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Phil CUNNINGHAM Obituary
Otis Orchards - Phil was born on September 18, 1947, and after a valiant battle with pulmonary fibrosis and acute leukemia, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, with his wife, Robin, and dog, Blaze, by his side.
Our family and his many friends have lost an amazing guy. His family always came first with so many memories that they will treasure forever. Family adventures were filled with hunting, fishing, camping, the great outdoors, and numerous car shows. And much more. His dear friends (and you all know who you are), and way too many to count, have lost a special person who touched their lives and was so generous with his time, knowledge and loyalty.
He was so talented, and did so much during his life, building our home, fabricating and building amazing award-winning hot rods and racing stock cars. He was a respected and gifted employee of WSDOT. He also made lifelong friends from 20 years of camping at Curlew Lake, way too many to mention.
He grew up in Otis Orchards and was a 100% Otis Kid. Running around with his brothers and bonus brother, Jimmy, swimming in the irrigation ditch, and racing his go-karts and hot rods around the neighborhood. He built his home and raised his family on the same land that used to be owned by his parents. What Phil accomplished during his life would fill volumes.
Thanks to Kevin, Jerry, the Monday Pryor's Fish lunch bunch, Fred and Greg for the terrific hunting memories. Dan for making every car show a show in itself, and especially all the phone calls and visits from so many during his final weeks.
He will be missed every day by his wife, Robin, and forever fishing buddy of 48 years (together 50); his wonderful kids, Brook (Scott) and Casey (Charity); grandson, Austin (Cassie); and his great-granddaughter, Stella. Brothers, Bruce (Kathy), Errol (Jeanette); sister, Marilyn Cunningham; his brother-in-law, Sam (Ann) and Tracy (Carol) Cassel; many nieces and nephews; and his dedicated dog, Blaze. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Peggy; and his brother, Roger.
A celebration of life will be held on September 12, 2025, at the Tri-County Newman Lake Grange, 25025 Heather Lane (E. Trent and Starr Rd.), Newman Lake, WA 99025, from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please just dress casually and share your stories and memories you have of this remarkable guy.
"Gone Fishing" miss you, honey, until we're together again.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phil CUNNINGHAM
6 Entries
JERRY D STAUFFER
September 10, 2025
Phil was one of the most talented fabricators i have had the pleasure of both knowing and working on stuff with. We had some very good times working on hot rods. I used to talk to him daily after we were both retired. Sure going to miss him.
Dan Allison
August 15, 2025
Phil was my friend for over 65 years. We were car guys. We went HS together. He had a '46 Ford, I a 48 Chev and bro Roger a 51 Chev. We found the old ones together. We got them running together. We showed together. We had a ton of fun. So much fun for a lifetime. Portland swap meet. Spokane swap meet. On road buying and selling cars and junk. we met a lot of good people who were our friends forever and still are.
He was by far the most talented mechanic, car builder I have ever known. Mechanics, body paint, electrical you name it, he could do it. This world has lost an absolute gem of a person and my friend. He didn't have an enemy unless he wanted one.
Robyn gave me a stool that I would sit on in his shop when I dropped by for a good BS session. It sits in my shop now and everyday I sit down on it and talk to my "Buddy" Phil. I'm getting tears in my eyes as I write.
I miss you now and always will...Good By my friend. I will see you again and I will sit on that stool and BS with you just like always . Your Friend Dan Allison..............
Tom Mertens
July 28, 2025
An amazing man, kind , lovable, respectful to everyone he came in contact with. How could you not love this guy. I found out today that he had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. So Phil we will see you soon
Darryl Kowalski
July 28, 2025
I always enjoyed my conversations and visits.
knew Phil for as logas i can remember, him being around when I was very young
his personality and craftsmanship will be greatly missed. the Kowalski family
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Douglas Bock
July 26, 2025
My Phil (and Robin too) story stated at Curlew Lake some 20+ years ago. We didn't know each other initially but once Phil and Robin moved from tent camping to the higher-class camper camp, they and many other fisher persons became good friends. Even when not at the lake I looked forward to Phil and my long phone conversations about all things outdoor, pesky ground squirrels and Guns.
Rest in Pease my friend:
Doug
JEANA M ALLISON
July 26, 2025
Phil was the Best Man in my wedding to Dan Allison in 2001. Phil told Dan he would be there as long as he didn't have to wear a suit. Lol At the start of the ceremony my Dad asked where that gentleman's suit jacket was. I said don't worry about it. That's just Phil. Thankfully Robin made sure he didn't show up in a car show t shirt and jeans Phil was very sweet, funny and smart as heck. I couldn't believe his cars! Wow! Sending love to Robin and Phil's family and friends. And his little Dog, too.
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