Philip John TONKOVICH

1946 - 2016

TONKOVICH, Philip John

" It takes Courage to grow
up and become who you
really are. "
e.e. cummings

Philip John Tonkovich born October 22, 1946 to John Philip and Ruth Agnes (Clifford) Tonkovich in Anaconda, Montana passed away recently in Palm Springs, California where he had resided for the past 10 years. Phil had been under the care of the Veterans Administration medical staff for a variety of illnesses and passed away from natural causes.
Phil and his family relocated from Montana to Spokane, Washington in his early years where he attended St. Patrick's grade school and Gonzaga Preparatory High School. Phil was a kind, thoughtful and studious person who did very well in school and was elected Student Body President at Gonzaga in 1964-1965. After graduation, Phil enlisted to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war and was honorably discharged after attaining the rank of Sergeant. Phil, like many who served their country in the Vietnam war, was indelibly changed by the experience and bore both the scars and the perspective participation such conflicts leave. As the years progressed, Phil grew to have a deep appreciation and affection for his fellow soldiers and invested a great deal of time on issues affecting his fellow comrades
Phil attended Gonzaga University, Carroll College and Eastern Washington University where he enjoyed and devoted himself to the study of philosophy, literature, and poetry.....with one of his favorite poets being e.e.cummings. Phil once remarked how much he loved literature and how he often thought of his books as some of his closest and dearest friends.
Phil was especially appreciative and had a very deep love for his son Christopher and his two grandchildren, Sebastian and Atticus. He had a great fondness for the Palm Springs area and loved the people he had developed friendships with. Phil will be missed by many, for a variety of reasons, each relationship tended to be unique.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents as well as by siblings Michael, Michelle and Marc. He is survived by his son Christopher
(Irene), grandsons Sebastian and Atticus, his former wife, Kathy, and his sisters Carla, Cindy and brother Dan.
Services and interment where held at Riverside National Cemetery with full military honors. May he rest in the peace and comfort of our good and merciful heavenly Father.