Phyllis as a little girl.

"It's hard to believe that Phyllis left us so suddenly. Her effervescence, her strength and energy seemed to be everlasting. How lucky I am to have been her friend. We met at the Walt Disney Studios many years ago. Her enthusiasm for the animation industry was apparent from the very beginning. The studio recognized her abilities and trained her in many departments. She was a valued employee and was an asset to a new industry. Phyllis never claimed to be an artist but she knew the art of making friends. She became an art patron, promoting, pushing and prodding artists to greater heights.

When Grim Natwick passed away, Phyl was called upon to evaluate his art collection. It was with the expertise of an old pro that she went through the stacks of his work. I was amazed at how professional this young girl had become.

Phyllis and her husband were ardent sailors, who soon became expert in handling boats and during their vacation times traveled the West Indies and the South Seas. They were always into new ventures whether it was raising a family, buying boats, running a restaurant or maintaining an art gallery they worked together. It was an enviable life.

Phyllis was responsible for promoting art shows at Hanna-Barbara, Hollywood Way, Toluca Lake, and Film Roman Studios, and was always interested in new talent.

It was typical of Phyllis to keep any hardships or sorrows to herself. We would, as friends, love to have protected that smiling, wise-cracking friend from some of the blows of life, but she would have none of that. Oh, we shall miss that gal!"

Truly with sorrow, and love,
Grace Godino

"In 1972, Phyllis Craig was working as a final checker for Fred Calvert Productions. The studio was working on a picture and the deadline for which was fast approaching. There were scenes being painted and many more that needed checking.

I had been recommended to Phyllis and was hired to help in finishing the picture. I had done painting at home for years, but all the checking I had done had been inside the studios. Yet, Phyllis gave me about ten scenes to take home as a start.

All of the scenes were marked, but there were some questions about the animation. Phyllis was so helpful and so patient with my questions and each time I brought a batch of scenes back, she always complimented and encouraged me on my work. She took time from her frantic schedule to go over each scene with me.

I only worked with her for a period of two months, but it was one of the best experiences I had in the over 53 years I spent in the animation business.

Over the years that followed, I crossed paths with Phyllis many times. I was not surprised to learn how helpful she had been to many other people, most of them young people wanting to start an animation career.

I am sure that I and everyone who knew and came in contact with Phyllis will miss her greatly."

-Martha Sigall