Philip Bell Jaffe

February 17, 1934 - February 19, 2019

PHILIP BELL JAFFE (2/17/34 – 2/19/19) Phil was born in New York City to Ben and Glenrose Jaffe. After the family relocated to Beverly Hills, CA he attended Beverly Hills High School where he studied journalism and printing. In 1951 he graduated from Beverly High and entered the University of Southern California (USC). At USC he continued to study journalism and business administration. He was a member of the Coast Guard Reserve and was activated to full time duty in 1953. After fourteen weeks of boot camp, Phil was assigned to the icebreaker Northwind, the first ship to cross the North Arctic. Phil was proud to be aboard the Northwind for the historic opening of the Northwest Passage in 1954. In 1955 he completed his tour of duty and returned to USC where he continued his education. In 1956 Philip Jaffe wed Marilyn Jean Lauts in Los Angeles, CA. They had two sons, Robert (Bob), in 1957, and Scot, in 1959. They divorced in 1985 and in 1987 Phil married Susanne Rusnak in Lake Arrowhead, CA. Phil and Susanne shared their lives together, traveling extensively, until his death in Redlands, CA. Phil’s publishing and printing career extended over 40 years. In the 1960s and 70s Phil owned a printing and publishing company in Los Angeles where he produced a variety of magazines, books and travel guides. One of his clients was Jack Kent Cooke’s Inglewood Forum, home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings. During this time Phil had the opportunity to write and publish books with and about Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West. Phil also assisted in publishing a book written by John Wooden and Bill Sharman called A Guide to Winning Basketball. His friend Jerry West once told Phil that one of his best assets was that “he helped make things happen.” After selling Jaffe Printing, Phil worked briefly for Cashbox magazine before founding Inside 12x12, a music industry fulfillment center, and Retail Record Report, a journal of pop music sales trends. The last 15 years of his career Phil published the Mountain News newspaper in Lake Arrowhead, CA. He retired in 1998 and in 2000 he and Susanne moved to Port Ludlow, WA for several years. They also lived in Casa Grande, Arizona before returning to Southern California. During their years in WA and AZ, Phil and Susanne enjoyed many adventures exploring the western Pacific coast by boat and also the north and southwest states by coach. Phil was also an active community leader, engaging in many civic activities including the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, as well as various fund-raising projects. He served for 10 years as an officer on the board of the Printing Industries Association of Southern California. Mr. Philip Bell Jaffe passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, February 19, 2019 just two days after his 85th birthday. He is survived by wife, Susanne, sons, Bob (Monica Woolwine Jaffe) and Scot (Synthia Malina), grandchildren Daniel, Marielle (TK) McKamy, Hannah, and Harriet, and one great grandchild, Maverick McKamy. Phil also shared his love with two step daughters, Elizabeth (Andrew Arizmendi) Rusnak, and Victoria Rusnak. Phil was preceded in death by step daughter, Katherine Rusnak. He also leaves behind his sister, Joan Lewis. His sense of humor and love of adventure will be missed by all, including his two adoring pets, J.J. and Samy. A remembrance service, with Color Guard, will be held Saturday, March 30, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Kendall House, 120 East Palm Avenue, Redlands, CA, 92373. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.