1101 East 1250 North, Shelley, with Bishop Ray Hollist officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon, and Thursday for one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at Fielding Memorial Park in Idaho Falls, where Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team. ----------------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Gerald and Linda Mortimer pspmpresidentm@hotmail.com To Barbara and family: Linda and I were sad to hear of Phil's passing. He was a great friend and associate. I really enjoyed working with him, and getting to know you over the years. I will always have fond memories of Phil. I don't know if you are aware that we are in the Philippines on a mission so we will be unable to attend the viewing or the funeral. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you at this difficult time. Gerry and Linda Mortimer Mary Stoddard mary@aztecmortgage.com To all the Leavitt children my family and I send our deepest condolences. Your father was a great man, an great doctor, and a great friend to many including myself and my family. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Mary Stoddard, Nicole, Seth, and Kai Larry and Issy Walrath l1634@msn.com Our thoughts of sympathy are with you. Betty Davis Lundell bjdl@cableone,net I just want to sent you my love and condolences for the love I have for your husband and father. He not only deliver me, 47 years ago, but delivered my two youngest children, now 17 and 22. What an awesome doctor and person he was. May you have peace in your hearts for the person that Dr. Leavitt was in mine, my mother (Deaune Davis) and my children's life). He was one wonderful doctor!! I truly loved him. Betty Davis Lundell