Tribute to Philip Jay Greenberg, May 26, 1934 – December 13, 2020

Philip Jay Greenberg

It is with deep sadness that the Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve board reports Phil Greenberg’s death. Phil was a supporter of MIWP from its inception, and a dedicated board member for 32 years until he died in December, 2020. Phil added wisdom, warmth, and humor to our organization, qualities we will greatly miss.

Phil was president of the board from 1994–99, presiding over defining times for the organization and a board of 20, the largest in our history. Under Phil’s leadership, MIWP reached out to engage the wider Island community in environmental concerns as it bought and preserved land. 

Phil enjoying himself in the 2010 4th of July Parade

In recent years, Phil was our official annual-meeting event planner. He attended to every detail of each event, from securing locations to seeking caterers, all while keeping a close eye on the budget. All decisions for the event are generously and coherently filed in a three-ring binder as a resource to future event planners. In a similar binder, Phil diligently kept vital records that document not only his time as president but many other important milestones of MIWP’s history. 

Each of these efforts underscored Phil’s deep caring for the WP’s contribution to the Island. In an interview recorded last summer, Phil spoke of his hopes for the future—for his children, grandchildren, and all lovers of the Island. He envisioned the WP continuing to exist for the next 100+ years, acquiring and preserving interior land on the island and providing “a place of refuge and recreation for all”. We will keep Phil in our hearts as we strive to continue his legacy.

If you would like to make a donation to MIWP in Phil’s memory please click here. To learn of Phil’s many contributions to the world, please see his obituary.