Obituary of Phillip Haight

Phillip Haight (1938-2024) A resident of Columbia County and New York City, Phillip Haight passed away in his sleep at home in Old Chatham, NY on August 18, 2024. His talents as a creative design maestro touched thousands of people in New York City and in the Hudson River region. Whether they actually knew Phillip or not, they likely experienced the joy of his work. Phillip Haight was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1938. After serving in the United States Army, he pursued his dream to attend the Parsons School of Design and hone his creativity. Following his graduation from Parsons he quickly became known as an innovator in the interior design world, most notably for his work in the homes of fashion icon Geoffrey Beene. During Phillip's career, he continued to create interiors, including for clients who had followed him for a lifetime, and many of his projects were featured in noteworthy design publications. In the 1980s, Phillip segued into event design, a new field at the time. Through his company Fiori, Ltd., Phillip masterminded decor for events attended by thousands of people over three decades, and his floral creations were legendary for their unique beauty. For one of the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) induction galas, he created a replica of the Newport headquarters — a model that the ITHF continued to use for decades. Some other memorable events included the New York Yankees Homecoming Dinners, the Rita Hayworth Galas hosted by the Alzheimer's Association, as well as numerous special events for the Scandinavian Royals and a forest of dogwood blossoms in full bloom at the Waldorf=Astoria Grand Ballroom to honor Mrs. Paul Mellon and the National Museum of Racing. For eleven years Fiori was located in New York City's St. Regis Hotel, where 2,000 roses arrived every week, ready to be transformed into arrangements for the hotel and their guests. During the holidays, people enjoyed Phillip's Christmas trees and holiday decor, both inside the hotel and on the building's exterior, which included over 1,000 feet of custom-designed garlands. As a Columbia County resident for over 30 years, Phillip was an integral member of the local community, owning an antique store in Hudson, decorating the town square for holidays, and inviting local groups to enjoy his gardens and wood pathways. During his retirement — really, semi-retirement — Phillip fulfilled another life dream and became a pet parent. He adopted a rescue dog named Blue, who was a loving companion and at Phillip's side until the end. Phillip's tall-Texan stature was complemented by his kind and gentle demeanor, and a wicked sense of humor. He is survived by an extended family of close friends, many of whom Phillip knew and loved for decades. To honor Phillip, please pick some flowers and enjoy their beauty. For condolences, please email Events@cmaddenproductions.com