Philip Charles Colin

May your glass ever be full.

May the roof over your head be always strong.

And may you be in Heaven half an hour before

The Devil knows you’re dead.

- Irish Proverb

Philip Charles Colin passed away peacefully in the comforting presence of his daughter, Chris on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie in Erie, Pennsylvania, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. The son of Louis and Dorothy Colin, he was 87 years old.

Phil was preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his sister, Lucile Aernie, children Todd (Wendy) Colin of Macedon NY, Christine (David) Kern of Erie PA, and John (Crystal) Ott and their daughter Clair of St. Louis MO, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a long list of friends.

Born in Chicago, IL, Phil worked hard all his life to be the best person he could be. His journey in sales started early – in his high school and college days – selling magazine subscriptions and men’s shoes. He worked hard to put himself through school. He met Jane, who would become his wife, while they were in college. Although she was seeing another young man when they met, Phil knew that this was a love meant to be. He was willing to wait until she knew it, too. It didn’t take long.

Phil graduated from Elmhurst College with a degree in Sociology. He briefly considered pursuing a life in the Ministry, but after deep discussion with Jane, he decided to head to the Army recruiting office and enlist rather than waiting to be drafted into the service. That decision very much characterized Phil’s attitude towards life. He always met challenges head on, taking decisive action rather than waiting for life to choose for him.

While in the Army, Phil was stationed at Fort Gordon in Atlanta, Georgia. He loved to tell stories about his time there. Jane was finishing her schooling at Ursinus College in Pennsylvania, and he would make the lengthy drive up for his short leaves to spend time with her and plan for the future. He also often told the story about the time he volunteered for “special duty” and discovered that it meant being a Gallery Guard for the Masters Golf Tournament. He enjoyed that assignment, and that weekend he was even able to attend church services, seated mere rows behind President Eisenhower and his wife. Quite a memorable task for a young man.

Although Phil downplayed his time in the service to others, arguing that he “only served stateside and not during active wartime,” he was immensely proud of his time in the Army. He learned some important skills that would take him far after discharge. A deeply patriotic man, Phil’s service helped define him – and he it – in many powerful ways.

After his discharge, Phil and Jane married, settled in Illinois, and started their family. When Phil was searching for a good job to support them, Jane’s father Earl actually offered him a position as a file clerk/assistant in his office. Phil promptly thanked him for the offer, but refused, saying that it would be better to find his own way. And find his way, he did. That path would take them from Illinois to Duluth, Minnesota, and ultimately to Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Over the years, Phil found success and his niche, first in sales and then in management. Always a “people person,” he used those skills in his professional life. One lesson he learned – and shared – was that you didn’t need to have all the answers all of the time; you just needed to know someone who had the answers you needed. Just like you need the right tool for the job (another life lesson he taught), you need the right individuals on your team to be effective and successful.

Phil was also a devoted family man. Although he was a very hard worker and spent long hours on the job, he always made time for his children, Todd and Chris, in order to cheer them on. Among the many ways he was involved with his family, he coached Todd’s Little League team, supported both of their musical activities, and encouraged them to push their boundaries, find their strengths, and express themselves. He was always there for a good philosophical chat or to provide perspective and advice. And he served as a positive role model for all. This support extended to others outside of their small biological unit, as well, as Phil and Jane “adopted” John, Todd’s best friend, early on in their friendship. They became a second set of parents to John, and Todd and Chris gained a brother in the process. John fondly remembers the long talks with them over the years, helping him work through challenges and giving him advice, love, and support.

Phil’s love and devotion for Jane was beautiful as well, and never wavered across nearly a half century of marriage, through good times and bad. When Jane’s cancer returned in 2017, Phil was by her side, taking care of her to the very end. They were truly united in spirit. Throughout their marriage, they had a ritual of an evening “cocktail,” where they would sit at the table with a drink and talk, often for hours on end.

The greatest joys in Phil’s life always centered around people. He was a social person who truly enjoyed meeting new individuals and getting to know their stories. He couldn’t go into a new restaurant or bar without meeting the owners/manager/bartender/staff and learning all about them before he left. And everyone loved Phil. What made him so special was that he truly listened to those he spoke with, expressing genuine interest and concern. He could make you feel truly seen and heard. That is a rare gift in our world. Phil connected with individuals long before “networking” was a buzz word, and for him it truly meant forming a bond on a personal level.

When Phil wasn’t working (which he did a LOT), he loved reading, music, travelling, and spending time with friends and family. One of their favorite places was Marco Island, where Phil and Jane owned 3 weeks of a timeshare unit right on the beach on the Gulf of Mexico. It was a jewel that they were eager to share with friends and family, rotating guests through to give everyone a taste of their slice of paradise. Phil was also proud of his Irish heritage (his mother’s maiden name was O’Hara), and he loved Irish music and Irish sayings. And he was connected to animals in a very profound way. He was a true animal whisperer, and made friends with all the animals that crossed his path.

Phil will be remembered by so many for his fast smile and the twinkle in his eye, for his wit, and for the authentic joy he found in sharing life with others. Even in his final weeks, Phil still lit up with a bright smile or a joke when someone entered his room. The one thing that Alzheimer’s could not steal from him – though it stole so much else – was the true compassion for and connection with other humans that lay at the very base of his being. He will be right and truly missed by all who crossed his path.

There will be no public memorial for Phil. The family has made private arrangements. Those who wish to do something in his memory are encouraged to make a donation either to the Building Fund at Erie Animal Network (www.ErieAnimalNetwork.com) to help further the work with animals that his daughter has devoted herself to; or to the Alzheimer’s Association in his name so that progress can be made to counter this devastating disease. In lieu of a cash donation, we urge you to honor Phil’s memory by continuing his practice of connecting with those you encounter on a personal level.

Private arrangements entrusted to Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Service Inc. West Ridge, 3801 W. 26^th Street, Erie.

Send condolences to: www.BurtonQuinnScott.com