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Philip I. Eschbach IV

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Winter Park High School University of Florida

Philip Eschbach Obituary

ESCHBACH IV, PHILIP I., died in Corpus Christi, Texas, Saturday, February 5, 2005, in a parasailing accident. Philip was born on August 6, 1981, in Orlando. He graduated from Winter Park High School in 1999 and the University of Florida in 2003. He joined the Navy while in college and upon graduation began his officer candidate program at the Pensacola Naval Training Center. He was commissioned as an officer in January 2004 and began his pilot training. He had just completed his primary in Corpus Christi and was about to begin training in Naval P3 aircraft when the accident occurred. Philip's life was full of the spirit of adventure and passion for the great outdoors. He became an accomplished equestrian, hunter, scuba diver, deep-sea fisherman, and enjoyed international travel. As a child, growing up among the lakes of Winter Park, he built his own boats and set sail with friends on excursions, fishing expeditions, and an array of water sports. His love of the water was unbounded, and later found expression as he piloted his friends on adventurous jaunts to the Florida Keys for the time of their lives. Philip was a member of the undefeated Winter Park High School Lacrosse team that won the state championship in 1999. He excelled as an honors student and played the trumpet in the Glenridge and Winter Park High marching bands. Throughout his high school and college years his independent spirit and quiet, confident leadership inspired friends and family alike as he created wondrous excursions for all to enjoy. Philip was a political science major at the University of Florida and was president of the Young Republicans on campus. He became a licensed pilot and attained his instrument and multi-engine rating while still in college. Excelling in aviation, Philip attained top honors in his pilot training program in the Navy. Philip will live in the memory of his parents, Phil and Elizabeth Eschbach; his sister, Anna Eschbach and brother, Arthur Eschbach; his grandparents, Phil and Teresa Eschbach; his aunt, Mary Eschbach Vance and uncles, Arthur Seymour, Ward Seymour, and Max Meredith; their families; and a host of loving friends. A service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park on Saturday, February 12, 2005, at 2PM. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, P.O. Box 11010, Tallahassee, Florida 32302.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel on Feb. 8, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Eschbach

42 Entries

Debbie Komanski

February 3, 2006

Dear Phil and Elisabeth=

Today I was remembering the wonderful life Philip experienced in his short lifetime. I wish you the the comfort and peace found in remembering and celebrating your happy memories with your boy. He does forever in our hearts.

With hugs,

Debbie Komanski

Sally (Holmes) Nelson

February 14, 2005

Dear Cousin Elizabeth, and Family,

Geographical distance has kept us apart all these years, so I was not fortunate enough to know your wonderful son. I have vivid memories of adorable little Philip entertaining us with his energy and antics at my Parent's 50th Anniversary celebration back in the 1980s. When I looked at the photo of him in the paper, I could still see the engaging little boy in that handsome young man's face. A vibrant life cut too short...My prayers are with you.

Love,

Your Cousin, Sally

Jennifer Berringer

February 14, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

WPHS Boys Lacrosse

February 13, 2005

Mr. and Mrs. Eschbach,

We wish to express our deepest sympathy to your family. It is difficult to bear the loss of one so very dear. May your memories be a comfort to you. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Eschbach Family.

Lesley Chow

February 13, 2005

Dear Eschbach family and friends,

Please accept my deepest sympathies for your terrible loss. I went to Winter Park and UF with Phil and met him through mutual friends. You are all in my prayers and thoughts.

Patti Stuart

February 12, 2005

We can be left with nothing greater

than gentle memories

of one who has touched

many lives in many ways.

When we gather happy memories

and hold them close to our hearts

the gentle spirit of peace

will touch us

And as we go on celebrating

the time we had together,

we'll find the treasure

of remembering

and the comfort of believing

that each life is indeed a gift

to be held in our hearts

forever.

Phillip touched so many lives.

May God comfort you.

Amy Davidson

February 11, 2005

I knew Philip through my sister Jessica Davidson and the WPHS Band. I remember him as this little guy with an abundance of energy that nobody knew what to do with!! :) I wish I could have gone with the group on their Freshman band trip to New Orleans because the stories and memories are incredible. It seems to me that Philip found where to utilize his energy and made an impact on so many people. He accomplished so much in his young life and not many of us will ever fathom the possibility of those achievements. The Eschbach family should be very proud of him for this because we all are. Philip will be greatly missed, but cherished in our hearts forever.

Amy Davidson

February 11, 2005

I knew Phillip through my sister Jessica Davidson and the WPHS Band. I remember him as this little guy with an abundance of energy that nobody knew what to do with!! :) I wish I could have gone with the group on their Freshman band trip to New Orleans because the stories and memories are incredible. It seems to me that Phillip found where to utilize his energy and made an impact on so many people. He accomplished so much in his young life and not many of us will ever fathom the possibility of those achievements. The Eschbach family should be very proud of him for this because we all are. Phillip will be greatly missed, but cherished in our hearts forever.

Graham Parks

February 11, 2005

Phil enjoyed every aspect of life from his political views, love of aviation and boats, to lacrosse, hot wings and cigars. I met Phil in the dorms freshman year and he became a full-time college buddy. Phil exposed me to new things: skeet shooting and flying. We went to London and Key West. I thank him for every moment of friendship and I send all my thoughts and love to the Eschbachs and all those touched by Phil's life.

The Kirkley Family

February 10, 2005

We pray God will comfort you during this sad time. Bryan was so lucky to have a friend like Phil. We're thankful they had such a great friendship. The memories will last forever. God bless you now and always.

Anne Foster Curtis

February 10, 2005

Dear Elizabeth, Jim called last night to leave me the sad message about Philip's death. I am sending you a warm and loving hug at this terrible, untimely loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Anne Foster Curtis

Suzanne Gause

February 10, 2005

I am thankful for having had the chance to know such a hard-working and kindhearted person like Phil. His passion for life and unwavering integrity will be sorely missed. My prayers are with the Eschbach family.

Abby Lackman

February 10, 2005

Even within the limited sphere through which I knew Phillip - the Winter Park HS band - your son brightened hundreds of lives with his boundless energy and indefatigable spirit. His vivacity shall continue to radiate through the smiles and laughter of those privileged to know him.

Modell Kristin

February 9, 2005

I went to WPHS with Phil and he was always an incredibly nice, sweet classmate. I got to know him better in college. He was one of the absolute nicest people I had ever met. I am so sorry for your loss.

Michael and Debbie Shaw

February 9, 2005

To the Eschbach Family,

We cannot imagine the pain and grief you are going through. You all will be in our prayers. We also pray that you will continue to see God's love for each of you. We love you.

Michael, Debbie, Corrie, and Trent Shaw

Slocum Platts Architects

February 9, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jason Jordan

February 9, 2005

I had the honor of meeting and becoming Phil's friend through our work on the board of the College Republicans and the Freedom Foundation at the University of Florida. During my time at college, he was one of my best friends. I will always have the pleasure of having numerous memories that include him. Please know that my prayers and the prayers of my family are with you and your family.

Sarah Gray

February 9, 2005

I know Philip from high school band. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to his family. He livened up the trumpet section and the lives of so many people and he will always be remembered.

Stephanie Lockard

February 9, 2005

Words cannot express the sorrow of such tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with the Eschbach family.

Adam Guillette

February 9, 2005

Phil was one of the most straight-forward, honest and decent people I have met. I admired him and am very proud to have been able to work with him.

Laurie Van Brunt

February 9, 2005

Dear Phil and Elizabeth,

Roz sent me the very sad news of Phil's death. I send my love and deepest sympathy in this time of tremendous loss and sorrow. Love, Laurie Van Brunt

Debbie Komanski

February 9, 2005

Dear Eschbach Family

My heart just broke to hear the tragic news of Philip's accident. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you in this very sad time. And, will remain with you forever. Philip will be forever alive in your heart and soul.

Warmest wishes dear friends.

Debbie

Daniel Caligiuri

February 9, 2005

The Caligiuri Family of Winter Park: Daniel, Melissa, Barret, Connor and Griffin are deeply saddened by the loss of a former WP student, lacrosse player and Navy hero.

Our thoughts and condolences are with the Eschbach Family during this difficult time when Philip was called home by the Lord.

God Bless Philip.

Tre Tuberville

February 9, 2005

I met Phil the summer of 2003 at Circle F Dude Ranch. He was on riding staff with me and I cannot tell you how much fun that job was having him to joke with. He always made me laugh and he will always remain in my heart. He was a great guy and I was very lucky to have known him.

Joie and Bob Cadle

February 8, 2005

Phil and Elizabeth,

It is with great sadness that we learned of the loss of your precious son. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer Myers

February 8, 2005

sorry for your loss... God is with him now.

Debbie and Byron Beard

February 8, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Eschbach and family,

We are honored to have known Philip. He was an extraordinary young man. We enjoyed having him in our home. We are thankful he was able to visit our family during the holidays.

Our deepest sympathy goes to your family and friends.

Colleen Cook

February 8, 2005

Mr. and Mrs. Eschbach, Anna, and Arthur,

I met Phil through Jon and Jason Farmand at UF a few years ago. He was an extremely nice person and was always fun to be around. I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Sincerely,

Colleen Cook

Karen Rumbley

February 8, 2005

Dear Elizabeth, Phil, Anna, and Arthur: My heart aches for the lose of such a great son and brother. My heart rejoices in the fact that we will one day see him again! Condolences to my good friends. We love you.

Karen,Nicole,Nathan, & Tristan

Aimee Dawson

February 8, 2005

I met Philip in middle school band where he enlivened the trumpet section with humor and kindness. His sportsmanship, outdoorsmanship, and most of all, his inventiveness, are what I will remember most.My deepest sympathies and fondest memories of Philip are with you... Aimee

Wes Hamrick

February 8, 2005

I can't expess my sadness at your loss...I remember Philip as such a sweet boy. I won't go on and add to your sorrow. I only want to say that I share your sorrow and grieve at the loss of your son. If there's anything I can do, please let me know.

Wes

David & Grace Waldrop

February 8, 2005

Dearest Phil and Elizabeth, Joe called us early Sunday morning and we were both stunned and so saddened for your loss. We discussed at length how it has been too long since we've been together and how we remember Philip's birth - how joyous. We remember that happy time as we pray for you and your family during this tragic time.

Joseph N., Rosemary, and Joseph W. Atwater

February 8, 2005

Our hearts ache for you as you deal with your loss. We have fond memories of Phillip as a child and know that he grew to be a wonderful young man. May the peace of God comfort you and please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Natt Reifler

February 8, 2005

As a loyal fan of Winter Park lacrosse (having coached in the first two years of the club existence with Mark Beaty) and having deep respect for all who serve our country in the armed forces and being a lover of watersports too, I send my sincere condolences and sympathy to your family and all friends at this difficult time.

Christian Waugh

February 8, 2005

Phil had my confidence and warmest personal admiration. I am honored to have known him.

Georgia Higgins

February 8, 2005

Mr. and Mrs. Eschbach, Anna, and Arthur,

I just wanted to let you know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Georgia

Stephanie Goodlette

February 8, 2005

What a life we have to celebrate. I feel blessed to have spent time with Phil and know now that I have another angel looking over me.

Scott Stuart

February 8, 2005

Dear Eschbach's,

I cannot begin to imagine what sort of pain and emotion you all are going through now, so I will not even attempt to try to relate with you all. As I write this letter I cannot help but have tears in my eyes for the loss of a fine human being. When going to sleep last night I could not help but think of all the wonderful memories your son and I had together, everything from bass fishing to duck hunting to our countless games of lacrosse. Though Phillips life was full of recreation his life holds more to me than that, he reminds me of what it means to lend a hand and to be there for someone when they need it most. Your son offered that in our friendship, to say he will be missed is an under estimation.

With much love,

Scott Stuart

Jennifer Hawkins

February 8, 2005

Philip was always shy but would occasionally let loose. During his more "open" moments, he always knew how to draw laughter. His determination in sport and school was always admirable. He will be missed.

Rosalind and John Beck

February 8, 2005

Dearest Phil and Elizabeth, We are filled with grief at Philip IV's passing. Our hearts are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathy and love, Roz and Jack

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