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Phillip Coulston Obituary
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, 'Wow, what a ride!!'
Dr. Phillip L. Coulston passed away suddenly on Sunday at the age of 63. He had been a resident of Clayton, California for 32 years. Phil was born in Cody, Wyoming to Dr. Harold and Ada Coulston who raised him in Fresno with brothers, Harold Coulston, DMD, William Coulston, and sister, Judy Coulston, Ph.D. He earned a BA degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Fresno State University, and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
In 1968, Phil married the love of his life, Susan Nicolaysen, of Orinda. They had two children, Todd and Erin, and built a wonderful, strong family life together. Phil was active in volunteering, whether at church or in schools doing dental health presentations. A long-standing member of the business community of Antioch, Phil practiced 34 years of dentistry as a partner in the Antioch Dental Group, building relationships with his colleagues and patients that he cherished immensely. Additionally, he was a member of the Contra Costa Dental Society, the California Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.
To say that Phil led an incredibly full life is a vast understatement. He had a passion for gardening, swimming, cooking, and spectating Bay Area sports, particularly the San Francisco 49ers.
Phil was preceded in death by his father and mother.
Phil is survived by the following family: his beloved wife of over 40 years Susan of Clayton, Ca.; son Todd of Ladera Ranch, Ca., daughter-in-law Jenifer, grandsons Trevor, Troy, Trent and a new grandchild due in December; daughter, Erin Williams of Pleasant Hill, Ca., son-in-law Joel, and a new grandson due in October. Phil also leaves behind his brother, Harold E. Coulston, Jr., DMD and his wife Cathy of Fresno; his brother, William Coulston and his companion Betty Delaney of Fresno; his sister, Judy Coulston, Ph.D. of Fresno; his stepbrother, John Nerness, M.D. and his wife Yvonne of Vero Beach, Florida; and his stepsister Carol and husband Jack Powers of Lansing, Michigan, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A Memorial Service celebrating Phil's life will be held at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Concord, Ca., on Friday, August 29, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Liver Foundation in his name, www.liverfoundation.org-donate, or send to the Northern California Chapter at 870 Market Street, Suite 1048, San Francisco, Ca., 94102. HULL'S WALNUT CREEK CHAPEL 1139 Saranap Avenue Walnut Creek, Ca. (925)934-5400
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Coulston
Bob Rouner
September 2, 2008
Dr. Coulston was genuine as a professional dentist and as a person.
A caring person translated into his art of practising dentistry. I was very fortunate that he followed Dr. Pridgen. My sympathy to Mrs. Coulston and his family.
Gina Baleria
September 1, 2008
Dear Erin, Todd and Susan,
I just heard about your dad, and I wanted to contact you to express my condolences. My parents also want to pass their prayers onto you. My Cousin, Tara Mackin, was at the funeral. Had I known in time, I would have been there.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Your old friend,
Gina
[email protected]
Steve and Kathy Langs
August 30, 2008
Dear Susan and Family, We knew Phil many years ago when he was the youngest son of Dr. Harold and Ida. He was growing up at the house on the bluff in Fresno. What a great guy he was, always kidding and laughing but holding his own around Hal and Bill. The Coulston home was such a great place, warm, active and very welcoming. Our memories of the love and devotion that was always there has stayed with us for over 40 years. It seems Phil continued this family tradition and how he will be missed. What a gift of joy and love he left you all. We send our sincere condolences. Steve and Kathy Langs
Irwin Chow
August 29, 2008
Dear Susan and Family:
It was a shock to see the announcement of Phil's passing. As a fellow graduate in 1962 from Bullard High School, we were alphabetically close and he was my elder by 16 days. Our fathers were both Physicians and even at offices within 2 doors of each other, and our sisters also were in the same high school class. He was a thoughtful friend of our graduating class and I will miss him at future reunions;but I will see him in the future.
God Bless you and your family for his life.
Lynne Reiswig
August 29, 2008
Dear Susan and Family,
I was so very sorry to hear of
Dr. Coulston's passing. He was so active and I know he will surely be missed by friends, colleagues, and patients. I truly enjoyed working with him during my years at the Antioch Dental Group.
I remember how much he enjoyed time with his family as he often spoke of good times on vacation and Todds and Erin's activities.
With sincere sympathy,
Lynne Reiswig
sally massey
August 29, 2008
Dear Susan, there are no words or sentiments that have not been expressed by others who have sent their thoughts to you. Families first, yours and ours, with a love for dentistry and a compassion for his patients and their feelings. Keeping you and your family in our prayers as Dr. Coulston will be missed by all of us. In God's Love, David, Sally and Sandra Massey, Jennifer Lloyd
David & Helen Breeding
August 29, 2008
Our hearts go out to all of Dr. Counston's family. We were shocked and saddened to hear about Dr. Coulston's passing. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was our family dentist for over 30 years. We enjoyed hearing him talk about his children and grandchildren. He was a wonderful kind and gentle man.
carmen mayne
August 28, 2008
Mrs. Coulston and Family,
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband & father.
Dr. Coulston was our Dentist for 25 years up until the time he left practice. He was so gentle and compassionate. We shared many stories of our children. So many times I listened to the absolute pride in his voice as he spoke of his son and daughter. May your memories sustain you and may his soul rest in Peace. We will always remember him.
Carmen & John Mayne, Antioch Ca
Marilyn
August 28, 2008
I never knew Phillip but I did have his father as my Dr in Fresno. He delivered both of my daughters.It sounds like Phillip took his father foot steps. He would always talk about his children .He was a wonderful Dr and sounds like Phillip was to.Sorry to hear of his passing.
Janet Freeman
August 28, 2008
I to had the honor of working for Dr. Coulston. He always had his patients best interest at heart a wonderful dentist and friend. He made it a good experience.....
My deepest condelences to Susan, Erin, Todd. May all the good memories be at heart to help you though this difficult time....He will be missed.
The Smith Family
August 28, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Candyce Foreman
August 28, 2008
I was very sad to hear of the doctors passing.
I always had a fear of dentists until I met Doc. Coulston. He always made you feel at ease and the trip to the dentist not quite so bad.
My prayers go out to your family.Blessings To You.
Cami Guercio
August 28, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Susan and the rest of your family. My heart goes out to you all at this difficult time.
I was Dr Coulston's assistant at the Antioch Dental Group for 12 years. He was the best boss and a pleasure to work with. He alway's keep me on my toes. I remember going on my interview thinking if I got the job I would just work there for awhile not knowing what the future was for me there. Twelve years later I was still there. That goes to show you how much I loved working for him and being at the Antioch Dental Group. We were all like a family there.
He loved being a dentist and took excellent care of his patient's and always strived to be the best he could be and provide the best dental care for his patients. His patient's were his top priority. I will cherish the experience of working with him not just as a boss , but as a friend and all the knowledge he passed on to me as newly graduated dental assistant.
I know he will be greatly missed by all that new him.
Michele Mickiewicz-Miller
August 27, 2008
My parents and I were patients of Dr. Coulston, for many years. We all thought so highly of him. I can still remember the stories he shared about Todd and Erin. He was so proud of his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, during this difficult time.
Rose Borbon
August 27, 2008
Dr. Coulston was the best dentist we ever had.He will be missed.Our prayers to the family.
Fred and Rose Borbon and Son
Joe and Helen Di Mercurio
August 27, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers our with the family. Dr Coulston will be missed.
Lori Di Mercurio
August 27, 2008
I truely enjoyed every dentist appointment. He will be greatly missed.
Dr. Tony Vlahiotis
August 27, 2008
May his memory be eternal. From a fellow dentist and friend.
Nancy Franklin
August 27, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the Coulston family. Dr. Coulston was our dentist for many years. We moved away several years ago and still traveled back to Antioch to keep him as our dentist. He was a very patient, gentle dentist and a kind man who shared stories about his family life during the visits, particularly major events like college, weddings, grandchildren. We are so sad to hear about his passing.
Don and Nancy Franklin
Diane & Bob Johnson
August 27, 2008
Dear Susan & Family
Words cannot express the shock upon learning of Phil's sudden passing. He was an adoring husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love
Glenda Crismore-Landrum
August 27, 2008
Dr Coulston had been my dentist my whole life. He was always so sweet and always spoke proudly of his children and wife. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Suzanne Punt
August 27, 2008
Susan,
We are all so sorry to hear about your loss. Words can not describe the sadness I feel in my heart for You & your family at this time. How blessed I feel to have had the honor of knowing Phil. He had a positive impact on everyone who knew the wonderful person he was. My prayers are with You & your family at this difficult time.
Our love,
Don, Suzanne, Jeremiah, Tyler (& Victor)
D.P. Coatings, Inc.
Raymond Curtis
August 27, 2008
Susan, my sincere condolences in the passing of Phil..I so much enjoyed visiting with him at ADG..Also, our visits at CDA conventions with you and Erin..My thoughts and prayers are with you...Ray Curtis, Patterson Dental
Patty Gilbert
August 27, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the Coulston family. Dr. Coulston was my family dentist all the years he was in Antioch. Words cannot describe the type of man he was. Always present, always full of life. His life has touched many. I pray for you, his family, may God's presence comfort you. Blessings and prayers to the Coulston family
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