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Phillip COLEMAN Obituary
COLEMAN, Phillip Ross
Dec. 7, 1940 - Aug. 17, 2013
Phil was born in Ontario, California and raised by his mother and stepfather Agnes and Eugene Newcomb.
They moved to Northern California in 1957 where he stayed. He attended California State University Sacramento and graduated with a Master degree in Biology, later he went on to receive a doctorate from Western Colorado University in education.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years Claudia, daughter Amber Barger, grandson Taylor Hanamura, granddaughter Amanda Potter and 2 great grandchildren, Thomas and Aurora. He was also a foster parent to several children throughout the years.
Phil taught high school at Highlands High School for 4 years and then went on to teach the sciences at Sacramento City College for 38 years, from Natural History to Anatomy and Physiology for nursing students.
Phil was active in many organizations and groups. He was very involved with American River Muzzle Loaders, a primitive shooting and camping club. He enjoyed outings with the Capitol As, a group for owners and enthusiasts of Model A cars. He was a passionate follower of Christ and was active in his church, Fair Oaks Presbyterian, participated in the Paraclete counseling program there and led a lively Bible study in their home on Thursday evenings.
He was passionate about photography and he and Claudia took many trips around the country to take pictures of wildlife from bears in Alaska to baby animals in the Midwest. He enjoyed canoeing and took at least one trip every year to Canada and brought many different people along with him throughout the years. If you came by the house you might find him out in his woodshop making finely crafted items from bowls to cribbage boards, working in his beautiful yard or framing photos from one of his many trips.
A Memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 28 at 11:00am at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church. Services will be performed by Pat and Barb Bennett, guest Pastors from Kansas and longtime friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phillip COLEMAN
Nancy Hilton
August 17, 2025
I was a member of Phil & Claudia's bible study. The study was a real family of believers with great insight thanks to both of their study and preparation.
Phil and his wonderful photography were always in
my sights and I fell in love with 'Harrington Otter" which was on the wall in their great room. One bible study evening I came in and realized that the photograph was gone. I thought that Phil had sold it and I was sad. He told me that it was hanging in a cafe that we would all go to breakfast at after church. That consoled me. I really loved that photograph. One day Phil gave me a package which contained the photo. I was so pleased and what he told me will always stay with me, every time I look at it on my wall. He said he had to give it to me, as he didn't want me sinning because I was coveting it.
He of course was teasing. When my husband Dan & I married, Phil made us a four-wood chopping board that is very precious to us.
Thank you, dear Lord, for giving us Phil, his love, his talents and his wonderful sense of humor.
Virginia Figueroa
August 13, 2025
He was the BEST A and P professor ever. Thank you Dr. Coleman for such a wonderful education.
Virginia Avila (Figueroa)
Anand Kaviraj
May 17, 2023
Truly the best teacher I ever had he was exceptional-Bio 1A at Sacramento City College. Had a true passion for biology which rubbed off on his students. If you took Coleman's class you were head and shoulders above the other students. he was demanding. The only bio teacher that had his students memorize respiration cycles-citric acid cycle, hydrogen transport cycle, etc.
Julia Wilder
January 12, 2014
I worked with Phil at SCC as the Lab Tech in Biology. I called him a "student maniac" and he would do anything to help students learn.
My condolences to Claudia.
Jonathan Brosin
October 2, 2013
Phil was a wonderful teacher and a wonderful guy. I saw him as a mentor and a colleague. His sense of humor was amazing! I loved his sense of evolution as God's scheme. I and Emilie send our thoughts to Claudia.
Bruce Enos
August 30, 2013
At Highlands High Phil taught me chemistry, biology, and photography, and he was my swimming coach. But far more than that, he was my friend and my mentor. He was one of the greatest souls I have ever known. I will miss him, until we meet again.
Paula Miller
August 28, 2013
We thank God for Phil's willingness to live out his faith in our Lord, Jesus. When Hank and I were young believers Phil and Claudia befriended us. We had the privilege of seeing them talk the talk and walk the walk of following Christ. Our prayers go with the family during this time.
August 27, 2013
Where do I start, Phil, I will truly miss our shooting adventures and camping with you. Your wisdom and fantastic conversations will forever stick with me. You were a master storyteller and will remain my favorite firepit music listening buddy. I just wish we could have done it one more time. But the lord calls us home on his time not ours.I hope and dream to live the life as you did. See you again old friend..
Tami Cookman
August 26, 2013
My Dear Claudia,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I think about you all the time. Keep strong!
Carroll Hemingway
August 26, 2013
Phil's passion for nature and photography was special. Many friends in many parts of the world will miss him. Some of us are lucky enough to be able to look at his images every day and remember Phil's talent, passions, and kindnesses. What a legacy! With deepest sympathy and affection for Claudia and his family.
Jenifer McDonald
August 25, 2013
My Dear Claudia - I was so saddened to see in the paper that you lost your most wonderful husband. It's been years since we were co-workers, but I will never forget the devotion you both had to each other and your families. I'm so terribly sorry for your family but know that your faith will help you through this time. B4CNILE ....I know you have treasured memories of a life filled with love. Jenifer McDonald
Randy & Liz McCrum
August 25, 2013
I have been fortunate to have known Phil (MR. Wizzard) for 23 years.I will miss our spirited shooting rivalry and all the fun we have had camping during great and not so great weather. I will miss his laugh and his heartfelt smile.
Phil you will always be missed by all who knew and loved you.
Lori & Paul Lust
August 24, 2013
Phil will forever be missed. We will always see your smile and hear your giggle. Our shoots will never be the same without you there.
Mary Honsinger
August 24, 2013
We remember and give thanks for the life of Phil Coleman.
Ken Minor
August 24, 2013
Phil was my lifelong friend. I met him when he was 1 1/2 and I was 4. Our friendship was deeper than brothers thanks to Phil and Claudia. We shared many interests together through the years. It has been my great blessing to have had a friend such as Phil for seventy pluses years. All men should be as fortunate.
Ken Minor, Santa Barbara, Ca
Mary Honsinger
August 24, 2013
I was deeply saddened to learn of Phil's passing. He had a wonderful, lasting influence on me and my family's life. He will be sorely missed and remembered fondly.
Megan H
August 24, 2013
Phil was such an amazing man who always had a smile. He meant a great deal to me and especially my son "hooterbug". Phil always took time for him and loved sharing and teaching. He will always be in our hearts. We are so lucky to have known him.
Beki Gray
August 24, 2013
Phil meant so much to us. He and Claudia are wonderful people who know what it means to be a friend and reach out to others. The world is a much poorer place without Phil.
Randy & Debbie Martin
August 24, 2013
It's hard to put into words what an impact Phil has had on our lives in the last few years of knowing him. Phil was always there when we needed him and such a happy person. We will miss him terribly.
August 23, 2013
I had Mr. Coleman for Chemistry at Highlands High School. I was terrible in the lab, and he was so patient. One of my favorite teachers. RIP
Karen Durst Spence
Ruth Sime
August 23, 2013
Phil was my colleague at Sacramento City College, where he was known to everyone as an amazing teacher and a truly fine person. He will be remembered with great affection by his many students and all those who knew him.
Evelyn (Davis) Owens
August 23, 2013
Mr. Coleman was one of those teachers people don't forget... I remember the time he was trying to decide the middle name for his new baby daughter in his Biology class. He really made learning fun because he was fun. I am sad to learn of his passing. With sincere condolences to his family.
Mary Fox
August 23, 2013
I was also a student of Mr. Coleman's at Highlands High School. I have wonderful memories from his class. My condolences to his family and friends.
Christine Lennon
August 23, 2013
Mr Coleman was my favorite teacher in High School. He was funny and engaging . A wonderful teacher. The remembrance in the paper was enlightening tribute to a life lived well. I count myself fortunate to have been one of his students.
August 23, 2013
He was a teacher that made a difference to all that knew him
Nancy & Dan Hilton
August 23, 2013
I was a member of Phil & Claudia's wonderful bible study for 9 years. He was blessed with the Holy Spirit, which brought great insight into our studies. When I married, my husband Dan, was welcomed into the "family" too.Phil's joy, love & wisdom will be sorely missed. We do know that he is with the Father now, where he truly belongs, waiting for us to follow.
Christine Lennon
August 23, 2013
Mr Coleman was without doubt my favorite teacher in High School and beyond . Funny and engaging . I am grateful I was one of his students.
Christine Lennon
August 23, 2013
Mr Coleman was without a doubt my favorite teacher in High School and beyond . Funny and engaging. I am very thankful to have been one of his students.
Steve Andrews
August 23, 2013
I knew Phil and Claudia during the time they attended Arcade Wesleyan. Phil was very knowledgeable of the Scriptures, and I really liked him. Claudia, you are in my prayers at this time.
Pamela (Mann) Pryor
August 23, 2013
Rita and I both ate grasshoppers in his class. He had a great sense of humor and is remembered very fondly by his former students at Highlands. A couple of us were just speaking of him about a week ago.
God bless and be with his family. May God lighten your grief with the wonderful memories of a life well lived, and give you peace.
Susan O'Connor
August 23, 2013
Mr. Coleman was a my teacher in Biology and Adv. Biology at HHS. He was a favorite of mine and many other students and the kind of inspiration you wish more teachers could be. His great attitude toward his students and life in general left a lasting impression in my life. Condolences on his passing.
Dan Wilson
August 23, 2013
We are so sad to hear of Phil's passing. Our prayers go out to the family. Until we see you again~
Rita Woods Jensen
August 23, 2013
I have many fond memories from his high school class years ago, even eating grasshoppers. He made it interesting. Education lost a great teacher.
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