Philip Edward Holmgren

1951-2024

“Uncle Phil”

“God never promises to remove us from our struggles. He does promise, however, to change the way we look at them.” (Max Lucado)

Phil passed away peacefully in his home on February 15, 2024.  He was born at 2:14 p.m. at The Doctor’s Hospital in Seattle Washington, on July 16, 1951.  He was the third of five sons born to Trygve L. and Elsie E. (Selin) Holmgren.  The doctrines of the Apostolic Lutheran Church remained with him for the duration of his early life.  He was christened and received into full communion with the Rite of Communion on August 7, 1966.  The Reverends Chris and Alvin Holmgren administered the Rites.  Phil’s family relocated from Seattle to Burlington in 1954, although weekly trips to Ballard to attend Sunday Services remained the norm during his adolescent years.

The initial formal education he received was from his parents.  A family saying was “If you have time to watch TV, you have time to read a book.”  He attended the Burlington-Edison School District, graduating in 1969, as a member of the National Honor Society.  As a senior, he enlisted in the United States Navy with the consent of his parents.  On September 16, 1968, he reported for active duty.  Following duty stations at USNTC/San Diego, California and NATTC NAS MFS Memphis, Tennessee, he was transferred to NAS Whidbey Island, WA.  As a weapons system specialist, Phil was assigned to the Avionics/Armaments Fire Control Divisions within Heavy Attack Squadron VAH 123 and Attack Squadron VA 128.  While maintaining the electronic systems of the A-3 and A-6 Naval aircraft, he participated in periodic trips to Pensacola, Florida, and Fallon, Nevada.  Additionally, he was deployed for annual Carrier Qualifications on the USS Hancock and the USS Enterprise.  Following an Honorable Discharge, Phil enrolled at Skagit Valley College in 1974.  An active participant within the Cardinal campus, he chaired various events and expositions and received his ATA degree in 1975.

Phil was united in marriage to Ann Marie (Binschus) Hooper at 7:00 p.m. on July 9, 1976.  Frederik Holmgren and Linda Binschus were attendants.  The Reverend E. C. Freitschel of Edison Lutheran Church officiated.  They honeymooned in San Francisco and southern California.  With the addition of their daughter, Joni Marie and Eric Edward, the immediate family was complete.  Phil welcomed his first son, Bradley Allen Hooper into his family with the marriage to Ann.  During their marriage, the family enjoyed extensive boating throughout the San Juan and Gulf Islands, traveling via motor home or 5^th wheel over the Pacific Northwest and extended trips across the Americas to visit historic sites.

Phil entered into the apprenticeship program of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers on March 26, 1976, completing his basic education on November 13, 1978.  As a 37-year member of the Ironworkers, he worked and traveled throughout the Pacific Northwest states, Hawaii, Alaska, North Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin, British Columbia and the Middle East.  While travel was necessary to maintain year-round employment, Phil seldom missed an opportunity to spend time with family, even if only for a few hours after driving for days.  At various times, his family traveled with him to projects where the duration warranted a family relocation.  The primary client base was commercial and industrial projects where critical high risk heavy crane lifts and major equipment transport became his specialty.  Within the industry, he valued close relationships with the Mechanical Contractor JH Kelly of Longview, WA, and Lampson International of Kennewick, WA.

Phil had a love of travel, albeit he slowed in recent years.  Internationally he experienced the beauty of Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, England, Italy, Greece, Monaco, Spain, Iran, The Bahamas, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and ferried from Gibraltar (UK) to Ceuta (Spain) on the African continent.  He was also blessed to have experienced many of the incredible natural and man-made wonders of virtually every state in our union.

He enjoyed music, and with limited formal training, he could often be found strumming his guitar or banjo, breaking out the harmonica or struggling through several well-rehearsed songs or hymns on the piano.

A quiet and modest man, his devotion was to his family.  Phil was content to give or receive a hug or kiss from his children or grandchildren and never forgot to say “I love you” during each encounter.  Many oyster feeds, salmon/steak BBQs, pig roasts, and holiday/birthday feasts were held at PaPa’s house.

Phil is survived by his three children, Bradley Allen Hooper, Joni Marie (Adam) Anderson, Eric Edward (Cassey-Lynn (Saunders) Holmgren; grandchildren, Alyssa Ann Anderson, Malia Maria Anderson, Trigve Michael Holmgren, and Attaley Lynn Holmgren; ex-wife, Ann Marie Holmgren; brothers John Trygve Holmgren; Laurie Beth, Susan Elaine, Andrea Lee), Dwight Donald Holmgren (Cheryl J. Holden; Tiffany Leigh), Sister-in-Law Annie L. Martin-Holmgren (Jared David, Kristin Ann) and Ann’s extended family; cousins by the dozens were loved by Phil as well.

He was preceded in death by his nephew, Justin Dwight Holmgren; brothers, Frederik Chris Holmgren and David Lloyd Holmgren; parents, Trygve Leonard and Elsie Elenore Selin-Holmgren; paternal grandparents, Chris and Carrie O. (Rostad) Holmgren; maternal grandparents, John and Hilda Alina (Harju) Selin; great paternal grandparents, Lorents Jacob Pareli and Marit Ingebriktsdatta Holmgren, Olaus Martinus and Signe Halverson Rostad; great maternal grandparents, Mats and Katatrina Selin and Juho and Gustava Pierneskoski.

Extremely proud of his Nordic Heritage, Phil professed his love of Lutefisk….something no member of the family could actually confirm or deny!  “The earliest Swedish surnames tend to be of patronymic origin being derived from the personal name of the father of the initial bearer.  So great was the profusion of patronymic surnames ending in ‘son’ that in recent times Swedes have combined two words, usually native words, to create ‘new’ family names.  This practice has been actively encouraged by the Swedish government which set up the Slaktsnamskomittee or Family Name Committee to draw up a list of recommended names.  In this instance the surname Holmgren or Holmegren is one the ‘new’ Swedish surnames.  It is a combination of the Old Norse word ‘holmr’ which in Swedish became ‘holm’ meaning a ‘river island or wet meadow on a riverside’ and the Swedish word ‘gren’ meaning ‘branch, bough’.  Thus, the name can literally be translated as ‘river island branch’.”  (The Historical Research Center; Deerfield Beach, FL. 33442)

Phil will be remembered for his kind soul, gentle nature, abundance of wisdom, and the extraordinary love he showed for his family.  He was a beloved brother, father, and PaPa who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  His wisdom and love will live on in all of the many people who love him and whose lives he touched.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00, Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, followed by Committal at Union Cemetery with Military Honors, Pastor Jim Cannon presiding.  Share your memories of Phil and sign the online guest register.

May God’s Peace Be With You Today and Forever.