Anthony Phillips Obituary

Anthony "Tony" Norman Phillips 1943-2021
Fort Bragg, California

Hear ye, hear ye! All aboard! Tony Phillips, born of Brighton, England, passed away peacefully in his home in Inglenook, California on December 30th, 2021 at the age of 78. Known to many as 'The Train Man', Tony was a force of nature who impacted the lives of his family and friends in more ways than we can share in 400 words. A self-proclaimed curmudgeon (but actually the biggest, soft-hearted man you've ever met) his greatest delights were taking his children on adventure to find the 11th tallest tree in the world, trains, music, books, Manchester United football, live theater, and solving the mystery of the Great Pyramids. He was a man who said that some people would eat to live, but his passion was living to eat. He was a purveyor of fine foods and would willingly try any new delectable treat you would present to him. Tony's insatiable curiosity and lifelong love of learning led him to question all manner of things leading to his reputation for being an eccentric Englishman with a quirky sense of humor and a hearty belly laugh. Unknown to many, Tony was a published author with contributions to 'Basic Accounting for Lawyers' and numerous articles. Most recently his passions included the founding and development of the Mendocino Coast Model Railroad, 'sloshing' (painting) things of all shapes and sizes, wooding (which was the Phillips version of carpentry), and blogging as he chronicled the history of the trains in the Mendocino Area as the historian for the MCMR. Tony is survived by his wife of 32 years (Sarah), his five children (April, Seamus, Holly, Annalise, and Tanisha), grandchildren (Madailein, William, Shaylan, Caellie, Ava, and Jenna) and his many family members 'across the pond' (Sister Karen, Brother Sean, Mavis, Sabine, Norma, Maureen). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Fort Bragg Food Bank or the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society.