We are going to truly miss you, Phil. You were a true-blue friend, a wonderful in-law to have, a loving grandpa, father, brother and a Godly example to all of us.
We have had so many shared memories and wonderful experiences together over decades. So many years of friendship together, so much of life lived together as in-laws, church elders, at family outings, at parent and grandparent activities, there was so much of sharing in life together and sometimes it was in the good, the bad and the ugly of life but your Christlike attitude, your love for Christ and others always came through with such grace, love and genuine kindness.. We will forever respect you immensely for that.
Life will be so different now without you here -but, oh, what a reunion we will have! We will see you again brother… Tell my Dad “hi” from us, I’m sure you two are having some great conversations!
I still find it unfathomable that my brother has passed on, but knowing he's in a better place now and I will see him again in time, it does give me a sense of peace.
I feel blessed and fortunate to have had quality time with both Phil and brother Steve as they have been helping me build a small cabin at my property along the Skagit river. The first time in many years "just us 3 boys" were able to share that time together just weeks before Phil's birthday, and sadly his departure. That little, but overwhelmingly big project had proved to be more than I could handle, so without a lot of brotherly love, I felt I'd never see completion.
That cabin gained much more significance than I ever could have imagined, and I have gained so much more inspiration in completing that building with the wonderful memories that I will reflect on for the rest of my time on Earth. There will also be a dedicated area on my land for Phil's garden where a Rhodie will flourish (kids, help me out with the color of the blooms!) No outing would be be complete without Phil saying "Have you seen my coffee cup?". A thought crossed my mind of making a giant wooden coffee cup planter that would be the center piece of his garden, never to be lost!
One very long and hard day hanging sheathing on the cabin, the sun was setting and I was dog tired. I told Phil let's call it a day. He said let me drive one more screw. I retired to the comfort of my 5th wheel RV and ended up falling asleep. When I woke an hour later, No Phil, so I grabbed a flashlight and made my way back to the build site. There's Phil on a ladder, with his headlamp on, driving another screw! I asked, Sheesh Bro, you still driving that one last screw? He said no, you missed a spot. haha
The point is, he knew how bad my feet were hurting to a point, I could barely put one foot in front of the other. That's the kind of person he always was. When I was in a bind he always came to my rescue.
Blessed condolences to Phil’s family, and especially a very special heart felt message to aunt Dorine. Phil was an outstanding person in so many ways, that we all were so fortunate to love and know him during his time throughout our lives.
Like many of the Halverson cousins, I knew Phil from as early in life as our God made it possible. He was a little more than one year younger than I….so I witnessed just how special of a person Phil became from the very start.
One tidbit to share…this was about 1959.
Archie & Ed had their sites on becoming the latest and greatest home developers on earth. They decided to build a house in south Seattle area together. ( they should have asked Marvin for his opinion).
Phil and I would join theme every Saturday, not to help but to spread havoc.., because our dads were working every day but weekends, and no one in their sound minds would want to babysit us. Don’t blame them!
I think we were about 8-10 yrs old…
Our dads were focused on building a house to sell, while we were focused on manic destruction.
One day…we both got in major trouble, not unusual,….actually pretty good odds..because it took forever to build this house…and sell it as well….so it seemed to take forever, and we were bored!!
It was wet, raining…and muddy this particular day…(happens 99% of all days in Seattle ) the house was a long ways from being completed…
Our dads hadn’t considered that we may need a place to “go “ when nature called.., so we decided to do what most hunters would do. Visit a nearby bush… so we did…
Oh boy..,you would have thought it was Armageddon.
We both had a couple of what they used to call spankings in the day….
While it was 65 years ago ...I still remember like it was yesterday. I’m glad I do…because those are treasured memories with Phil and our DADs that I still vividly remember.
Phil…sorry if I persuaded you to cross the line..but we did the right thing cousin!
Phil was one of the many cousins I deeply love and cherish. We were so very blessed to have a family network that brought us all so closely together then….. and today. Thanks to Grandpa and Grandma. We are very blessed and lucky as you know… because of our special ancestors. Few enjoy what our they were able to give us.
Phil was one heck of a guy. We will miss him. And someone we will always love and highly respect.
Love you Phil…
Best Always,
Terry Halverson
What a wonderful tribute to Phil dear ones. So many memories and times of rich fellowship keep helping your Aunt Cheri and I rejoice even as we grieve Phil's departure. Thank you for posting this and may you be encouraged as others read and post their many fond and enriching memories of Phil. He was a rock to many because he built his life upon the rock of our Lord. His testimony will continue as we share with one another and others. So much love to you all.
I was sad to learn of Phil's passing, as we grew up together at Emmanuel, especially in Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts. Phil and I were part of many, many scout outings and hikes. During teen years we shared many good times at Sambica. May the Lord bless and comfort his family, and help all of us anticipate seeing Phil again one day.
We have had so many shared memories and wonderful experiences together over decades. So many years of friendship together, so much of life lived together as in-laws, church elders, at family outings, at parent and grandparent activities, there was so much of sharing in life together and sometimes it was in the good, the bad and the ugly of life but your Christlike attitude, your love for Christ and others always came through with such grace, love and genuine kindness.. We will forever respect you immensely for that.
Life will be so different now without you here -but, oh, what a reunion we will have! We will see you again brother… Tell my Dad “hi” from us, I’m sure you two are having some great conversations!