Phil Bronson, a much loved son, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather passed away on October 15, 2026, leaving many wonderful memories in the hearts of family and friends.

Phil was born March 23, 1947, in Fullerton, California, to Gordon Irving and Genevieve LaRue (Standish) Bronson. He was the second of five siblings: his older brother Steve and three younger sisters, Marilyn, Marsha, and Barbara. When Phil was 13, his family moved to Rancho Cordova, California. In high school, Phil was a very successful basketball player and won the “Most Inspirational” trophy! He helped the Cordova High Lancers make it to state. He also got very interested in motorcycles as a teenager, which was a passion he shared with his brother. At age 16, he purchased a 1959 BSA, which he raced, kept, and worked on for the rest of his life, in addition to many other motorcycles over the years. Phil loved to listen to rock ‘n’ roll and the blues, and he learned to play the guitar as a teenager. Phil loved to pick up his guitar and fill the house with music! He was a gifted artist and encouraged his daughters to practice developing their artistic talents as well.

In 1967, Phil was drafted into the US Army. He served in Vietnam as Military Police in the 1st Cavalry. The 1st Cavalry Division’s MPs faced the effects of the Tet Offensive as the division operated in northern South Vietnam. Upon return to the states, he went to Sacramento State College on the GI Bill and studied art. There Phil and Vicki Karen Hager met in 1970. They were married in 1971, and lived happily together for over 55 years. Their first daughter, Nicole Anne, was born in 1977 in Sacramento.

In 1979, Phil and Vicki bought 40 acres of land outside Newport, Washington. Phil, with the help of a few friends, built the log house that his children grew up in and his wife still resides in. A second daughter, Erika Lynne, was born in 1980. “Mr. Fix-It” did all the wiring and plumbing himself. Phil loved the trees, wildlife, peace, and solitude of living in the woods. Over the years, the Bronsons kept chickens, pigs, a goat, and a large garden. Phil’s grandchildren love visiting Grandma and Grandpa in the big log cabin to this day.

Phil drove a school bus for the Newport School District for seven years. His father-in-law, Walter Hager, taught him small engine repair. In 1987, he took over Walt Gregory’s small engine repair in Newport. Phil’s Saw Service on Railroad Avenue was perfect for him, as he enjoyed working with his hands, being his own boss, and the relationships he built with customers. He ran the saw shop for 22 years.

Between 1997 and 2018, Phil and Vicki took many trips to Mexico, Arizona, Hawaii, Alaska, the Bahamas, and other places around the country. Phil was a special grandpa and all of his grandkids loved his sense of humor and fun. Surviving him are his wife, Vicki, his two daughters, Nicole and Erika, and his five grandchildren, Nyomi, Arthur, Genevieve, Viveka, and Thorin. The family requests that donations be made to Newport School District.