Lawrence “Phil” Phillip Dwight, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on April 6, 1935, in Eureka, Phil was the only child of Larry and Frieda Dwight. 

Phil shared a wonderful life with his wife, Virginia, his family, and many friends. Phil spent his early years being raised between Eureka and Scotia while attending Nazareth Convent School in Eureka before the family later settled down on their family farm in Metropolitan, where Phil spent the majority of his adolescence. Phil graduated from Fortuna High School in the class of 1954; he then attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to study agricultural journalism. Following his time at Cal Poly, he briefly enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College before his enlistment in the Army.

After his time in the service, he returned home and followed his father’s footsteps to work in sales at Pacific Lumber Company. In 1960 he met his wife, Virginia Connick, and they married in the fall of 1961. After working at Pacific Lumber Company for a few years, Phil and Virginia began overseeing the family’s ranching business in Montague and Ferndale. Following the births of their children, they permanently established themselves in Ferndale to raise their family.      

Phil led a full life. He enjoyed many mornings playing cards at Poppa Joe’s. He appreciated working on the ranches, golfing and hunting with his friends in late summer, attending/hosting the FUHS class of 1954 lunches, as well as many additional pastimes in which he enjoyed. Those who knew Phil — know that he was always busy with something. Throughout his life he enjoyed being involved in various organizations, from his early years in 4-H and FFA to joining Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s. Phil especially valued his many years being a member of Ferndale Rotary and playing golf in the men’s league at Redwood Empire. He loved taking care of his garden and fruit trees, as he could then make jams, applesauce and mustered to share with everyone. Phil’s most cherished times were spent with his friends, family, or traveling with Virginia and spending time in Arizona during the spring. Phil’s presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered. 

Phil is preceded in death by his parents Larry and Frieda Dwight.

He is survived by his wife Virginia, his two children — Lawrence and Mariette; and granddaughter Josie.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Jack Foster. 

A celebration of life will be held on September 17 at 4 p.m. at Redwood Empire Golf & Country Club. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Redwood Empire Junior Golf, 352 Country Club Drive, Fortuna, Calif., 707-725-5194.