It is always difficult to say goodbye to someone who looms large in your life, as it was Tuesday when we learned about the passing of our dear friend and colleague Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney.
On behalf of the Edmonds Waterfront Center Board of Directors, where Phyllis has served with distinction, it is with great affection and sadness that we express our love and condolences to Phyllis’ family and friends.
Phyllis served 16 years in the State House of Representatives. She has also served on many boards and commissions, from the state to the international level. Last year Phyllis received the Ohtli Award from the Mexican Consulate (for strengthening relations with the Mexican community that reside outside Mexico). Just a month ago she was recognized by the Washington State Senate for her outstanding leadership and advocacy as an uncompromising public servant.
Phyllis has served as a dedicated member of the EWC Board of Directors for more than three years, where she was active on the Strategic Planning, Fundraising, and Board Development Committees. In 2024, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell presented Phyllis with the Rose Cantwell Leadership Award for her tireless work on behalf of older adults. Phyllis seemed to know everyone. And I never met a person who could say no to her. She will forever remind us to fight for what you believe in. Phyllis was a gift.
Phyllis will be greatly missed.
Daniel Johnson is the President and CEO of the Edmonds Waterfront Center.
Phyllis lived a life of distinction and honor in her dedication to others. What a loss for our community and state. She really embodied the “live every single day until the last one” ethos. The last time I saw Phyllis, she was dressed as a magician and was having so much fun as MC with Karen Barnes at the Waterfront Center Auction…what a memory. Deepest condolences to her family and all those who loved and admired her.
I’ll miss seeing her smiling face at the Thrift Store!! She came in every week on Tuesdays!!
I worked with Phyllis in the Washington State House of Representatives in the 1990’s. I was a staff person in the House Democratic Caucus. She was definitely a force to reckon with! I was pleased to work beside her again at the Edmonds Waterfront Center Board of Directors. She will be missed.
Phyllis was a passionate advocate for the Edmonds Waterfront Center. We will miss her kindness, and the impact she made through her service.
Phyllis was one of our community’s greatest champions. I was privileged to know her and work with her while she was on the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). While I drove from Edmonds to Olympia, she rode along and spent half the time on the mobile phone talking to state movers and shakers about items of importance. When confronted with a community issue or challenge, Phyllis used an expression that I learned to love — “We need to do something about this.” And she meant WE! She was a fireball of energy devoted to making life better for all. Our community will miss her warmth, energy, determination and commitment. Edmonds is a better place thanks to her having lived her.
We were incredibly blessed to have Phyllis choose Edmonds for her retirement. What a contributor and what a joy! I feel personally lucky to have known her. Thinking of her family and missing her already….
There were so many dimensions to Phyllis – she was smart and savvy, fun and feisty, a charming storyteller and a determined advocate like no other I have ever met. She also had an awesome (and very mischievous!) sense of humor – recalling some of our discussions still makes me laugh.
She changed many lives through her leadership in the Latino community and her advocacy for access to education and essential services for low-income families, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations.
I am very thankful to have known her. She will be deeply missed, not just because of the impact of her leadership but for the energy, dedication and inspiration she brought to every space.
Heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched.