Philip Franklin Stotts

Philip Franklin Stotts

April 22, 1942 - June 27, 2025

My dad, Philip Franklin Stotts, took his final flight on June 27, 2025. And if you knew him, you know it definitely wasn't on a dark runway lit only by reflectors - let's just say he had a memorable experience with that once. (He tells that story best in his StoryCorps recording.)

Born in Fresno on April 22, 1942, Dad lived a life full of curiosity, kindness, and adventure. He met the love of his life, Victoria Stotts, at James Bowie's very first Red Carpet Car Wash in Fresno in 1967. Not long after, the two of them headed off to college in the redwoods of Humboldt. When he wasn't in class, he was working the green chain at the mill. Eventually, they returned to Fresno and built a beautiful life side by side - one full of love, grit, laughter, and more than a few brilliant projects.

He went on to build two successful businesses and became the best dad in the world to me - his daughter, better known to him as "Peanut" - and the most devoted Papa to his three grandkids: Snugglebear, Ebear, and Magpie. We were his people, and he was ours.

Dad served in the California Army National Guard and the Coast Guard, ran Western Avionics and Airductor, and could fix just about anything - especially if it had wings, wheels, or wires. He loved flying his Cessna 120, a brightly painted neo-classic that even made regular appearances in the intro of Webster Webfoot. That plane wasn't just a machine; it was a piece of his spirit with wings.

He was a proud member of the Quiet Birdmen, flew with the Fresno County Sheriff's Air Squadron, and volunteered with the American Medical Flight Support Team. And long before all that, he worked at Fresno's first McDonald's - and somehow stayed close with his coworkers for the next 60 years. That was Dad: loyal, grounded, full of stories, and always ready to help - or troubleshoot your aileron.

He was fearless when it came to a challenge. He brought a vintage runabout, which he named the Emma Mae, back to life with his own hands. Later, he and Mom captained a 48-foot Defever yacht, which they named the Maddy T, through the Delta and out past the Golden Gate, never far but always with purpose. He also helped pilot yachts of similar size all the way to Mexico and back. Planes, boats, cars - if it moved, he could master it.

Some of his greatest joys came from the simple things: fly camping with the family, late-night Westerns, tinkering in the hangar, and family game night (which, yes, he took very seriously). He could fix anything, calm any storm, and make even the most frustrating repair seem like a puzzle worth solving.

And of course, he had his favorite sayings:

"I'm a banana."

"Life is great if you don't weaken."

"Are we having fun yet?"

"Neo' Classic! To The Weeds!"

"Enjoy the ride - life is short."

Now that he's gone, we realize just how true that last one is.

Our hearts are broken. Our cars won't run the same. Our mechanical odds and ends are officially in trouble. We've lost our partner, our dad, our Papa, our best fixer, our co-pilot, and our calm in the chaos. But we were so lucky to have had him. We'll carry his love, his lessons, and that familiar laugh with us forever.

Fly high, Dad. We love you more than words can say.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, 2672 E Alluvial Ave. All who knew and loved Dad are welcome.