This is puzzling and sad to hear.
Two weeks ago Phil contacted me privately to invite me to the Houston show and attend a VIP party as his guest. He talked excitedly about "whats coming" and how the "next game will really blow people away". The way he talked would not indicate he planed to leave the company anytime soon.
So this is quite a shock. Sorry to hear.
Pinball needed a guy like Phil. Following DP from Expo13 to now has been a fun ride, because of his imagination and vision.