Phillip Howard "Phil" Olivier

1937 - 2025

Phil Olivier passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 1, 2025 in Santa Cruz after a long illness.

Phil was born in San Francisco, California on August 16, 1937 to Ruth and Howard Olivier. He was raised in Berkeley and attended UC Berkeley, graduating in sociology and education.

Phil began his teaching career at Kensington School in Berkeley where he met the love of his life, Kaye. Phil and Kaye and their son, Scot moved to Santa Cruz in 1968 and Phil began his 29 years of teaching at Bradley School in Corralitos.

After their son Jordan was born the family began their summer travels, camping all across the western U.S. Many happy hours were spent on road trips, in National Parks, and seeing and exploring the countryside. The family also spent two weeks every summer in the Sierra, in and around Tuolumne Meadows. Phil was renewed and invigorated by the mountains, the clear Sierra blue sky, and the flora and fauna of the high country.

Phil was an accomplished musician with a wonderful bass baritone voice. He sang in many choruses over the years, including 30 years in Cabrillo Chorus. He practiced singing daily for many years, filling the house with music and entertaining the neighbors. He was an excellent photographer, a skilled writer, a voracious reader, an enthusiastic hiker, naturalist, and traveler.

Phil and Kaye traveled extensively to Europe, Africa, the Hawaiian Islands and made many trips to the UK. Phil had a zest for life that was contagious and inspiring to those around him.

More than anything, Phil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved gathering with family and friends for a birthday celebration, holiday, or just for fun. He had a fabulous sense of humor that kept everyone laughing and which he never lost. His laughter was contagious and lifted everyone's spirits. He will be terribly missed.

Phil and Kaye had many dogs over the years, every one of which Phil loved and cared for. He frequently spoke about meeting them all at the rainbow bridge.

Phil leaves his wife, Kaye; his sons, Scot and Jordan; his daughters-in-law, Jong and Jill; daughter, Robin; and his grandchildren: Andrew, Kelsey, Ryan, Sean, Rachel, Noah and Matteo. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Howard and Ruth; his son, Christopher; and his older brother, Barry. We mourn his passing, but we celebrate a fruitful life, a life well lived.

The family would like to thank Dr. Adam Yarme, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, and the caregivers, especially Cameron, for their tender care of Phil.

Services will be held at St John's Episcopal Church in Aptos on January 10, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Reception to follow in the parish hall.

Donations can be made in Phil's name to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, The Alzheimer's Association or the SPCA of Santa Cruz County.