Tuesday, June 2, 2009
My name is Mary Johnson and I am a Past Exalted Ruler of Daytona Beach, FL Elks Lodge #1141 and the current Lodge Secretary. Phil was a member of our Lodge having first transferred to Port Orange, FL Elks Lodge #2723 (approximately 5 miles from Daytona Beach)in 2005 and then to the Daytona Beach Lodge in 2007. Like many of our members, I personally knew Phil well. He was an avid karaoke fan and a regular at our Lodge every Thursday night for dinner and singing. He will be well remembered for his renditions of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. He also attended many of our other events thanks to transportation provided by Ingrid Trapman and Ed Carlson (his good friend, neighbor and fellow Elk).
One of my memories of Phil was when he brought me his WWII military picture last year so I could replicate it. He specifically asked that it be placed on our "Veteran's Wall of Memory." He was so proud that he served his country. We are in the process of redoing our Wall of Memory and his picture will be placed on it when we are finished.
On behalf of all the members of Daytona Beach Elks Lodge #1141 and particularly Phil's many Karaoke buddies, I extend our deepest sympathy to the family. He will be greatly missed.
"We shall meet, but we shall miss him,
There will be the vacant chair,
But though we no more possess him,
Still our hearts his memory bear.
But a while ago we gathered,
Friendship beaming in each eye,
Now the golden cord is severed,
He has passed to realms on high."
From the Elks "The Vacant Chair - Lodge of Sorrow."
Mary G. Johnson
Past Exalted Ruler
Daytona Beach Elks #1141
