Obituary of Philip Austin Keirn

Philip Austin Keirn passed away on Friday, May 27, 2011 at his home in Punta Gorda, Florida. Phil graduated from UCLA in 1953 and became a CPA, devoting his creative energies and his entire career to Arthur Anderson & Co. Early in his career, he joined the newly formed Administrative Services Division, which later became Accenture. Phil transferred to the home office in Chicago in 1966, and moved his family to Glen Ellyn, IL. Glen Ellyn was a wonderful place to raise a family, and Phil became involved in Kiwanis, the Village Links, and Wheaton Drama. Phil enjoyed mentoring his co-workers and never hesitated to recognize their accomplishments. During his retirement, Phil became the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Visual Awareness Research Group, Inc., a small research and development company devoted to improving the quality of life of senior citizens and others experiencing cognitive decline. He also performed pro bono work for not-for-profit organizations that needed accounting and organizational assistance. Philip Keirn was a gentle soul and a kind person who cared about people, always treating everyone as an equal. He will be lovingly remembered by is friends, including his business associates, members of his faith community at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, his golf buddies, bridge partners, and neighbors. Phil and Georgene loved music and enthusiastically supported the Charlotte Chorale and Charlotte Symphony. Phil was congenial, encouraging, and supportive of his extended family. He was greatly loved by his family and friends. Phil is survived by his wife of 60 years, Georgene; his daughters, Karlene (David) Ball, Kristina Berg (Arthur Bernberg), and Sharon (John) Keirn-Whiting; his grandchildren, Rachel (David) Benz, Philip Ball, Rebecca Ball, Max Keirn-Whiting, Sam Whiting, and Jimmy Whiting; and his great-granddaughters, Zoe and Addison Benz. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955. Please visit Phil's tribute wall at www.schelmfh.com to sign and send condolences to the Keirn family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that tax-deductible donations be made in his name for the establishment of the Keirn Center for the Advancement of Brain Fitness at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Donations should be made to the UAB Department of Psychology, 1530 Third Avenue South, Campbell Hall 415, Birmingham, AL 35294. Arrangements by Paul Schelm Funeral Home in Lake Suzy. Phone (941) 625-3535.