PHILIP RAY KNILANS May 12, 1955- September 9, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Philip Ray Knilans on September 9, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Philip was born on May 12, 1955, in Delavan, Wisconsin to Raymond and Mildred Knilans. Phil, a devout Packers fan, was also an exceptional golfer. He was the team captain of the Warriors golf team at Western High School. He led his team to victory at the state championship. Throughout the entirety of his life, he always loved working at his golf game and spending time on the course with his family and friends. He was also a dedicated husband and father, and always supportive of his family. Phil was a true spiritualist, and he loved camping and exploring nature. For him, time was well spent whenever he had the opportunity to take his family camping during his vacations. Phil was a casino manager for many years, and he was known for his friendliness and his ability to make people feel welcome. He was so experienced at table games dealing he taught the skill to break-in dealers for many years. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and he was admired by all who knew him. But above all, he was a teacher. Whether he advised people on spirituality or life in general, he always had a way of truly listening, understanding, and an inner-knowingness to provide wisdom or comfort to someone at any given moment. Phil is survived by his wife, Victoria St. John, his daughters, Ashley Knilans, Traci Cooper, Tori Smook, and Courtney Kenney, his sister Nancy Knilans, his nephews Ryan Siefert and Sean Siefert, his niece Kate Knilans, and his great-grandson Cayden Kelly. The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 8th at 3:33 pm at Desert Vista Community Center building B 10360 Sun City Boulevard Las Vegas, NV 89134. We invite all who knew and loved Phil to join us in celebrating his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity. Phil was a kind and generous man who touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/ location/las-vegas-cremation for the Knilans family.