On May 12, 2012, Phil punched a big ole hole in the sky and was last seen headed for the pearly gates with a big grin on his face. Boy is he in for a surprise.
Phil was born in Tulare, Calif., in 1936. He grew up in Aptos, Calif., and attended Watsonville H.S. He always dreamed of flying and shortly after graduation he joined the U.S Air Force and toured the far east as a Flight Engineer. He met his wife, Enid, while stationed in Hawaii. They raised four children and spent the next 51 years together. Oh, if she'd only known.
After 8 yrs. active duty, Phil relocated his family to Reno and joined the Reno Fire Dept. where he made many lifelong friends. While fighting fires was his job, aviation was his passion. He obtained his aircraft mechanics license and multiple flight ratings incl. Commercial, Instrument, Single/Multi engine land & sea, Helicopter, and Airline Transport Pilot rating. He built many aircraft, several in his garage, including one purchased by Steve McQueen. He was one of the original members of the Washoe County Sheriff's Aero Squadron flying search and rescue missions. He was also active in the Reno Air Races from its beginning in 1964, and could always be found in the pits wrenching on a friend's plane.
Phil took his knowledge, experience, and passion north where he operated an Air Taxi flying the Alaska bush. But, alas, even that wasn't enough. Setting his sights on the highest point in North America, Phil joined his friend, Jim Okanek and K2 Aviation, flying the often treacherous glaciers of Mount McKinley. They also took great pride flying spot and supply for the Iditarod racers every year.
All the while, Phil continued military service in the Guard and Reserve. He eventually retired from military service and relocated back to sunny northern Nevada. In 2006 he was the recipient of the FAA's prestigious Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. He was eligible for the Master Pilot Award this year.
Phil never got aviation or Alaska out of his system. To Enid's chagrin, he managed to migrate back to Alaska almost every summer. Phil absolutely loved aviation and was a true artist. When he wasn't flying he was wrenching, and when he wasn't wrenching he could always be found in his hangar drinking cheap wine and trading lies with his buddies. He was a cheerful guy, good weather and bad, and he always had a kind word and a genuine smile for people. He was a man of faith and always loved and trusted his Lord. He earned his wings.
Phil is survived by his brothers Gene and Larry, wife Enid, sons Philip and Nathan, daughter Michelle, grandchildren Laine and Grayson, and nephew Dane. His son Dan beat him to the gates, and I'm sure as you read this they are arguing over some minor, insignificant detail.
While Phil was doing all this, Enid was working as an RN and raising four kids. Raise a glass to the old timer, but send your flowers and sympathy to Enid, he couldn't have done it without her. Blue skies and a tailwind Phil, we'll miss you always. Those wishing to share memories of Phil can do so at www.albertsonfuneralhome.com.
[[In-content Ad]]
