Philip G.
Kliavkoff
Born: July 12, 1924
Died: March 21, 2010
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Philip G. Kliavkoff on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at Briarwood Health Center in Issaquah, WA. We are happy to inform you that his final days were peaceful, he suffered no pain. Over the last number of years he has battled Alzheimer’s. All of us, his wife Susan, daughter Maria, son George, daughter-in-law Ellen, and grandchildren Delaney and Henry wish to thank you for your friendship and support.
Philip was born on July 12, 1924 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He was the youngest of three brothers. He attended military academy and was sent directly into battle during World War II. He performed with distinction fighting the Nazis on the Hungarian front. He fought bravely, was twice wounded and was a highly decorated officer of the Bulgarian Army. He refused to support the Soviet dominated new regime and escaped in 1950 to Greece. He lived eight years in Brazil, a country he loved, before joining his brother Dimiter in New York. There he met and married Susan, his wife of more than 48 years. Together they had two children, Maria and George. In 2003 he moved with his wife to Seattle, WA where he spent the remainder of his years.
Philip was a highly principled, loyal man of ideals. Family, friends and duty were his driving force. He loved tennis, soccer, history, nature, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. He was well informed and politically astute before the reality of Alzheimer’s claimed his ability to concentrate and follow his passions. Above all he loved playing chess and backgammon; he was an accomplished player winning many trophies. He played long into his time in the nursing home. He was not religious, believing instead that a man must rely on his own inner strength and character.
There will be a Celebration of His Life held on Saturday, April 10 at 11:00 AM in the Clubhouse of Providence Point, 4265 224th Court SE, Issaquah, WA 98029. His ashes will be returned to Bulgaria where they will be received by his nephew, Georgi Klyavkov. We are planning a burial in his home town of Plovdiv on Friday, May 21st.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you make donations to the International Rescue Committee at www.theirc.org.