NEWS

Phillip Frederick Staples, 81, passed away on Saturday, April 20. He was born and raised in Ruther Glen, Virginia, on Dec. 30, 1942.

He graduated from Emory & Henry College in Emory, Virginia, where he played football. After a short stint in the insurance business, he returned home in 1972 to grow Woodlawn Construction Company into a highly successful communication and infrastructure business.

An accomplished equestrian, Staples was an avid foxhunter in Virginia and South Carolina and a member of Flat Branch, Aiken Hounds, Fairfax, Middleburg, Deep Run, Belle Meade and Snickersville Hunts.

Staples grew up playing polo alongside his father, Edgar Staples and brothers William, Jeffrey and Richard. He went on to play in major tournaments up and down the East Coast. He earned a 3-goal handicap and was known for his exceptional string of polo ponies and his hard-driving backshot. In 1986, he hired professional player Juan Salinas-Bentley and in 1992, professional groom Bo Taylor. Together, they managed his polo operation throughout his playing career.

Internationally, he played in England, Scotland, Argentina and the Dominican Republic. On several occasions in the United Kingdom, he competed on teams representing the U.S. in matches against King Charles (then Prince of Wales), Prince William and Prince Harry. He also hosted an English military team annually at the Commonwealth Polo Club in Mankin-Sabot, Virginia.

In 1998, Staples began competing in South Florida during the winter. He competed in the Outback Leagues in Wellington and Hobe Sound, and won numerous tournaments at the former Gulfstream Polo Club, including the 10- and 14-goal leagues, the 12-goal Bachman Memorial, the 12-goal Bronze Cup and the 8-goal Delegate’s Cup.

Other wins include the National President’s Cup in Lexington, Kentucky; the Gerald Balding in Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania; and the Hall of Fame Challenge, Corey Cup, Regional President’s Cup, Dogwood Cup and 12-goal in Aiken, South Carolina.

Over the years, he enjoyed playing alongside many talented players on his Woodlawn polo team, including Salinas-Bentley, Julian Hipwood, Adrian Wade, Ruben Coscia, Omar Cepeda, Craig Ellis, Michele Dorignac and Francisco Lanusee, as well as friends Dick Riemenschneider, Bill Fannon, Bart Frye, Garrick Steel, Bill Ylvisaker and Cathy Brown. A big supporter of youth polo, he also hired young members of the Arellano, Bryan and Daniels families to play on his team.

Staples is survived by his son Andrew Staples (Kristine); grandchildren Jackson and Olivia Staples; life partner Pam Wooley; brothers William Staples (Butter) and Jeffrey Staples; and Godson Juan Cristian Salinas-Bentley. He was predeceased by brother Richard Staples and Godson Philip Loving. A celebration of life is planned at Woodlawn Farm in Ruther Glen, Virginia, in mid-May.