Tree will ride with me in my heart 4 ever ..old Bruno..the man ..is a man .tree is still here .we just can't see him

Tree,  just thinking about you all day you were the one that got away.  Now you are away and no more suffering just bliss. Just wanted to tell you how much I love you and was in love with you. I love you tree now and forever.  Sometimes I just can't get you out of my mind.  I love you baby,  Love Warrier

Tree,  Ohhh my God baby,  I love you sooo much I always will.  You are one of the greatest loves of my life.                                                           I remember the best date we had was holding each other all night long and kising you like we were one.  That last time I talked to you I told you I was still in love with you.  I know you told me you wanted your old hobbies back.  I am honored baby to know you,  I loved  everything  about you and still do.                                                                            To your family,  your son was perfertion.  He is the most extradionary man. He is my angel.                                                                                                         God Bless you baby,  thank you for sharing beautiful you with me.  I love you FOREVER.          Debbie

My Tree, I sit here at your resting place and can't believe this is true. I miss you so much. The house isn't the same without you always there and raiding the fridge or stealing everyone's bed. I have so many great memories to last a lifetime. I thank you for filling my heart. I love you so much and miss you every day.

I miss you more than words will ever be able to describe. I've never experienced a loss like this. You were more than a second father to me and every single day, I remind myself that. Not a day passes when you aren't on my mind. I'll never understand why the best of people are taken so early. One day, it'll be Me, you and Marilynn best friends all over again screaming Cat Scratch Fever in the old black Van playing 'Crazy Driver'. Till then, I love you. 

Love Always,
Condor.

We love and miss you everyday.  You are always in our thoughts. Our starr is growing up & getting so tall like you!  Hard to still believe you left us a year ago. May god always bless you and I pray your pain is over. I love you!

I signed on many times and couldn't figure out what to say.......
I can't believe he's gone. 
I can't imagine what you are feeling Rita, Jim, Renee and Marilyn.  No parent should ever have to lose a child and no child should ever have to say goodbye to their father so young. And no sister should have to stand by helplessly watching and feeling the pain. 
I'm so sorry for your loss, for our loss.

It seems like last week we were all young kids sitting in the backseats of our mother's cars asking, "Are we there yet?"... Breaking into corn fields next to the motel rooms and shucking corn....
posing next to one historical monument after another making silly faces while Rita, Sue and Pat told us to straighten up so they could get decent pictures. The three of them stinking up the hotel room with all that hairspray for their 
perfect updos, lounging by the pool together in their swimsuits -while we jumped into it and splashed them senseless. 
It was Donna and Eddie, Renee and Craig and I acting up, and talking too fast and tattling on each other. Renee was the oldest and we were very silly to her.
Craig and Eddie were the tricksters and cut ups, and Donna the fastest talker with the contagious giggle. I never got used to the Tree thing. He was Craig-ee. The guy with the shrine to every hockey player with piles and piles of hockey gear and that huge toothy grin that never gave out. No matter how old he got, no matter how mischievous he was, no matter how worried and doting a father he became, he was tall drink of water Craig-ee-all heart and a grin that said he had probably been up to something...and he usually had actually...

So many here picture him riding his bike. I keep picturing him smirking at my mother while she yells at him for upsetting his mother like this and demanding to know, "What are you doing here?!".......He's popping a beer, lighting a cig and laughing at her affectionately right now. She's overdecorating for the BBQ we will all arrive at eventually.......

I love you all. I will miss him. Kelly

Happy Easter Tree!!!! Wish you were laying in Marilynns bed waiting to eat like every Easter!! We love you!!

My Travel Lord!!!! Baby what to say, I love you. Through thick and thin, good and bad I love you. Words just cant come into place right now. You've been gone a little over a month and it seems as though its just happening. The pain Marilynn, Pugsly and myself have is tremendous. I watched you suffer for the very first time and I am glad you are not in that pain anymore. You have left myself a piece of you which is our Marilynn Starr. That is the greatest part of you nobody shared except us. Please be pain and worry free from now on. Ride free and look down on the kids both Marilynn and Pug Bug and make sure they are ok. We love and miss you in the house. We had many great memories together and lots of pictures as well as Marilynn to show for it all. You were my Moron and I was your Putz always.  I remember after the four corners trip you made me call you The Travel Lord for months!!! So baby, My Travel Lord, Ride Free. All My Love Always!!!!

Dear Rita and Jim,

I am so sorry to learn about the loss of your son.  I've never understood why such terrible things happen to such wonderful people.  

In my thoughts and prayers,  

Pam Doherty (rtd A 6 Youth)

Dear uncle Craig, I´m sad that it turned out like this. But I´m glad you left the pain behind you. I was and always will be YOUR Michele. I thought about you a lot in the past witch I will carry on doing in the future. I will miss you. You are always in my heart. I love you so much.
My sincere condolences to granny Rita, grandpa Jimmy, aunt Renée and cousin Marilynn

Treeman....I am so sorry I did not get one more phone conversation in with you. I just found out about your passing. Loved knowing you....THANK YOU for all your help over the years......See you in another life my brother!

Steve Froehlich (Gary, Kyle and Ryan)

We the family of Tree[Craig RJ]Phillips
would like to express our deepest gratitudeto to all of you who signed this book, attended the wake and funeral. 
your out pouring of Love towards our son-- Tree-- and us; made his passing and our heart aches some what bearable.
God bless you all;.
Jim & Rita Geoghegan [Parents]
Marilynn Starr  [Daughter]
Riecky & Renee [ Siblings]

Dear Biff--{James Jarvis]
We are very sorry to have omitted your
name as one of Tree's Godchildren.We did not know.He was a rich man having 3 great Godchildren like You, Lea and Daniel, plus a lovely daughter like Marilynn.
His Parents;
Jim and Rita Geoghegan.

I only met Craig once with his Aunt Judy.  What a hunk!!

Tree, you were my big brother and friend. You were like the Father Dakota never had, he will always love you for that. I know your not in any more pain, but dammit I miss you brother. Rita, Jim I'm so sorry for your loss he was a good son. Marilynn, your dad loved you more than anything on this earth and told everyone so. He will always be with you as your Guardian Angel. R.I.P. my friend. p.s. There's still not much upstairs but what a staircase!

Marilyn and family: I am so sorry for your loss,  thru your lives Tree will live forever. Blessings to you all during this difficult time.

Tree, you are no longer in pain but, your flame was snuffed out way too soon. Your love and light will be missed in this world.. ....RIP

Tree you were everyones Rock! you will be greatly missed by all of your friends and family. but you will be forever in our hearts! Ride Free my dear friend!

Tree, you will forever be in our hearts! You were always amazing and the memories we will always cherish. I am fortunate to have known you and spent the few years with you that I did. Miss you more than words could ever say. Until we meet again...  Lisa & Coty Reilly

Rita,Jimmy,Renee,Marilynn Starr, and all Tree's family and Friends.  Tree was not just a friend he was the Brother Ken needed, the Uncle that was so cool and fun (all the kids looked up to him (not just because of his height) A Godfather that never forgot the important role he played in Daniels life, He could always make Sammie smile even on a bad day. He was a once in a life time guy friend to me. We gained another side of the family many years ago, and have been intertwined since and forever more.   His smile, his saunter and that friendship will always be cherished.    
 Ken, Terrie, Daniel & Sammie Ivaska

TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS WE ALL KNEW CRAIG AS A WONDERFUL MAN WITH A GREAT BIG HEART AND A WONDERFUL FATHER TO MARILYN YOU WILL BE VERY MISSED TREE

We're going to miss you Tree, Every time I ran into you it was always a great time and you were always one of the coolest dudes around.  I looked up to you not only because you were taller than me but because of the person you were.  Love you, man and our prayers are with you.

John (Gowman)

Dear Rita, Jim and Renee,

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. I am sharing a photo of Craig and Renee when they attended our wedding in August of 1985.

Sincere regards,

Ric Johnson and Family

Our Prayers, sympathies, & condolences to all Family & Friends. God speed, because you are in a much better place now. We only found out today, Tuesday, 01-12-2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in your terrible loss -- I did not know Craig but knew his parents and I'm sure he was a wonderful person!  He is at peace with our Father and in a better place.  Love to all .... Laura Parisi and son, Joey Davis.    01/17/12//ljp

I am so very sorry to learn of this news. Rita, Renee, Judy and Family; I have only heard stories about Craig and his life. The photographs make him sparkle. You are in my thoughts as you deal with this major life change.

You will be missed. Forever in our hearts those memories live~ as do you. Will miss that smile , that laugh, may you be in a better place .  R.I.P Bro.

I am so sorry to hear about Craig.  I just found out last night and I was shocked.  I grew up with Craig but had not seen him in years.  He was a good friend. My thought and prayers are with the family.

Ride free bro. Will forever miss you. When me you and caper meet again you can take my bike for me.

Sorry to hear about "TREE "--our thoughts are with the family

              Spock and Ducttape DMMC

Dear Rita, Jim, and Renee,

So sorry for your loss.  Craig had such a charismatic character about him.  I just want to share a photo of him with my loving brother Ric; his loving sister Renee; his dear Aunt Judy.

Best Wishes,

Lance & Jantje

My condolences to the family.... I met Craig through working at Cortron in the 80's... Some great memories!  Always looked out for each other. Met up last Christmas for the first time since our work days. Glad I had the chance to see each other again. Always a great guy! We'll miss you!

Out Tree, We have been so blessed that we have known you and been a part been a part of out lives. You will truly be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing you......You will never be forgotten.. Love and greatly going to miss you. 

Love
Scottyo Wiginton and Judy Baran

Dyno don says he was one of the best bro I ever had the pleasure to have in my life if he could not make u laugh no one could and he was one of the few that could hang with me and sometimes put me to sleep not to often but he was one of the few

Dear Rita,Jim and Renee

I am so sorry for your loss, Craig
will be in my prayers and thoughts, as you will be my dear friends. 
It pains me that I could not attend the wake,as I came down with a "bug" and unable to leave the house. 

May God Bless you and yours,

Tree,
My deepest sympathies to your family.  Rest in Peace
Barb Toia

Tree,
I will remember you always.  Every time I think of you I have a smile on my face.  You've touched so many lives.  My sincere condolences to your family.  Rest in Peace.
Mrs. Wiggins

You came into my life when I met my husband Johnny.  What a character you were.  You always had a story to tell.  
You brought Marilyn to our wedding back in 2006 as "your date" & she was excited to be there & share our special day with us.  During dinner the dj asked guests if they wanted to stand-up & sing a portion of a song with the word "love" in it, without hesitation, there was Marilyn standing in front of 200 people with the microphone in her hand.  It was easy to see where she got her personality from.
We spent a lot of time together during my maternity leave.  I was at home from work after having my daughter Jessica & you were working tirelessly to complete the tile work in our kitchen.  Then you did our bathroom.  People constantly compliment us on the tile work done in our kitchen & we say "Tree did this".  And you did it well & with pride.
You were always there for everyone.  I remember Johnny was working in Champaine & I was home alone with a 6 month old baby & locked myself out of the house.  I called Johnny frantic & he said, "Don't worry, I'll call Tree.  He has a key to the house".  There you were 10 min. later, pulling-up in front of my house at 11 pm on a week night.  You rolled out of bed & rushed right over.  Then you came in for a bite to eat because you were always hungery.
We lost a great friend & you will be missed.  After reading through all the many enteries in your guest book anyone could easily see what a great person you were.  You touched a lot of lives.
God bless you Tree.  May you rest in peace.  Our thoughts & prayers go out to your family, especially your Marilyn.

Magic happens when two hearts become connected,and memories can never be erased.Thank you Tree for being a part of my sister Denise's life.And may angels walk with you and your family today and always.

Dear uncle craig, we remember with pleasure the times we spend with you, unfortunately they were always too short. We will miss your jokes and your smile. Thanks you as were as you were. We will never forget you.
Our sincere condolences to granny Rita, grandpa Jimmy, aunt Renée and cousin Marilynn

I never forgot the day I met you at the woods, you accepted me as a bro, and shared the sight of your beautiful daughter at that time in your arms. You are in a better spere in life, when it comes our time you ride ahead and show us the route. Peace to your family and children's hearts.

If heaven has gained an angel we have had one of earth's most majestic and statuesque Trees cut down too soon. We'll never be the same. Condolences, Marilyn and everyone. Love and peace.

We met Tree back in the 70's Didn't see him for many years.     Ran into him at a motorcycle event about 8 years ago
In WoodDale

 He was a unique individual not to be forgotten. Our deepest sympathies to his Family and Friends

Tree!! You will be forever missed. You were a great friend to my dad and uncles. I grew up with you always around at our family parties and get togethers. Now where will the tall guy with the long pony tailed braid be? Riding hard in heaven! Ride with pride, and ride free Uncle Tree! Love you! RIP <3

My condolences to Tree's family . I met a great friend about 20 years ago and even tho we didn't see each other all the time we shared a bond. The wind and the road. I will miss him but I'm glad he is free of any pain. I know his heart and he will have his wings. RIP my friend.

You will be forever in our hearts "TREE" may your body rest but your soul ride on....

To all of Tree's family and loved ones. We are very sorry for your loss, the out-pouring of support for him shows how well he was loved and cared for.  I remember the first time I saw him, it was in woods, around 1989.  He was just standing there, tall and statuesque. I asked my friend Joyce who he was, and she told me he was "Tree, and wasn't he super handsome"! I had to agree with her, he was gorgeous!  I know he was more than just "good looks", but I will always think of him as that beautiful man who stood his post at the door, keeping things light at T's.  May he rest in peace, and may our great God YHWH bless his daughter with a long and happy life, filled with wonderful memories of her loving father.

I am going to miss you so much, you have always had a special place in my heart & dont regret any of the good or bad times we had together.

6/16/2007 at our wedding.great memories!!

Tree. My friend our brother, can't believe you're gone bro. You've affected so many people in so many positive ways. You always made me and the bros look forward to hangin out, ridin' and popping back a few beers with you. We are going to miss you so much bro. Hell, we already do. On behalf of the REVOLTERS BROTHERHOOD M/C, we love you and cherish the time we had with you. You made your bones bro. And to your family, our condolances and prayers go out to you on this saddest of times. Tree was a great man loved by many and will be missed by all. YOU FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT BRO. TIME TO TAKE IT EASY. I'LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE.

Tree, be at peace my friend, and thank you for giving our "Gorgeous Stack of Pancakes" her best ever grade school friend, Marilynn.  Mike and I will miss your wide smile and your wicked wit, your habit of dropping in when you rode by the house, and your wild stories of a life well lived.  But most of all we will miss your heart, because you had one as big as they come.  Love especially to Marilynn, Rita and Jim, and to all of your family and loved ones.

You will be missed. You had a heart of gold and would do anything for those you knew. Rest in Peace Tree.

Dear Craig,
Du bleibst in unser aller Herzen - wir werden Dich niemals vergessen. Danke für die wenige gemeinsame Zeit.
Deine Familie und Freunde aus Germany

Riecky, Petra, Dandy, DEINE Michèle, Meral, Philip, Maik, Antje, Antonia und Emmy
Liebe Rita, Jimmy, Renèe und Marilynn -wir sind in Gedanken bei Euch und umarmen Euch ganz fest

,,TREE,,             I'M SORRY THAT ,DEATH, CAME TO YOU AT THE YOUNG AGE OF 51.  AND MY CONDOLENCES TO  YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS,I BELIEVE THAT IT IS GODS WILL,,KEEP  A LOOK OUT FOR ,GUY RUDY,HE'S ALSO GOING TO THE OTHER SIDE TO ,,YOU GUYS DON'T NEED WHEELS TO RIDE,,YOU HAVE WINGS TO FLY,,AND IT IS GODS WILL ,,,I WILL MET UP WITH YOU GUYS ONE DAY.BUT I HOPE NO TIME SOON.JESUS IS LORD GOD  AND IF YOU BELIEVE IN THAT.... YOU WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOR EVER,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,JJMUGSTER THE MUGS,,,,,,,,,,,

Dear Craig, 
Du bist in unser aller Herzen. Niemals werden wir Dich vergessen.
Deine Familie und Freunde aus Germany
Riecky, Petra, Dandy, Michele, 
Meral, Philip, Maik, Antje, Emmy, Antonia

I have known Tree my entire life. He's my father's best friend as well as my godfather, and has been friends with my family for well over 30 years.

I spent a large portion of my life being afraid of Tree. I would spend lots of time hiding under my bed while he was over at my family's house. He made me nervous. He was tall, wore earrings, had tattoos and a bit of an attitude. Enough to scare any small child :)
Not until my pre teen years did I realize how silly my fear of him was. It was his presence. It was bigger than life. His personallity was strong and confident. When put hand in hand with his stature it was some what threatening to me as a small child.

As a child you don't know how to judge character in someone, and you're naïve to their intentions.I grew up and was able to be on a different level with Tree. I realized that exactly what made me fear him was what drew people to him. He was a jokester, loud and funny. Never taking anything in life too seriously. Always poking fun at people and making sure that they themselves weren't taking life too seriously as well. A gentle giant who befriended justa about anyone who wanted to have a good time or even just a good conversation. He loved to talk!

I've enjoyed many experiences in my life with Tree there. I am grateful to have had him as a friend and to share those experiences. To hear his outlandish stories, even to have heard stories from my family and his friends about him. I have met soo many great people who knew him and have nothing but good things to say about him.I am fortunate to be close to his family and especially his beautiful daughter Marilynn whom is like a sister to me.

There are many things important to me in life that I would not have should my father and him had never met. One of the most important is the value of friendship. His relationships with myself and my family, and all of the people who love and will miss him, are relationships that really teach you the meaning of being a friend. Everyone has a great story to tell about him. They have shared experiences, had a great laugh, or he's even saved their day in one way or the other.

All of the stories just tell tales of great times. Hearing these stories either recently, or maybe for the tenth time, have just been really inspiring to me. It teaches us all to cherish our friendships in the most special ways. To remember to always have a good time. To create as many good memories as possible and to share them with everyone and anyone. 

I hope that as his friends we continue to carry these stories on in life. Its important that we remember these experiences, and to carry on the spirit of Tree  through  our new experiences in life. We need to take care of our friends and families in the same manor as he did, and remember that at the end of the day, that it's important to be a loyal and great friend.

Tree will be missed but NEVER forgotten. And his spirit will forever remain in our lives as long as we keep these stories alive! Let's honor him! 
We LOVE you Tree
Rest Peacefully
Your Friend and God Daughter,
Lea

So sad to see you go, Tree. Ride on...XOXO

Tree it is an honor to be able to call you my FREIND

You'll be missed by alll who knew you Brother Man...

Craig, may your body rest in peace and may your soul fly amongst the stars...you will be missed by all who knew you.

Thank you for the wonderful childhood memories.

Tree you are free to ride forever, and free of your pain, let the wind blow in your face and your beautiful hair blow in the wind. You will be missed my friend . I may not have seen you as much as I would've liked to but you were in my thoughts often. My condolences to your family and most of all your daughter.

Tree You will be so missed May the angelrs take care they have their hands full now! MUCH LOVE Big guy!!! Dawn Crawford

Tree you will be forever in our hearts.The memories of you will never be forgotten. I (Theresa) remember meeting you and you had your pride and joy with you..Marilyn. You were such a great father to her and you were always her protector. You may not be visible to our eyes but you are always going to be around and most of all you will always be Marilyn's angel and guiding her the right direction like you use to and will continue to do so. You always had a smile on your face, no matter what life was throwing at you, you continued to be strong and kept moving on. I will always remember our conversations. For every moment we all had with you, will will cherish it forever. We will never forget the goodness that you had in your heart. To Tree's family...we are very sorry for your loss. Losing someone so special is never easy and will never get easy. Please remember that he is now your guardian angel looking over all of you and that he has not left your side. May God help you through this difficult time. 
Marilyn...Your father loved you dearly. There was not a momenet where he did not talk about you. You were his pride and Joy and he loved you more than anything in this world. He will live forever in you. Marilyn...we will always be here for you, anytime you need someone to talk to or just need company you can come to us. We are very sorry again for the loss of your daddy. Love, Theresa,Luigi (aka..squiggi),Isbella,Anthony,Michael,Nicholas,Alexandra Nitti

My dearest Tree - I have been so increadiably blessed to have you in my life for the last 4 years - you came into my life when I never thought I would smile again - you have left me with precious memories from parasailing to your anal way of cutting the grass - we did a lot of laughing and crying and your need to always make me smile will forever be in my heart - thank you for your wonderful family and for making sure that I would always be surrounded by truely beautiful friends to watch out for me - I cant imagine my life without you pop tart - blessings always and forever your dork (Denise)

Craig-after all these years, you have been and always will be forever in my heart. Rita, Jim, Renee and Marilynn, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please take some comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain. Love you always and forever. Angie Diomede Ferraro

Rest in peace good friend. I miss the great times at TNTs we all had together. You were were always smiling and making those around you smile and laugh. You were always looking out for everyone and making sure they got out of there safe and still able to ride. You probably saved lots of lives looking out for everyone the way you did. We will miss you and never forget you. I will always picture you standing at the front door or in that back corner @ TNTs.

Rest In Peace Tree ~ I will always have fond memories of you. My condolences to the family, Marilynn, and all of your wonderful friends who each will forever be touched by you!    Mary Sollars-Ferrini

Dear Rita, Jim, & Renee: 
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your loved one Craig "Tree".  May the Lord comfort all of you at this time of great sorrow and may "Tree" now REST IN PEACE with the Lord our God.

I remember Tree 17 years ago standing at the door of TNTs keeping the place tight. Smiling as you greeted all the friends who would share a drink, a conversation or a fight, which you would put a stop to. I will miss you. And I wish I had not missed out on so much time with you. Now our children, will have their future together to make memories. God Bless your soul. I love you.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family " Tree ". Our paths crossed at the independent living program, and your special magnetism touched my family.  Thanks for the memories.  

Bob Hall

Tree, I have known you for what seems like forever! I remember you with my kids, with my Mom. You were and always have been a part of our family. I could not have raised 3 children without the help of our Tree! I remember you going over to my house and sitting with my Mom shile I worked cause she was so sick! These are things that I can't ever repay! I love you my friend, my brother!

Tree you have touched alot of people`s hearts and made many friendship`s threw all the year`s and we will never forget you. The person you were the father you were and son.God Bless you and your family espeacially Marilyn.Rest in Peace ..

OBITUARY

Craig "Tree" R.J. Phillips

November 16, 1960 – January 11, 2012

Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home

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