Phillip Fike of Hamtramck, a humane and creative teacher who gave many prominent metal smiths their beginning, died of pulmonary fibrosis at a Grosse Pointe home Monday, Dec. 8. He was 70.

Professor Fike, a 45-year member of the department of art and art history, established one of the premier metal arts programs in the country at Wayne State University He was highly respected in his profession and was instrumental in founding the Society of North American Goldsmiths.

His work has been widely exhibited in major venues for American metal work including the Renwick Gallery and the Gallery of the American Craft Council.

Professor Fike was a member of the College of Fellows of the American Craft Council and received numerous awards and prizes.

Marion Jackson, chairwoman of the department, said he will be remembered as one of the foremost American metal smiths of the late 20th century. "Phillip Fike has brought much credit to Wayne State University and he will be deeply missed by his colleagues and his students - his friends," Jackson said.

Professor Fike will be remembered at Wayne State as the artist who designed and created the university's ceremonial mace, carried at the head of commencement processions.

He is survived by two sons - Peter of Reno, Nev. and Christopher of Bethel, Conn - and four grandchildren.

A memorial gathering of friends will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the WSU Community Arts Gallery, where artist and friend Sergio DeGiusti will arrange a photo display of selected works by Professor Fike.

Memorials can be made to the Phillip Fike Fund, WSU department of art and art history, 150 Community Arts Building, Detroit, Mich. 48202. For more information call (313) 577-2980.