A member of a pioneering oil and gas family in Butler County, Benjamin D. Phillips knew the energy business as well as he knew his hometown of Butler.
From an early age, he was laying pipe and drilling wells. By the time he became President of T.W. Phillips Gas and Oil Company in 1968, he was already well-versed in the business and knew how to handle customers. He also had a well-earned reputation as the feisty scion of the family.
Benjamin lived in Butler most of his life, leaving twice to attend military academy and business school in Cambridge, Mass. Upon his return, he became one of the town's most passionate supporters. He died on October 14, 1999, at the age of 85.
"His heart was here in Butler," his daughter Barbara Mayer told the Post-Gazette upon his passing.
The fund is one of 10 funds established by him with The Pittsburgh Foundation to benefit agencies located in Butler County. His wife Lauretta, who passed away on March 9, 2012, also established a fund with the Foundation in both their names.
The fund is designated in support of the Butler County Humane Society.