Enumclaw resident Phillip Arnold Poppleton died July 28, 2012, at the age of 79.

He was the youngest of Ruth Jackson Slott’s six children.

He graduated from Central Washington University and Oregon State University and went on to teach biology at Enumclaw High School for 30 years. He took pride in students who later attributed their success in medical and science fields to his dedication to teaching through the inquiry method. He received numerous awards for his teaching, including the Presidential Award for Excellence, and was invited to Taiwan, a space lift-off and China. He served as officer in many biology teacher associations, statewide, regionally and nationally. After retiring in 1989, he continued his life of service to education, park board, Scottish Games, Ross Clan, and farm forestry. The Poppletons enjoyed camping, hiking, spending time with family and travel to many countries. He sponsored a child in Honduras.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Louise; daughter Carol DeVos and husband Ken; son Kenneth and wife Staci; sister Edyth Swanson of Whidbey Island, Wash.; and four grandchildren.

A celebration of life is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 (which would have been his 80th birthday) at Enumclaw Moose Lodge. Email: Parnpop@aol.com.