Phil, 79, died November 20, 2011, in Bigfork, Montana. He was born Nov. 19, 1932, in Susanville, California and moved to Missoula in 1944, where his father was regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service.

He joined the U.S. Air Force after graduation and always appreciated the opportunity to fly a jet. Phil jumped at McCall in 1951-53 while working to earn his bachelor's degree in Forestry from the University of Montana.

After marrying his wife Sue in 1977, Phil continuing farming for some years before moving to Bigfork and pursuing his hobbies, including crafting fine furniture during the winter months.