Philip Tardrew

Madison, Wisconsin. Philip L. Tardrew ("Phip" to his Australian family and "Gaga" to his 13 grandchildren), age 91, died peacefully in his sleep on March 1, 2016, with his beloved wife of 60 years, Joyce, and daughters Sharon and Wendy, at bedside. Phil was born on January 19, 1925 in Adelaide, Australia to Leslie and Myra (n�e Mitchell) Tardrew. He was the youngest of 6 children. After excelling academically throughout his childhood, Phil attended Adelaide University, where he earned a degree in chemistry in 1944. In 1949, he earned a masters degree in chemistry from the University of Tasmania. In 1952, he received a Fulbright Scholarship to study biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned his PhD in 1956. More importantly, while in Madison he also met Joyce Elaine Carlson of Peshtigo, Wisconsin. On December 31, 1955, Phil and Joyce were married at First Baptist Church in Madison. Upon receiving his PhD, Phil accepted a position as biochemist at Abbott Laboratories, where he spent his entire career, ascending to the position of Director of International Drug Registration. His career involved much international travel, which he always enjoyed. He retired in 1989. Along the way, Phil and Joyce had four children and raised them in Waukegan, Illinois, and Barrington, Illinois. Phil was an active member, choir singer, and leader at the First Baptist Church of Waukegan and the Community Church of Barrington. He was beloved for his enthusiasm, intelligence, passion for social justice, and affectionate nature. Phil was an avid bridge player and golfer. In his later years, he adored and took great pleasure in the lives and accomplishments of his grandchildren.
Phil is survived by his wife Joyce; children Michael (Sharon) Tardrew, Wendy (Joseph) Davis, Sharon (Joseph) Schafer, and Steven (Karen) Tardrew; and grandchildren Adelaide, Ruthie, Joey, Kyle, Colin, Kelsey, Timothy, Sydney, Nathan, Emma, Sean, James, and William.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Community Church of Barrington, 407 South Grove, Barrington, Illinois with Reverend Dr. Zina Jacque officiating. A private family burial will be held at a future date at Dartford Cemetery, Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Memorials may be given to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047.
The family would like to extend their thanks to Agrace Hospice, Oakwood Village-University Woods Campus, and the countless employees and volunteers of the aging industry who work tirelessly every day to bring comfort to those who are in the final stages of their lives.


Cress
Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
608-238-3434