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Philip Leo Meyer

1939 - 2012

Philip Leo Meyer obituary, 1939-2012, Palm Springs, CA

BORN

1939

DIED

2012

Philip Meyer Obituary

Phil Meyer passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack on August 24, 2012 with his beloved wife and soul mate Irené by his side. Phil was born In Decatur, Illinois to Katherine and George Meyer on August 1, 1939. His family moved to Phoenix, Arizona when he was a child. Phil attended Santa Clara University, Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and The University of Arizona where he got degrees as a CPA and attorney. Phil was a partner in a CPA firm in Southern California. Phil was involved in many entrepreneurial business ventures. In addition to real estate development, Phil was founder of commercial shrimp farms in Ecuador and on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. He purchased property on the North Shore and came to love the island lifestyle, the "Aloha Spirit" and had many happy times there. He married his loving wife Irené on August 24, 1991 and lived in Huntington Harbour for fourteen years. While living in Huntington Harbour, Phil and Irené owned a large motor boat "Little Duchess" and a small Boston Whaler name "Big Duke". They belonged to the Huntington Harbour Yacht Club and had many happy trips to Catalina and other yacht cubs. Over the years they maintained a second home in the Movie Colony in Palm Springs and in 2005 decided to make Palm Springs their permanent home. They purchased the Gloria Swanson Estate and loved it there. Phil was a director of The Movie Colony Association. Phil was an accomplished tennis player and avid golfer; he was a member of the O'Donnell Golf Club. He traveled extensively and had many friends all over the world. Phil was a dedicated family man who had the capacity in his heart to extend his love to all in his extended family. He adored his Scottish Terriers, Isla and Iona. He will forever be remembered for his famous Manhattan cocktails, which flowed at 6:00 p.m. on many a warm Palm Springs night. Phil was a very intelligent man. He was a good man and always a gentleman. You would never hear any one say a bad word about Phil. He treated everyone with respect and he truly lived by the Golden Rule. Phil is survived by his children Elizabeth Ross, her husband Howard, Irene K. Meyer, Robert Meyer, his wife Cynthia, and grandchildren Kirsten and Katy Ross. Also his step children, Tracy Stewart, Caston Dalon, Terry, Robert and Brian Kraft and thirteen step grandchildren. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed; may he rest in peace. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The American Heart Association.

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Published by The Desert Sun on Sep. 7, 2012.

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December 10, 2012

Dear Irene,Tracy and Doug,
Phil was a dear friend and I think of him often. We first met when we were both new to the Harbour and found that the four of us had much in common. We spent many times together on Phil's boat, parties, YC club activities and we always enjoyed you and Phil. He was a very kind and compassionate man and loved you very much. He was always ready to protect you. Even tho sometimes he seemed like a kromugion I always knew there was a soft heart hidden in there. He loved his animals and his homes. I always loved spending time with the both of you in your beautiful homes. He was the best caretaker when you were ill. He took pride in taking care of you and seeing that everything was done properly for your recovery.
All in all Phil was a fine father, husband and friend. I think of him often and will miss him always. I am happy that I was able to spend time with Phil thru out the years that we have known both of you. Irene you were lucky to have had Phil in your life. You can look forward to joining him someday in a better place. Love, Janice Stanger

October 22, 2012

Irene'
We knew Phil as a compassionate, accomplished & highly disciplined friend. I will miss his Bear hugs,his divine Manhattans, & scrumptious BBQ's. Mike, will miss his golfing buddy! Mahalo Phil, for the fond memories and good times we all shared. He often commented that Irene', you were the wings beneath his feet...companion and best friend. How he loved you so. Thank you for sharing him with us, as we too will miss him.
Aloha nui loa,
Mike and Flo Barnett

Bob Sloncen

October 4, 2012

It was September of 1952. It was my first week at Brophy High School as I began my next phase of my life. I saw a new student who I heard was from Illinois. I was excited because I was a Cub fan and I thought he would also be a Cub fan. There weren't many of us in Phoenix at that time. I introduced myself and asked him how he liked the Cubs. I was devastated as he said "he was a Cardinal fan and lived in Southern Illinois." For the next two months we were not very good friends. As I got to know Phil, our friendship grew and he became part of our (gang). Phil loved athletics, but his favorite sport (tennis) was not offered at Brophy. It was during his sophomore year that he became the manager for our basketball team. Our senior year we had a 19 and 2 record and Phil was part of that special season. We saw each other during college and enjoyed the 1959 World Series between Chicago White Soxes and the LA Dodgers. It was during these years that Phil was given his permanent nickname - Prince. The nickname was chosen due to the majestic style of his gait. When Phil walked into a room, you knew he was Royalty. As we reached our 30's, we grew apart. However, five years ago, we began communicating again and did so on a weekly basis. In the summer of 2010, we met at the Coronado Naval Air Station Golf Course with two other Brophy graduates and thus began our golfing relationship. This past spring we met in Phoenix and played 2 days at the beautiful Biltmore Resort. We had plans to do the same this fall but were not able to pull it off. Phil was a dear friend, a confidant, a golfing buddy and a true sportsman. I miss his weekly epistles regarding the many issues of the world that he enjoyed commenting on. His world revolved around Irene', his children and his dogs. Look forward to playing another round with you up above!

Jeanne White

October 2, 2012

What a great loss for his friends and family - a true gentleman and a kind soul. He mentored and guided me through a challenging management position for five years and always stayed in touch...a very special friend. Phil, we miss you, rest in peace.

On the 18th at St. Andrews

Jill Sloncen

September 27, 2012

Dear Irene' and family: I first remember meeting Phil when our girls were toddlers and he opened his home and heart to us. They are now in their 40's and we have stayed in touch all these years and enjoyed so much his and your friendship, gracious hospitality and golf outings, visits to California and his to Arizona to play golf. I was lucky to be included in many of those outings and always loved that time as well as the celebrations after. Never easy to lose a loved one so suddenly. We never know when we are called. We send our love to you and the children and plan to be with you at his Memorial to offer support and love. God Bless.

September 26, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. Receive my sincere condolences and love. May God bless you and your family.
Claudie

Barb and Jeff Kaplan

September 25, 2012

We're shocked and saddened to learn of Phil's passing and will fondly remember him as we last saw him doing his morning walk with the dogs in the park.
All our condolences,
Barb and Jeff Kaplan

September 25, 2012

Dear Irene - there are no words to describe the loss you must feel - we do
feel it with you. We shall miss Phil in
many ways and keep him in our memory.
Love Marlies and Harry

Dick and Erika Williams

September 19, 2012

Dear Irene,
It was such a shock and unexpected news and disbelief to hear of Phil's passing. We are saddened and fine it difficult to comprehend. We will always remember his great laugh, his happy go lucky personality, his kindness and wisdom. Naturally I'll always remember his fantastic Manhattens at cocktail time. We will remember our friendships and great times together.. We lost a wonderful friend and he will be missed greatly. All our love and support.

Douglas Stewart

September 19, 2012

Phil-

You were taken too soon and will be sorely missed. Please look after all of us from your place on high as we will look after Irene. Rest in peace and know that from time to time I will have a Manhattan in your honor. Cheers - Doug

Barbara Maccarillo

September 18, 2012

Words fail me, sadness overwhelms me. Such a special person. I'm glad to have known him & will not forget him. Love to you & the family.

Yolande Wassenberg

September 18, 2012

Hi Irenee and all the rest of the family

I am very sorry to hear about the unexpected passing of Phil.In the short years that I have known him he was the funny,warm,sometimes grumpy and always gentleman "teddybear".Very intersting to talk with,with a lot of knowledge about a lot of things.He and the rest of the family opened their heart to us strangers from Europe and let us feel like we were part of your family.So I feel very sad about this passing of one of the "dads" that I met along the way in my travels.I wish all of you strenght and courage to continue without him and he will be forever in your and my heart. Love Yolande

September 15, 2012

Dearest Irené,
Hunter and I send you all love and strength. How rare for a great love like that of you and Phil. Kindred souls. A miracle. Love always

September 14, 2012

We new Phil as our "Golfing" partner at O'Donnell. We always enjoyed our conversions on the 19th hole. We were fortunate to have made a trip to the desert just before the 4th of July and had a chance for one last game. Our hearts go out to you Irene and the family. We will miss Phil very much.
Gary & Terri Miller

Dee Dee Barton

September 14, 2012

Here's what I know about Phil. He loved his Irene and she loved him. And of course, I have a soft spot for a Gentle Man who takes care of his wife AND is a CPA! I'm so sorry Irene. I know he was your whole world. Love, Dee Dee (and Greg) Barton

Bronwen

September 14, 2012

Irene,my heartfelt sympathy at the loss of your husband,best friend and soulmate.I have wonderful memories of his kindness and gracious hospitality in both Huntington Beach and Palm Springs and the delightful walks I took with he and the dogs when we chatted about so many things.Remember all the good times,Irene ,and know that you were dearly loved and just how lucky you were to have had him in your life.Much love to you

Bob Pinault

September 12, 2012

Wow when I heard the news I was at first in disbelief until I realized no one makes it out of life alive and knowing that Phil gave it a really good 73 years I can only choose remember that its not the years in your life that count but more importantly the life in your years that matter....and Phil had allot of life in his years...so yes sadness is an emotion that comes up for me but there is also an emotion of joy for the life Phil led. He was a great friend, client, mentor, advisor and confidant...I could make him laugh or piss him off but it didn't matter because he was always Phil and that was a good thing...So long my friend,I'm sure someday I will see you again...Always in memory...Bob Pinault

September 11, 2012

Irene and your family. I was of course shocked to hear about your sweet husband Phil. I know you have tons of friends but I wanted to say I am thinking of you. Hoping that you find a tremendous support from those who have known you for many many moons. Sincerely, Elaine McNulty

Charlie McCollister

September 10, 2012

He is with the Lord now, and his good works will carry on.

September 10, 2012

Irené, both Paul and I are so saddened by this sudden change in your life. We love you and Phil so much. You have opened your home to us and I remember Phil always welcoming us with a friendly cocktail. We will miss him. Love, Armand

September 10, 2012

Irene dear,
Phil was always such a wonderful host when both of you opened your lovely home to the Desert Wingers for fun, food and libations...........with heartfelt sympathy, Astrid & Kurt

September 10, 2012

It was difficult for Phil and me to know each other as good friends. He was my boss for about 12 years. We worked well together. I remember when he first started dating Irene'. He was a very happy man. So sorry to hear about your loss, Irene'.
Joan Taylor

Millie & Vance Simplis

September 10, 2012

I worked with Phil for several years at the RBDM firm in Torrance. My husband and I send our deepest sympathies to you and both of your families. I know that he is watching over you and guiding you through your time of sorrow. May he rest in peace.

Terry Kraft

September 9, 2012

Phil was a father, a friend and mentor to me. We would share a joke, a good story about business or politics and he would always be there for me if I was in trouble or even if I just thought I was. I admired the caring nature and love that he gave my mother in the good times and bad and the love and affection that he extended to all the members of his family and extended family. I looked forward to our visits where we would share a drink, a meal and conversation. I miss Phil very much and will always remember him in my heart.

September 9, 2012

It was a sad day when I read the passing of Phil. I only knew him for a couple of years when he would walk the dogs in the neighborhood. It was a joy talking to him and walking with him and the dogs. I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to the family.
Trude Crain-Palm Springs Movie Colony

September 9, 2012

Irene', what a wonderful tribute to Phil! He was a special person and wonderful match for you. Niels and I remember many happy times with both of you.
We are thinking of you with deep sympathy and love,
Christiane and Niels Christiansen

September 9, 2012

Irene
Sorry to hear about Phill
My prayers and thoughts Are with you at this time

Bill Cowan

Jacqueline Brown

September 9, 2012

Dear Irene, may all those happy memories give you some comfort now that you need it the most. Phil will be missed.

September 9, 2012

reading about phil helped us know him so much better. we certainly will remember his sparkle and warmth...that we experienced and first glance and conversation. love to you, ron and arlene dulaney

Linda & Dick Arnold

September 8, 2012

Irene...such a lovely obituary for Phil...his wonderful spirit for family and life shines through....we are thinking of you and wishing we could give you a family hug. Love Linda and Dick

Diane Silvers

September 8, 2012

Phil was the best! I remember first meeting Phil and Irene while traveling on a flight back from one of our conventions. He was always so helpful. What a true gentleman! And he and Irene were so much fun to be with at various World Wings functions! He will be missed! Irene, and all of Phil's family, please accept our condolences during this difficult time.

Victoria Hicks

September 8, 2012

Sweet Irene so sad to lose your great soul mate so suddenly - I really feel for you - the next few months will be hard - Love you Vicki

Tracy Stewart

September 8, 2012

Phil, Stepfather, Papa, Friend ~
If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. Your heart of gold stopped beating and your eyes gently closed to rest. God has taken you to a special place where only kindness and love surrounds you with all of the happy memories of your life.
Somehow I know that you are safe and at peace. I know that you would want all those that have known you and loved you to look up to the sky and smile when they think of you.
You are gone from this earth, but not gone from my heart. I am so grateful for having you in my life for so many reasons.
I love you and miss you xoxo forever

Sally Tobin

September 8, 2012

I feel privileged to have known Phil - a lovely man, what great memories you have had in your wonderful life together. Sally

Karl and Susan Anderson

September 8, 2012

Phil was a wonderful husband to Irene. We remember him most for his love of their Scotties. There was rarely a morning when he was not seen walking their dogs. Phil had a very gracious and warm personality and was the perfect host at the lovely parties given by him and Irene. We will miss him

American Heart Association

September 7, 2012

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Dave Tubman

September 7, 2012

Hi, I am Dave Tubman, Bob's brother. I wore my Hawaiian shirt today while walking Carmel, Ca in his honor. I too share a love affair with Hawaii -some 35 yearly visits. A favorite story of mine was his review of my teenage lingo "you betcha" one hot summer day working at Brophy.

Dudley Beal

September 7, 2012

I met Phil through his lovely wife Irené, a few years ago. He's one of those people I liked immediately and whom I always looked forward to seeing again. A wonderful man and husband, consummate host, and charming personality. His delightful sense of humor will be missed. Our community itself is at a loss for his passing.

Beth Ross

September 7, 2012

Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy... Dad, you are our shining star!!

Marc Eisman

September 7, 2012

Recently I relly got to know Phil here in Palm Springs. A gentleman,with a kind heart and soul. He opened his home to all of us here in the desert.
I will cherish my tour of his home and garage where I really got to know him.
G-d you got a big Angel .RIP Phil and my sincerest sympathy to his family....

Bill and Kathleen Bezy

September 7, 2012

Irene, Beth, Bobbie....That's how we remember you kids. What fun times when our families were young! And what great memories we have of growing up w/your dad in the High School, College days as well. Please accept our condolences and love from your far distant past. Your dad was definitely one of the 'good guys'. He will be sorely missed, and fondly remembered.
love, Kathy and Bill Bezy

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