In Memory of Phillip McCracken
Name: John Phillip McCracken
Spouse: Harue McCracken
Children: Haruko
Birth Date: October 27, 1946
Ascension Date: May 18, 2020
Phillip McCracken was born in Witchita, Kansas, received his Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from UC Berkeley and honorably served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam.
Phillip joined the Unification Movement when he was 26 years old, was Blessed in marriage with Harue McCracken in 1982 and blessed again in 1984 with the birth of their only daughter Haruko. As a UTS graduate Phillip zealously served our True Parents in many special missions in the U.S., Russia, Uganda, Japan, and Korea and as 36 Blessed Couple David Kim’s devoted assistant.
He loved conservative talk radio and the musical offerings of Josh Groban.
Phillip passed peacefully at 6:15 PM CST from pneumonia and COVID-19 related complications just after his daughter’s visit to the hospital.
He will be remembered and missed by his daughter Haruko, his son-in-law Ke Heung Anderson, and his three grandchildren Drake, Violet, and Isaac. His favorite recent saying was “Don’t get old” and during our church services his character shone brightly with his frequent “Aju,” “Prove it!” and, of course, “Mansei!” proclamations.
He was loved and will be in many of our thoughts.
Donations can be made to the family here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-honor-of-phillip-mccraken
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday, May 23 at 11 AM
Location: By Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/508018905?pwd=TzNkUCtEOFdxZEVrK2oyditpZ1Rydz09
Password: 2020
Meeting ID: 508 018 905
Tyler Hendricks
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Oh my, I remember Phil from back in the early years. A thoughtful and yet very light-hearted and optimistic person. Hard-working and philosophical about the ups and downs of life and love. Haven’t seen Phil in years but he sticks in my mind and heart. Safe travels, Phil, and we’ll see you in the good and great beyond.
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Keith Peter McCarthy
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Phillip was a big part of our Unification Community in Southern California in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. He and Harue (and not too long after their Blessing) Haruko lived in Long Beach. His faith is/was deep and wide, he’s one of the most spiritual persons I’ve known. May he be celebrated as he joins his wife in the next life. We shall be together in the great bye and bye.
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Libby Jo Henkin
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Steve and I remember Phil well from the Seminary. He loved True Father-preparing for his visits and being near him when he visited. We will miss him here on this earth.
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Licia Jennings
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Phillip was such a broad and bright spirit. I knew him in the 1970’s and 80’s when I was on MFT, and he was in the seminary and would come to fundraise in my region. He was delightful, and could always make us laugh and, at the same time, deeply reflect. I am so sorry to hear that he is gone. A bright light for our movement has passed away. May he have a peaceful transition and happy reunion with his loved ones. I offer my condolences and prayers to his family.
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Anyimieke Culvy
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Phillip McCracken, I feel gratitude … May Heaven’s gentle smile, that remains beyond any initial shock or sadness, be felt by you and your family because of every treasure moment with One Parents that you gave yourself to with enduring earnest…
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Thomas Ward
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Had the pleasure to work with Phil both in the New York Church in the 1970s and at Unification Theological Seminary. He was kind, thoughtful, hardworking, pensive, bright-spirited and so sincere. He was born to follow and render honor to True Parents and he did.
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Patricia Fliginger
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I am so grateful to have been assigned to the same mission area in Seoul in 2003. Phil was so determined to communicate with and respect others. He had a forever young spirit and deep love for Heavenly Parent, True Parents, his nation and family. I learned from his standard. May he and his wife Harue be reunited in joy and continue on eternally!
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Elizabeth Kang
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I worked with Phil in the USA He was one of the most sincere Unificationists tbat I have ever met. Supportive, kind , humble, full of warm and caring words straight from his heart. He truly loved God our Heavenly Parent, True Parents and people. He was a real genuine older brother. Not an ounce of selfish career minded goals just a heart of gold. His smile his laugh his purity and his down to earth simple goodness coming from a clever mind can never be forgotten.His genuine smile and caring words his genuineness are truly truly precious.
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David Carlson
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I remember Phil, especially from UTS. A very good-hearted brother who loved True Parents. My wife and I visited DSC Kim in Poughkeepsie many times, and Philip frequently joined us as he worked with Dr. Kim and helped him in many ways. We wish him a smooth passage, and a joyful meeting with Harue-san, whom he loved deeply. We will meet again some day, Phil. God’s blessing be upon you.
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Keith Anderson
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A patriot and saint with a bright and joyful spirit, Phillip and Harue enriched our family immensely. Their beautiful daughter Haruko and our son blessed us with three precious grandchildren and years of happiness. God is good and Phillip “proved it.” Go in peace. Aju!
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Ambrose L. Kahnke
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Phillip is an amazing man! He and I shared with each other about a personal experience we each went through and it was very helpful to me… Thank You Phillip and Have a Great Joyful Ever After!
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Donna Mason
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I wish Phil well as he ascends into the next realm. I knew him only in passing but I believe he is my spiritual grandfather. In the 70s my spiritual mother, Yasuko Masuda, introduced me to Harue (her spiritual mother) as she worked in Mr Kamiyama’s office. So, we are connected and I add my prayers here.
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Jim Bard
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It has been a joy having Philip in our Minneapolis community for the last several years. He was very feisty during service as he responded to the speaker with, “Prove It!” or other phrases. And it seemed everyone appreciated his input. He would say, “Don’t get old”, and though his body got old his spirit certainly didn’t! Nor did his wit. When Dr. Tyler Hendricks recently spoke to us and said we need to bless all 7.2 Billion people on earth, Philip yelled out, “Help, help!”
Thank you Philip for your love and fellowship and for leaving a legacy in your wonderful daughter and her family. May God bless you and Harue as you reunite in the next life. Happy trails!
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Jerry Heying
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Phillip and Harue were close family friends to our family for many years. I believe he lived a good life and will go to a good place with True Father in SW. God Speed Phillip!
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Keiko Osumi
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He and Harue san lived in our house in New Jersey for a few years some years ago. They were very nice. He was very warm-hearted, honest, funny, and enthusiastic about life! He was very kind to our two sons. We enjoyed talking with him and respected his faith. We miss him and pray for his wonderful life in the spirit world!
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Marie Ang
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Edwin and I were privileged to see Philip quite often when we had birthday gatherings with Dr. David SC Kim in Poughkeepsie in the 1990’s and beyond. We thank Phillip for his warm and honest heart and desire to serve others…these qualities stand out in my mind. We keep him, his daughter and family in our prayers during this time of his entering his new life.
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Don Marsolek
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Phil, you have laid up much treasure in Heaven. You and your family are leaving an eternal legacy of what it means to live for the sake of others. Thank you!
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Peter Freund
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Phillip It was a blessing having you as a brother in the church and all our interesting give
and takes. We wish you a smooth transition. Please say hallo to my wife when you meet her. She may be one of the people that greets you in spirit world as that is one of her jobs there. God Bless
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Raymond & Katsuko Hoffman
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Ken and Haruko,
Each star that goes to the spiritual world brightens it up even more. Phillip will be a great addition.
May God bless you and your cute children.
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Jill Varrichio
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I met Phil on the Grand Concourse, in the Bronx, NY, in 1975. I was with my best friend, Jackie. For 3 years, Phil witnessed to myself and Jackie. He had us do a condition, cleaning our parents homes so God could enter. I cleaned my parents home, focusing on the kitchen and bathroom. When we went to clean Jackie’s house, her Mom wouldn’t let us. She got very angry and threw us out. A short time later, I agreed to go to a workshop in New Hampshire. Phillip was my spiritual father. It has been many years since we have been in touch. Phillip was and always will be an extraordinary part of my life. I am sadden by his passing. I wish I could have reconnected with him.
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Lloyd P Howell
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I agree with everyone above. Phil was a bright light indeed.
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