You can shed tears that he is gone or you can smile because he has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back or you can open your eyes and see all he's left
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him or you can be full of the love you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember him and only that he's gone or you can cherish his memory and let it live on
David Harkins
Queen Mother Funeral Poem
(genderized)
On December 17, 2010 at 10:14 pm, Phil died from pancreatic cancer. His final hours were peaceful and love-filled as family members remained at his side.
From the beginning in late July he was determined to keep this a private matter, protecting all from the inevitable progression and pain of his condition. Phil wanted to be remembered for the good times with you all, and there were many with many.
You are invited to join Phil's family in a memorial and celebration of his life on January 15, 2011 from 1 to 4 pm at the beautifulHakone Gardens in Saratoga , California Belmont
Phil was buried in a private ceremony at Gate of Heaven Cemetery inLos Altos , CA
On December 17, 2010 at 10:14 pm, Phil died from pancreatic cancer. His final hours were peaceful and love-filled as family members remained at his side.
From the beginning in late July he was determined to keep this a private matter, protecting all from the inevitable progression and pain of his condition. Phil wanted to be remembered for the good times with you all, and there were many with many.
You are invited to join Phil's family in a memorial and celebration of his life on January 15, 2011 from 1 to 4 pm at the beautiful
Phil was buried in a private ceremony at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in
Please feel free to post your comments or remembrences below by clicking on “comments”.
Oh boy … how does one reduce a thirty seven year relationship down to a few words that captures the truth and spirit of it all … one tries but one doesn’t. Phil came to me through my wife, his beloved sister Barbara, and most certainly was a major joy in my marriage. Over the years Phil and I developed a relationship along side of the typical “brother-in-law” role. Mutual interests in various aspects of life lead us to alone time, which lead to bonding conversations. We got to know each other in a place of trust and respect, and Phil was easy to respect. He was made of the stuff you’d want your airline pilot, brain surgeon or school bus driver made from. He was smart, curious, methodical, and conscientious; he was thoughtful, considerate and polite. As a combat veteran, I was always impressed how Phil openly expressed his regret over not serving in the military and his gratitude for those who did by frequently giving up his Memorial Day barbeque to attend services at Golden Gate National Cemetery ... he didn’t just “talk the talk”, he “walked the walk”. He would have been a great one. I admired him for lovingly raising children not from his own seed, like they were his own. I looked up to Phil, and not just by handing him tools as he repaired the solar panels on my roof … but as a man, as a human being. I love you Bro ... and yes, “it was a grand ride”.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have only recently come to consciously realize this, my Uncle Phil was and will remain to be a valuable male role model in my life. He is perhaps one of the most gentle & respectful men I have ever met. He was a lover, not a fighter...not an aggressor. He was a gentleman, in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteIn hindsight, I understood this intuitively since I was a very little girl and I therefore always trusted him and could depend on him bringing his warm aura when he visited. I saw what a loving and considerate big brother he was to my mom, always calling her to say hello & always greeting her with a kiss. I saw how generous and respectful he was with my dad, always sharing electrical knowledge and skills. I even noticed how affectionate he was with animals. He would greet our cats by name and give them some hearty scratching behind the ears. And then later on, from my "adult" eyes, I witnessed how kind my uncle Phil was with children. He was so patient and curious with my niece and nephew, and with his granddaughter, always asking questions and truly listening to their answers.
Uncle Phil, thank you for all you have taught me. I love you.
Kelly, I've never met you, yet I want to thank you for so elloquently writing what I too feel in my heart. You captured the Uncle Phil, I so remember - even the part about the cats. I will always remember Phil fondly as an incredibly kind and gentle man with a big heart. He taught me to water ski and snow ski - thanks Phil for adding fond memories to my life and being a wonderful uncle. ~ Eve Vuillemainroy
ReplyDeletePhil Kamp - It is said: "it is not what you take when you go, but what you leave behind". Phil left great memories with me and others... Phil and I participated in an enthusiast club for motorcycles together. During our shared time in club events Phil was always a kind, supportive, knowledgeable and interesting member. Phil maintained his machine to impeccable standards along with his behavior, and was always a pleasant and interesting soul to speak with. Phil is missed. God bless Phil! Neil Rodrigues, CJMC
ReplyDeleteYou will be missed my Friend. You truly were a Kind sole and I will think of you often. I didnt know you as long as many but I will never forget the good times we had together at work. I will never Forget the way you talked about your daughter- I remember when you said with a tear in one eye and a smile on your face she was the one thing- the best thing!! I have never looked at my own son the same since. Wendy he spoke so highly of you too! My heart goes out to your Family and friends. I remember the things you taught me, I only wish I had more time to pay you back. I miss you buddie! James Schanmier Belmont
ReplyDeleteDear Phil,
ReplyDeleteI remember the gentleman you always were and how kind you were to my husband. You were his mentor and best buddy. My boys always thought highly of you. My oldest has fond memories of you teaching him how to water-ski and what a cool guy you were. I always admired your work ethics, consideration, kindness and charitable nature. In over forty years of marriage I have only seen my husband cry twice. His mother's illness and yours. You will be so missed.
Lana
Phil,
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to say good-bye to your best friend. You would know how much trouble I have with words. Thank you for all your help and patience over the years. I miss you so much Buddy.
Tony Mateo
I just learned of Phil's death and am truly devastated. Phil was one of the first members of the Singles Motorcycle Club and I can remember so many funny incidents. Our meeting at a restaurant that was, unknown to me, no longer in business. My questions over the years about his finishing his kitchen project and his rueful grin when he admitted it still wasn't done. His wiping down his brand-new Harley on a ride to Lucia as we all ragged him how it would get dusty again. I have so many memories of how he made our trips fun. RIP Phil, we will all miss you.
ReplyDeleteBabe,
ReplyDeleteYou gave me a flask on which you had the words engraved "To Wendy, Love Forever, Phil". That says it all - you know I feel the same way.
I miss you so very very much... Until we meet again, Wendy