Funeral services for longtime lobbyist William “Bill” Phillips will be held Friday in Potomac, Md.

Phillips, 56, died Wednesday in an Alaska plane crash. Former Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) was also among the five people who died in the crash.

Phillips’ wife, Catherine, and three sons, including William Phillips Jr., who was also on the plane, survive Phillips.

As the Phillips family prepared to leave Alaska for Maryland, Catherine Phillips released a statement thanking the rescue and medical workers, as well as the people of Alaska.

“Bill and our boys shared many Alaska memories,” Phillips said. “They loved Alaska and as we leave we know Alaska will remain imprinted on our hearts.”

William Phillips was a name partner of the boutique lobbying firm Utrecht & Phillips. He specialized in legislative law and Congressional procedure. From 1981 to 1986, he served as Stevens’ legislative director and chief of staff.

Phillips’ wife paid tribute to her husband’s close relationship with the late Senator.

“For over three decades Bill and Senator Stevens collaborated with and supported each other through important challenges; they were truly close and good friends,” she said.

Four people survived the crash, including lobbyists Jim Morhard and Sean O’Keefe, head of EADS North America.

Phillips’ funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.