Philip Edward Thrap was born on November 29, 1960 and passed away on April 12, 2019. He is survived by his children, Justin (Sarah) and Jacob (Danielle), and his grandchildren, Bentley and Bailey Thrap and Brayden Thrap. He is also survived by his mother, Alice, and his brother, Steve (Susan) and his nephews, Tyler (Kirsten and Sawyer), Travis, Logan and Lane, and his aunt Emily and cousins Nancy and Lorraine. He was preceded in death by his father, Gary. and his grandparents, Rolland and Constance Glines and Charlie and Florence Thrap. as well as his Aunt Jean and Uncle Alan.

Phil attended elementary school in Rio Dell and graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in 1979. He worked in various restaurants during his adult life.

Looking back on our life together, I remember he was always fighting for what he believed in. I remember a summer night in Fortuna at our house when he got in a fight with a new guy in the neighborhood. He was knocked down over and over, but never quit getting up. The guy finally just walked away realizing that Phil wasn’t going to quit. That was the night my brother gained my unending respect.

In our youth, he was always the one better with our grandpa’s tools and understanding how to use them. He taught me how to drive, how to build and how to not worry about what others thought of you.

In our high school years, he always reminded me how proud he was of my accomplishments and I heard over and over from others how proud he was of me. He was also very proud of the men and fathers that Justin and Jake have become. He was not always the best father, but he had a big heart and his sons knew that he loved them.

Phil also spent the last several years watching countless Giants and Warriors games with our mom. She loved having that companionship and rooting on her teams with him. Even when mom was at the numerous sporting events watching her grandsons, Phil would call her with the game updates.

In his later years, even with the demons that he faced, his sons, his mother and I never had to doubt his love for us. Unfortunately he lost his last fight with his demons, but he will not be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Phil. I hope someday I am half the warrior you were.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Phil Thrap’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.