Phillip "Phil" Gregory Mack passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, at his home in Priest River, Idaho, with his devoted wife of 61 years, JoAnn, by his side. Phil was born March 15, 1945, in Clarkston, Washington, to Peter and Hazel Mack, and was raised in Wallace, Idaho. He was 81 years old.
Phil attended the University of Idaho beginning in 1964, where he met the love of his life, JoAnn. The two were married in 1965, and went on to raise their family in Moscow, Idaho. In 1966, Phil took a "temporary" job at Ambassador Auto, taking inventory in the parts department. He stayed on, learning all he could about running an auto dealership. By 1972 he had worked his way up and became an owner of the dealership, a role he held for the remainder of his roughly five-decade career. During his years in Moscow, Phil was deeply involved in the community — he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, served as Treasurer of St. Mary's School, belonged to the Elks Club and Kiwanis, and was a proud Vandal booster. He and JoAnn were members of the First United Methodist Church where they enjoyed being youth group leaders for several years.
In 2013, Phil and JoAnn sold the dealership and relocated to Priest River, Idaho, where together they built and tended the Crazy M Ranch. They were also active members of the Idaho Forest Owners Association and the Inland Northwest Land Trust. Throughout his life, Phil was an accomplished piano player, a competitive downhill skier in high school, and was a skilled fly fisherman, sailor, and runner.
Phil is survived by his wife, JoAnn; his three children, Dan, Jeff, and Jennifer; his sister, Marilyn; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed, but his family takes comfort in knowing he is now with the Lord — undoubtedly surrounded by the many beloved dogs who filled his life with joy.