Philip Kliavkoff

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.