BEND, Ore. -- G. Phillip "Phil" Wick passed away on Aug. 17 in Oregon. He was 66 years old.

Born in Puyallup, Wash., Wick was the president of Les Schwab Tire Centers for 22 years, retiring in December 2005. He continued to serve as chairman of the company’s board of directors until December 2008, and thereafter as an active member of the board.

Wick began his career with Les Schwab Tires Centers in 1965 and played an important role in the company’s growth and success. He joined Les Schwab as a 21-year-old hourly sales and service employee and within three years became manager of the Les Schwab tire center located in Walla Walla, Wash. He was one of the youngest store managers in the company’s history. In 1983, he became president of Les Schwab Tire Centers.

Working closely with the company founder, Les Schwab, Wick helped establish many of the company’s innovative employee programs and maintained a steadfast focus on exceptional customer service.

Wick also was committed to building people and was a great mentor and friend to countless Les Schwab employees. He enjoyed recruiting and training employees and helping them to be successful. His enthusiasm and personal warmth was infectious and he will be deeply missed.

Wick was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife Lesley, children Jeff and Heather and their families.

Information about his memorial service is not available at this time.