To the family and friends of Phil O’Connor,

I'm Jim Urquhart, Phil’s first cousin. Our connection goes back to childhood; Phil’s adoptive father, Jack O’Connor, was the brother of my mother, Ruth O’Connor. Our parents spent a lot of time together, which meant Phil and I were linked from a young age.

Tom Lynch truly captured Phil's essence when he wrote about his “PHD in having fun.” That’s precisely what I remember most about him. Being with my cousin Phil, especially as a child, was always fun, no matter what we were doing. He consistently had something silly to say, making everyone laugh and feel good.

Some of my earliest memories of Phil, his sister Marika, and his brother John, were created at the Palm Desert compound on Desert Lily Drive. I recall the amazing house, our Grandmother and Grandfather, and that cool pool with a diving board, surrounded by the desert with no other homes in sight. The valley lights below and the stars in the night sky always bring Phil to mind.

Rest in peace, Phil. My sincerest condolences go out to your family, especially to your children who cared for you in later life.

Love, Cousin Jim U

Phil was a man with a huge heart and  a Phd in having fun.
Rest in peace my friend.

I met Phil in 1969 and we instantly had a great and lasting friendship. You know how sometimes you meet someone and everything clicks, it did for us and boy did we have some good times. Phil was a very special man and I loved him. I will miss him, rest in peace Phil. Bill Behr

Phil and I were classmates at BHCS for many years until we graduated in 1964. We were then classmates at BHHS  until we graduated in 1968. RIP Phil, you did good.

So sad to learn via friend from Beverly Hills High School. I met Phil in 9th grade. He sat behind me often poking me in the back with his pen making fun of my Dewey Webber T shirt. We became good friends that lasted well past graduation into the Irvine era. So many parties in Trousdale when Freddie and Jack were on their boat moored at the Balboa Yacht club.  I last visited Phil in Seattle with a few other classmates after his first stroke. We had a ton of fun (pics to follow) and I saw how incredibly supportive and loving the O'Connor family was given Phil's health status change. So many memories over so many years. Our class at BHHS is thinning by the day. I regret not being in Phil's presence since the last visit. May his memory be a blessing. More on my memories of Phil soon.  Love you Phil aka Sanpaku eyes! Skadunda!

This is Phil's cousin, Marilyn, aka Mari.   I have many fond and fun memories with Phil. I remember going to Freddie and Jack's house  where he lived in Beverly Hills many times.  One time Phil was playing the drums to the song by the Rolling Stones called Let's Spend the Night Together.  I have liked that song ever since and think of Phil when I hear it. I remember riding in a Lamborghini with scissor doors with Phil driving and going really fast!  I think this took place in the 1970s. I also went to the Balboa Bay Club and remember going on the yacht with him and his family as a child. He was the one who taught me to swim by gently pushing me into the pool at the deep end. I loved all of our family gatherings with Phil, my other cousins and aunts & uncles. My condolences go out to his family.  Even though I haven't seen Phil for many years, I will still miss him and think of our good times together.  Love, Mari(lyn)

OBITUARY

Phillip James O'Connor

May 24, 1950 – July 16, 2025

Lifetime Celebrations by Washelli

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