Philip Earl Storch

Philip (Phil) Earl Storch passed away peacefully after a battle with vasculitis on Monday, February 28, 2022. He was born to parents Earl and Margaret Storch on August 7, 1947, in Granite Falls, WA. A life-long learner, Phil had an innate curiosity about the world and was constantly pushing to find more by way of new challenges, ideas, and experiences. As a young man growing up in the Pacific Northwest, he would help his father in their logging operation. His mother taught him the fine art of wood finishing, which launched his journey of crafting beautiful pens, fly fishing rods,and various labor of love projects. Phil lived a life full of adventure and vitality;he was a worm composting fanatic, fitness guru and connoisseur of all things French. He embraced opportunities and enjoyed living his life that was full of different connections, memories and possibilities. Phil earned two engineering degrees from the University of Washington while working full time; one in Aeronautics and Astronautics, the other in Mechanical Engineering. Later, he went on to earn an MBA. He honorably served our nation in the Air Force, worked at Boeing, Frito-Lay, taught management at Portland State University and ended his working career at Kaiser Permanente. He went on to volunteer after retirement and was applauded for his financial acumen and magic with a spreadsheet. Phil is survived by his loving wife Debbie Kesselring, daughter Kelli (Jake) Powell, daughter Kirsten (Colin) McNeil, and Debbie’s son James (Natalia) Milner. One of Phil’s greatest joys in life was being GrandPa Storch to his grandchildren: Evan, Claire, Quinn, Graham, Milana and Simon. He is the beloved brother of Rick (Diane) and Steve (Judi) Storch. Family was very important to Phil. His first wife, Patti Merrill, and her family as well as Debbie’s family were cherished in his heart and regarded with great affection. He will be missed by Debbie’s brothers and sisters, Dan (Sandy) Kesselring, Bill Kesselring, Becky (John) Cowgill, Doug Mell (Henry Dougherty), Renee (Lynn) Williams and Martha (Paul) Warner, and Patti’s sister Sheila (Dean) Noll. He loved being Uncle Phil to Dan and Mike Storch: Amy (Eric) Mills; Shannen, Melissa, and Kristina Noll; Michael (Cherrie), Katie, Krissy and Kelli Cowgill; Sarah and Courtney Warner. Phil will be celebrated on April 16, 2022, from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm at the North Ridge Country Club, 7600 Madison Avenue, Fair Oaks, CA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Phil Storch to the Vasculitis Foundation: http://vasculitisfoundation.org