Phil was a renaissance man, and the best friend you could have, even if he was a KC fan. In an early Pirates game, he stroked an effortless homer to right center that made almost no sound off the bat. The stroke of dreams. May every swing be like that, my friend. I carry forward the late night talks you filled with warmth, philosophy, laughter, and whisky. I love you, brother. RIP.

Phil was the first born of my greatest friend, Helen K Stephens.  So I only know him through his mother.  And let me tell you she was an involved mother.  Her sons were the largest part of her life, maaybe second to her faith.  Phil cared so deeply about important things like education and family.  And he had an open heart very much like his mother.  My deepest condolences to Matthew.