August 30, 2019
by Chuck Hooper
As I was walking around the Statler Ballroom looking at all of the photographs of cherished memories from Phil's past, I saw many great moments of "our" Phil. There was a great photo of him as a strapping young lad on a motorcycle in a pair of big bell bottom pants, and another of Phil in his Dune Buggy that he built himself. I also saw a great photo of Phil with his friend with the last name Moriarity I believe, and young Moriarity had one of the best 70's porn star mustaches I have ever seen! Phil was smiling that smile of his and it looked like he was laughing right out loud in that way we all can remember. I would love to know what was going down just before that photo was taken! While I was enjoying all of these images bittersweet as it was, I couldn't help but think of the many memories I have had laughing with Phil and just enjoying each other when we had the chance to cross paths. One memory is always going to be the first memory that comes to mind when I think of Phil.
My cousin was in town and we were going out to brunch at Americana winery and low and behold Phil and Yasamin had the same idea. As I was getting ready to take a seat I had pulled the chair back and as I went to sit down, the chair kept sliding backwards out a set of French doors and inevitably, the chair and myself landed rather loudly on the floor. Mortified as I was I was trying to figure out how to get up and be invisible at the same time. Well while we all know that Phil is tall in stature he seems even taller when he is standing over you extending his hand to help you up. My embarrassment went away and his lighthearted smile put me at ease. This sort of memory is self evident of the man Phil was. You will be missed my friend, but you will not be forgotten.
My cousin was in town and we were going out to brunch at Americana winery and low and behold Phil and Yasamin had the same idea. As I was getting ready to take a seat I had pulled the chair back and as I went to sit down, the chair kept sliding backwards out a set of French doors and inevitably, the chair and myself landed rather loudly on the floor. Mortified as I was I was trying to figure out how to get up and be invisible at the same time. Well while we all know that Phil is tall in stature he seems even taller when he is standing over you extending his hand to help you up. My embarrassment went away and his lighthearted smile put me at ease. This sort of memory is self evident of the man Phil was. You will be missed my friend, but you will not be forgotten.