Br. Philip Eikmeyer, OSM, was known to be someone in perpetual motion who worked endlessly. He came to Servite in 1970 after working at St. Philip Basilica High School in Chicago (1960 – 1970). He always talked to people on the run, sometimes adding a little Latin salt and pepper. He rarely stopped to visit, but always greeted everyone warmly. He simply had too much to do and too many people he wanted to help. Nothing was too trivial or too tough. There was not a piece of trash on campus that was unworthy of brother’s address or dispatch. He kept the rose beds in coffee grounds. He had keys for everything and made sure all facilities were accessible when needed. He maintained everything without fanfare. He was the grease on the wheels. He was fond of writing “Don’t be good. Be better,” in student yearbooks. The 1975 yearbook was dedicated to him in gratitude for his care of campus and students. He was always a sacrament, a huge outward sign. He died in 2005 at the age of 84 after 53 years as a friar.
