Itinerant Air-Cooled

My mom's brother, my childhood hero, a deep kindred spirit.



My last moment with Phil was July 31 2008 at 5:15PM (seven months to the day that I lost my dad). I had just played my little piano piece, The Long Goodbye, on his Yamaha grand piano. I helped to him to his bed, hugged him and said goodbye. I did not know that this was our goodbye.

I am sorry, I am so damn sad. This guy and I are parallel souls, car nuts who love music, do not suffer the company fools gladly, philosophical and articulate, deep-down loners who loved Debussey, who have a feminine touch with automobiles, but who are competitive right up to the edge of common sense (but not past it). We spent hours in his garage talking about the ways of life.

I do not have the joy that I felt with dad's goodbye this time. This time, it just hurts. But I will say this, I deeply and proudly let this man know that I loved him in every way possible. Phil, I knew you like no other, and you know it. You are safe in me, and your spirit too shall go forth through my life.
Colin

Hiya Colin,

He was THE American driver in the sixties.

You were lucky to have spent time with him.

A beautiful and loving tribute to your Uncle Phil, Colin.

I am deeply sorry for your loss brother.

ZLB

Bookwus wrote:Hiya Colin,

He was THE American driver in the sixties.

You were lucky to have spent time with him.

He was lucky to have spent time with me, too. Let us not forget that we all who love deeply are the good fortune of others.
Colin

Colin,

I'm very sorry for your loss. When you told some brief stories about your uncle's racing during our visit last year, I had no idea that Phil was the man you were speaking about, and was too stupid to ask!

His spirit will indeed go forth through you. In reading his obituary in the LA Times, http://www.latimes.com/news/printeditio ... 5473.story I feel like I've met him - through you.

vwlover77 wrote:In reading his obituary in the LA Times, http://www.latimes.com/news/printeditio ... 5473.story I feel like I've met him - through you.

Sounds like he had a pretty nice life.

An incredible man indeed. Maybe because he was a phenomenal race car driver, maybe because he "... tuned pianos, he could take anything apart and put it back together, and he loved opera", but definitely because of the love he shared with you. Love that will live in you for as long as you breath.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Let us all raise a glass to Uncle Phil.

Phil Hill. Wow.
I grew up reading about him in Road & Track. Those were the days.

Colin, that photo you share bears a striking resemblance to yourself. I see you in the eyes, the smile. And what classic Old World faces behind him! I knew nothing of your uncle, but I now can see his profound influence on you. I'm so very sorry for your loss. You honor him in the pursuit of your passions.

Colin, I am very sorry for your loss.

I can only imagine the stories he shared with you...

I am sorry.

Phil Hill, wow. I had no idea he was your uncle. I am sorry for the loss Colin.

Sylvester wrote:Phil Hill, wow. I had no idea he was your uncle. <snip>

I also had no idea. I'm sorry, too, Colin. It's been a difficult year for you. Only a person of your depth of character could cope with this degree of personal loss with such grace. Onward!

I'll bet that, wherever he is, Phil is rejoicing at your recent VW decision.

Colin,

I am sorry to hear about the lost of your uncle, and an American Hero. Take care, and safe travels.

Sage