Phil and I go back almost 70 years when we were both at Mullen & the school was still small enough that we knew everybody.  Phil & I visited periodically over the years and recently a little more frequent with our "Monthly Lunches".  Phil had a very big heart and always ready to help anybody that needed a little lift.  I truly miss our conversations  (sometimes political) and his very positive nature. The "Mullen Old Guys" will continue to raise a glass to Phil whenever and wherever we meet.  RIP    Bob O'Malley  '55' 

My Dad had a nickname for everyone he met. I could be wrong, I do believe he started that with me. When I was a kid 9 or ten he would ask me to go make him a drink, he would show me with his finger where to fill the water to and the alcohol.  He would tell me to scoot. So my of all the names he could have chosen for me 🙄  he called me Scoots.  I was always so embarrassed especially around my friends. I wish I could here him call me that one more time. I love ❤️ you Daddy.  I miss you so much.
Love,
Scoots

Phil was my big brother in high school .love Mike Domenico.

Thank you to all who attended the service for my Dad.  Seeing the family members that I haven't seen in so long brought back a lot of good memories! 
I would also like to thank everyone who shared their memories 

I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank Uncle Phil’s great family for the wonderful memorial service Catherine and I attended last Sunday.  Everything surrounding the service was really amazing.  Erika’s vocals were absolutely beautiful.  She has a wonderful voice and her arrangements with the pianist. Mr. Garrett, were as if they had worked together for years.  Absolutely beautiful.  The reflections on Phil’s life were moving.  Extremely happy and sad at the same time.  Really wonderful.  The pictures and other photos were great to see.  It was also nice to see Uncle Phil’s immediate and extended family.  It had been a long time, or the first time, and we were so happy to see everyone.  So again, thank you all.

 Met Phil first when my late sisterTracy, married Phil's brother, Frank!  Then again ran into him at the College Inn, 1965, where we struck up a wonderful friendship! I was trying to finish my Degree, and studied often at the U of C library on 8th and Colorado Blvd. Close to the College Inn, I ran into Phil, and we proceeded to solve all the world's problems! We saw each other often, and always had a great time. Phil knew everybody by name-he NEVER forgot a name.  He was one of the most lovable, cordial, polite, and fun loving guys I ever met. It's now 56 years since those days, and I have yet to meet anyone as sweet as this guy. A year ago I was standing in line at Lowes, and this''old guy'' in bib overalls(he referred to them as his working clothes) Tapped me on the shoulder and said-think the College INN is open today?  My eyers teared when I heard of his death. It was a privilege and a pleasure to have known him. RIP! Sadly, My wife Kay and I were not able to go to his celebration of Life!

We were so sorry to hear of my Uncle Phil’s passing.  He was a warm, wonderful person and we will miss him.  At 5-years old I was the “ring bearer” for his and my Aunt Pat’s wedding.  I took it as a serious and solemn responsibility and I was very nervous about my job.  Phil went out of his way to calm me down and help me relax.  In spite of the stress on him he made me feel great.  My wife Catherine reminded me of the times we would attend family or other gatherings he would always greet us at the door and be so excited to see us.  He would exclaim that now that we were there the party could really get started.  We’d notice that he would greet everyone in a similar way and we’d laugh and feel happy to be with him.  Again, I will miss him, as I do my sweet Aunt Pat and my Cousin Mike.  We’re sure he is with them again, along with my grandma and grandpa.  Until we see you again, rest in peace you wonderful, beautiful man.

Uncle Phil (or 'UP' as I referred to him in recent years & he referred to me as 'ND' for Niece Debbie) was always so special to me along with his younger brother, 'UF' or Uncle Frank. They were more like big brothers since 'UP' was only 13 yrs. my senior & 'UF' was only 10 yrs. older than me. I was also the 1st girl in the family, so you can imagine I was treated like a little princess & perhaps just a bit spoiled. Not long ago during one of our phone conversations, I remarked that he was the 'patriarch' & I was the 'matriarch' of the Brainard family. Basically it meant that we were just the oldest members, but really didn't give us much in the way of special treatment- haha!
Even though he had many grands, nieces & nephews, he always remembered my birthday which meant so much to me. Pre- COVID, my husband & I enjoyed an occasional lunch date with him to catch up on each others' lives.  He will be missed by us both. Love you always UP,
ND  

As a classmate of Phil at Mullen, I can't remember many others were as loyal a friend as Phillip.  From his Freshman year  he was recognized as a leader in his class and was looked upon by the student  body and faculty as a role model for the rest of his classmates.  I, as a Boarder at Mullen, we all had the utmost respect for entire Brainard family as they often welcomed many of us to their  home on weekends providing great home-cooking and a sense of belonging.   Phil was a very good athlete and a real good guy  who will be missed by all of us.  Our monthly luncheons will not be as much fun or be the same without him. Rest in Peace Phil.
                                                         Bob O  '55' 

I’m so sad of the loss of my Uncle Phil. As a little girl he was always so sweet and silly to me. I just keep remembering so many fun memories with him as a kid and adult. Ever since texting has been around he would always text me on my birthday. I hope to keep those texts forever. You are going to be missed so much Uncle Phil Rest In Peace I love you❤️
Kim


My family lived across the street from Phil for many years he was such a good neighbor. He always was friendly and had a smile on his face. He would make me smile with his flirting and sweet compliments. I will miss him and will be praying for God's comfort and peace for his family. 

Where to begin, so many memories flood my mind.  35 years is a long time, but not long enough.  My Grandpa Phil was one of the best Grandpa’s a girl could have.  It was special being the first grandchild, I could always feel his love and how proud he was of me.  I’ll never forget spending the night at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, waiting for Grandpa to get home from work! Playing in their back yard, looking through his garden… the way the basement smelt and knowing that was Grandpas space.  I’ll always remember him playing Christmas music loud on his stereo and singing along.  The fun camping trip to Dinosaur National monument… and so many other fun trips, to visit Cameron in San Diego or family in Oklahoma.. the way he beamed with joy when I got married and then again when his first great grandchild was born.  He was the most loving, caring, fun grandpa.  I will miss him more than he knows.  Loved you so much Grandpa!!!! 

OBITUARY

Phillip L. "Phil" Brainard

December 10, 1937 – August 8, 2021

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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