Roger Phillips Cause of Death: 89-year-old Roger Phillips aka “Mr. fungi,” an English author, photographer, and artist best known for his series of photographically illustrated plant identification guides and his encyclopaedic knowledge of mushrooms and fungi, died unexpectedly on November 15th, 2021. At the time of publication, no cause of death was given.
Roger was born on 16th December 1932 in the town of Uxbridge. He went to St Christopher School in Letchworth. He went on to serve in the Royal Air Force of Canada as part of his National Service. He worked in a hospital while also taking night classes at the Chelsea School of Art. Roger later worked in advertising as a designer and art director. In 1968, he left advertising to work as a freelance photographer from a studio on Shaftesbury Avenue.
In 1981, Roger completed his six-year study of fungi and published Mushrooms and Other Fungi of Great Britain and Europe, which was a major contribution to their understanding and recognition. Mushrooms and other Fungi of Great Britain and Europe, Second Edition, was published in 2006. His works were popularized by two television series, The Quest for the Rose and The 3000 Mile Garden. In 2007, the Queen bestowed the MBE upon him.
Friends and other affected persons express their condolences on social media
“RIP Roger Phillips (1932-2021). Will be long remembered as the author of the first book on fungi that allowed people to teach themselves to forage for a wide selection of species from scratch.”
“This is very sad news, Roger Phillips’ books are in my opinion, the best there is on foraging. They have a special place on my shelves and I have learned so much from his palpable passion on each page. A huge loss.”
“We are very sorry to hear that Roger Phillips, author of The Worldwide Forager and wild food trailblazer for many decades, has passed away. He leaves a legacy of thoughtful, prescient writing, and many lives touched & brightened by his presence. Our thoughts are with his family.”
“Devastated to hear that the giant of #mycology Roger Phillips has passed away this week. Roger wrote what many mushroom enthusiasts see as the mushroom bible and was a delightful and inspirational character who will be sorely missed.”
“Very sad to hear of the passing of Roger Phillips, “the mushroom man”. His enthusiasm for foraging and infectious delight were inspiring and his beautifully photographed books have been endless sources of useful information. RIP.”
Roger Phillips obituary and funeral arrangements will be made known to the public by his family.
Photo Credit (PC) – Mwez the Irritable
