Obituary of Carol Jean McPhail

Carol J McPhail passed away on 11/28/2020 at the age of 92. She is survived by her two sons John and Paul. Carol was born in 1928 in Portland and attended Jefferson High school. She later married Robert E McPhail who had been in the military as an MP stationed in Europe. After they were married Robert became a Portland policeman and eventually had a 38 year career in Portland law enforcement. In 1964, Carol and Robert purchased a 5 acre farm near Beavercreek, Oregon where they raised their two young sons who were 4 and 5 at the time. Carol and Robert lived on the farm until 2002. At the farm, the family raised sheep, a horse, a milk cow, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese and rabbits as well as the family dogs and cats. Carol would also help the ewes deliver their lambs. Many of the sheep became pets. Carol was involved in the PTA and was a Cub Scout den mother. Carol was also an avid gardener and tended a huge wildflower garden in the backyard. Carol was an excellent cook and hosted large family gatherings during the holidays and birthdays. One event had 30 relatives. Carol loved decorating for the various holidays throughout the year and always had 2 live Christmas trees in the house during the holidays. Carol loved buying gifts for birthdays and Christmas. Frequently, there were about 100 gifts under the tree on Christmas morning! The family traveled the US on vacations going to Disneyland, Disney World, the Grand Canyon, Hawaii and eventually to over 30 states and 6 Canadian Provinces. Carol loved organizing and planning the trips. After Robert retired, Carol and Robert continued their traveling going on numerous Cruises and train trips including 4 cruises to the Alaska inside passage. Their son Paul joined them on all 4 of these cruises. Robert passed away in 2007 at the age of 79. Carol remained in the Portland area and relocated to 55+ apartment living and continued being active with her sons. Carol was a wonderful loving, creative, smart, wise and caring mother who was always there for her family and we miss her so much!