Philip G. Watkins was born on March 8, 1954 in Long Beach, California. Our beloved father, devoted husband, wise grandfather, caring son, loyal friend, loving brother, warm neighbor and kind boss passed away at home peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2008. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends. Phil was a true South Bay local who could be found surfing his Velzey, snorkeling at the Tide pools, riding the bike path, going on a Sunday drive, taking a long walk with his sweetie, getting some flight hours at Torrance Airport, strumming his guitar, laughing with his family, and most often would be found tinkering around in his machine shop where he invented so many amazing things. Phil was a true lover of nature and his heart over-flowed with a love that never went unnoticed. Even a stranger could feel his gentle spirit. He loved going on vacation to Hawaii and surfing the North Shore. Like the Nutty Professor he often treated us to his fun loving almost goofy nature that made him so endearing to all. He only had to walk into his ill mother-in-law's room and say "Hi" and her face would light up with joy and she would say he made her day. He worked without fail to complete his dream of bringing electricity to anyone, anywhere by capturing the forces of nature. He completed and patented a revolutionary Vertical Axis Wind Turbine like no other. It fills our hearts with sorrow that he will never receive the fruits from his labor, but it is his family's great honor to complete the success of his beautiful invention. He will be truly missed by his wife, Rosemary; daughters, Mary Watkins (Gary Toomey), Brandy Watkins (Craig Michael); son, Ryan Watkins (Rosalina); mother, Sandy Kyte; father, Dick Watkins; grandchildren, Ann Watkins, Trinity Watkins, Logan Watkins, Marley Watkins, Hamony Michael; brother, Bob; sisters, Janice and Cheryl; and so many extended family and friends. Phil was fighting a brave battle with cancer, but this was a war that could not be won. May he be with the Good Lord watching over us while we make him proud. Funeral services will be Friday, July 18, 2008 at 9:00am at Green Hills Memorial Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.

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Published by Daily Breeze from Jul. 16 to Jul. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Watkins

21 Entries

Cheryel Watkins

July 16, 2025

Cheryel Watkins

July 10, 2025

Another year has passed
I wonder what kind of mischief your up to out there in the universe

Cheryel Watkins

July 10, 2024

16 years since Phil left this earth, & now has his mom Sandy and sister Janice with him. I know they are watching over us all

Jacquelynne Mainstone

July 30, 2008

As we age, it is the memories which keep us young. It is those same memories which keep us alive and living day-to-day. I smile at those THS days and the memories which we all shared surrounding Phil then. It was a pleasure knowing Phil at that time of his life and an honor to remember him now.

Dear family, may the Lord bless and keep you and hold you in the palm of His hand at this time.
Jacque (Hyles)
THS Class of '72
Fern-Greenwood

Karen Burns (Hahn)

July 30, 2008

From the whole Class of 1972 @ Torrance High School, you will be missed

Kevin Cortis

July 20, 2008

I believe Phil's "anything is possible" attitude will live in everyone who was lucky enough to have met him. I personally am eternally grateful for the vast knowledge and experience phil so unselfishly gave me over the years i spent with him.
My heart goes out to Mary,Rosemary,and the entire Watkins family.Phil's contribution to the green energy community may not be realized for some years but everytime I feel the wind in my face I can't help but remember and miss him.

Laura H

July 18, 2008

Rosemary,
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and The Family. God Bless.

July 18, 2008

What if the brilliant,
twinkling stars
that bring the night sky to life
are windows looking out at
heaven?
And at that very moment
when we're wishing
on those stars,
hoping that the loved ones
we have lost are happy,
safe and free...
maybe they are looking
at those same stars
from the other side,
making the same wish for us...
sending us all their love.

We are wishing our family
the comfort of loving memories
and the feeling
that you'll always
be connected to Phillip so close
to your heart.

In memory of my son Phillip,
my daughter Janice Watkins will be picking out the most brightest star this evening in memory of her brother calling that brightest star "Sweetie Pie" for Rosemary.

We love you Phil,

Mom & Janni, Bob

Gloria & Benito FIGUEROA

July 17, 2008

rosemary,I am so sorry for your loo,sorry that we never met phil . My grandson's always take about phil
was very nices man and funny.
You are all in our prayers

Marilyn Glawson

July 17, 2008

Will always remember Phil's smiling face. :-)
Phil Watkins loved life!
He was an upbeat, lighthearted man,
who enjoyed life to the fullest.
His devotion and love for his family was evident.
As a friend, I felt part of his family.
Knew him as an inventor, never boastful,
never more than modest about his accomplishments.
He will be greatly missed, and lovingly remembered.
Often fondly remember, many a time, Phil's laughter.
He could always see the good in people.
My deepest condolences to his family,
and his many friends who loved him well.

July 17, 2008

I would like to thank Rosemary, Phil's wife for giving my brother all the love any one person could possibly ask for.
Phil didn't want for anything, he had all he ever needed & wanted right there at home with you.
We love you Rosemary.
You have enriched his life & ours beyond belief.
You helped his dreams come true.
I have the utmost love, respect & admiration for you.
I am proud to have you as my sister in law.

Thank you,

Cheryel Watkins

July 17, 2008

I had the pleasure of knowing Phil Watkins over the past few years being Bob Watkins girlfriend.
My love goes out to Mom, Bob, Janice & Cheryel Watkins as they have accepted me into there family.
Thank you for everything.
Your brother loves you all so
very much.

From my heart to yours,

Love Suzie

July 17, 2008

Phil will be sorely missed. What an honor to meet Phil, Bob & Cheryl Watkins a few yrs back, such dedication to one another.
Phil was very fortunate to have his brother & sister always willing to do whatever it took to get R done and it showed in every way.
Thank you my friend's for being real.

Condolences from all of us here at the City of Torrance

Maureen Mcdade Andy Becker

July 16, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to the Watkins and Michaels family, on the loss of a fine man, a fine artist and a fine friend. What a joy he was to know. You are all in our prayers.

Mary Humme

July 16, 2008

rosemary, I am sending you a gentle hug. I am so sorry for your loss, but feel so blessed to have met you and phil-you know, the smallest interaction can change the world-well I hope in some way I can reflect his gifts outward-you know what I am trying to say! take care please. Love, Mary (from SPH)

Dave Glawson

July 16, 2008

Phil was a true friend, mentor, partner and all around good guy. I have enjoyed every minute we've had together at PacWind. As we carry his dreams to reality, He will always be a part of the team. I will miss him always.

Russell Kurtz

July 16, 2008

I had the great honor to serve Phil as his company's attorney. More importantly, I was also his friend and confidante. During a few road trips together he and I took, Phil shared his views on life. Phil was noble, honest, and ethical, and he was full of compassion, not only for his family, but also for anyone connected to his life. He really cared about people, in a gentle, sincere way. He will be greatly missed.

Cheryel Watkins

July 16, 2008

I remember when we were kids Phil loved to watch cartoons like all kids "Road Runner, Heckle & Jeck,Tom & Jerry amongst many more while eating his Jethro Boedine Bowl of cereal! Every once in while sounding out "meep, meep".
He always had his guitar, surf board, nose coat ,econoline van with of course the a-ooga horn, he used to love that horn, everyone knew when he was there. Always keeping you thinking without fail.
Phil has been creative and innovative with every single thing he touched, I mean everything!
From pancake syrup to VAWT's & more. I will forever hear Phil "Hey Rocky! Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat"!
My brother has always embraced life
now embraceing his new journey in space & time.

I will forever miss my brother "Flip" my nick name for him when I was little.

Ronald Giorgio

July 16, 2008

Brilliant man!
Amazing inventor!
Phil will always be here with us to make sure we never forget about
putting our heart and sole into what
we believe in.

Cardic Machine Products

July 16, 2008

To Ryan and his Family,

In ways big and small,
your father's life
changed the world
and left it a better place,
and touched too many hearts.
to ever be forgotten.

The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

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