DePhilip Harris

That same year, DePhilip's pursuit of a career in finance inspired a leap of faith to the West Coast, where he became a financial loan officer with Valley National Bank in Phoenix, Arizona. By October 1977, DePhilip secured an opportunity as assistant manager at Associates Financial Services Company, taking him further west to Woodland Hills, California. He was then recruited to CIT Financial Services as a manager of Garden Grove, Glendale and Long Beach branches. 

 

In March of 1980, DePhilip married long-time girlfriend Velda Jeanne Auguste. Together they moved to the East Coast to explore career options, living in Virginia and the District of Columbia (D.C.) before settling in Maryland and purchasing a condo in 1981. As a contractor for Remington, DePhilip served White House staff and the president during the Reagan and Bush administration providing in-house technical needs for a variety of Remington products. DePhilip received several accolades and achievements during his employment in D.C. However, his desire to continue a financial banking career moved him and his wife back to the West Coast in 1984. After attending the 1984 Olympics in Pasadena, California they settled in as permanent residents. Dephilip continued his career in banking and landed a job with Western Financial Bank in Upland, California where he began his transition into real estate and mortgage financing.

 

In October of 1985, he was blessed with his first child, son DePhilip Joseph Harris Junior. A fundamental family man and doting father, DePhilip saw it best to move his family away from the fast pace and threats of the city. In 1991, he bought his third home and settled in Hesperia, California with the intent for his family to grow. Sure enough, in March of 1993, he was blessed with daughter Aubrey Auguste Harris.

 

DePhilip was very involved with his children’s education and development. He volunteered at school functions, fundraisers and athletic events during both his son and daughter's attendance at Hesperia Christian, New Life Christian Academy, Ranchero Middle School and Sultana High School. In addition, he served as a volunteer coach for recreational basketball, football and soccer teams throughout the High Desert.

A diverse conversationalist, Phil loved to talk about sports, politics, current events and history. Regardless of the topic, you could be assured he was watching, taking notes and ready to provide a hot take. When he wasn't talking, DePhilip spent his time tending to his garden that family and friends looked forward to receiving fresh seasonal vegetables/fruits from. But Phil's passion above all was for fishing! Whether stream, pond, lake or the ocean, you could find him in his chair with a fishing rod and reel (fish not included). 

 

DePhilip was a man who embodied abundance in the simplicity of God‘s natural gifts. He was the heart and soul of his family and community, always offering a safe space, listening ear and practical wisdom. His candor, quiet stability, and go with the flow demeanor will be truly missed by many. He is survived by his wife and two children Velda, DePhilip, and Aubrey; grandchildren Chloe, Cade, Kingston, Kinsley, and Londyn; Siblings Debra, Samuel, sister in law Unia, Gavin, sister in law Debbie, and Emerson; Nephews Gavin Jr., wife Jacinta and Corey; And a host of extended family.