Philip C. Pillsbury (Phil), age 94, passed peacefully from this life on Thursday, June 28, 2007 in Paradise, CA. Phil was born on April 30, 1913 in Chico, CA to M. Paul and Dell Pillsbury.

Phil worked for Safeway for 16 years, mostly in Chico as the manager of the store on 8th and Main Street. He took a break from the store for 2 years during WWII as a welding foreman in the Richmond, CA shipyards. Phil left Safeway in 1952 and moved to Paradise to begin a successful career of 24 years in the apple business.

Phil retired from the apple business in 1975 and he and his wife traveled all over the U.S. and Canada for the next 20 years.

Phil belonged to the Optimist Club in Chico for many years and was a member of the California Apple Growers Association. He has been a member of the Elks for over 60 years and was one of the founders of the Paradise Elks Club.

He was preceded in death by his youngest son James M. Pillsbury (Jim) in 1986.

Phil is survived by his wife of 72 years Helen J. Pillsbury, and his son Jered P. Pillsbury (Jerry), 7 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, 2 brothers and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the Paradise Elks Lodge on Monday, July 9, 2007 at 11:00 a.m., a reception will follow. Graveside services for family members only.

The funeral arrangements are being handled by Paradise Chapel of the Pines Funeral Home and Paradise Elks Lodge #2026.

Memorial contributions should be made to the Elks Lodge or your favorite charity and condolences may be sent in care of Paradise Chapel of the Pines.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Paradise Post from Jul. 2 to Jul. 4, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Pillsbury

1 Entry

Debra (Debbie) Pillsbury-Barry

July 8, 2007

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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