Philip Merchant

PHILIP KNOLES MERCHANT

Philip (Phil) K. Merchant passed away on March 14, 2025, the day after his 66th birthday.

Phil was born in San Francisco to Julie Hazard and Richard Merchant. He was the third of four children, and was our "clown prince". Phil had a devastating sense of humor, a wry wit, and a knack for sarcasm. His commentary would have us all either doubled over with laughter or rolling our eyes as we gathered at the dinner table.

Phil attended grade school in San Francisco. The family moved to Ketchum, Idaho in 1971, and Phil became a member of the first graduating class of the Ketchum-Sun Valley Community school. He went on to attend Washington State University (go Cougs!) in Pullman, Washington, and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Phil made lifelong friends during his college years, bonding over a mutual love of sports.

To say that Phil was a "sports nut" is putting it mildly! He loved to watch any sporting event to come his way: basketball, golf, football, baseball, skiing, tennis, soccer; and, of course, his beloved 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and SF Giants. Phil was a devoted feminist and was all for women's sports equality, and followed women's sports just as enthusiastically. His memory for stats and the history of the game was enormous and remarkable, and Phil never failed to give his family and friends a "heads-up" about an upcoming game or event.

Phil enjoyed hiking and walking, skiing, golf, and gardening. He developed quite a talent for oil painting, emulating colorful impressionists. He was an avid reader and was fascinated with history, both familial and national. Recently, Phil took a trip to Rapid City, South Dakota with his friend Lillie to see Mt. Rushmore, a monument he had always wanted to visit.

Philip was preceded in death by his father Richard Merchant and his step-father Samuel Hazard. He is survived by his mother Julie Hazard, sisters Karen Merchant-Yates (Nick), Victoria Merchant Walker (Ben), and Elizabeth Merchant; brothers Albert Merchant (Lily), and Nathaniel Merchant (Dede); and his nieces and nephews Andy, Kate, May, Richard, Aenaes, and Penelope. He is also survived by his good friend Joni and her daughter Delaney.

As his friend Steve said, "Phil was a rascal, but he was a good man."

Rest in peace, Phil.