To the Bender Family:
It is ironic that I thought about Phillip today and Google searched his name, unaware that he had passed; I had not seen him since the summer of 1972 in Lake Worth with Rick Haislet.  We were all friends at FSU.  I am sorry for your loss and I grieve with you.  He enriched my life having known him.

This was a shock.  My condolences to the family.  Phil and I stumbled across each other again (after a long time) a few years ago.  He hadn't changed a bit -- witty, engaged in life to the fullest and exactly as I remember him.  To Linda and Alan -- you had one great brother.

I send my condolences to the Bender family. I also knew Phil through the national message board. Phil enabled me to grow in my field through his knowledge and wisdom. Whenever I asked for advice on a situation, Phil was always one of the first to answer. I will miss his knowledge and wisdom. Again, my condolences on your loss.

Phil was my friend and colleague. I sent Phil this letter shorty before his passing.....Hi Phil,             I hope you are feeling good today. I am thinking about you always, and extend my best wishes. I decided to write you a little letter, at the risk of sounding corny. You said I was a softy, and you are right. Tears are flowing as I write.   There are some things I wanted to thank you for; you helped me with personal issues, more than you even know, and I thank you for that. You showed me, and I learned countless work related procedures and techniques over the past many years. I have a better understanding of business, from you. These things I thank you for. Between work and personal issues, your advice has been a huge help. And I thank you for that. Over the years, I have enjoyed our conversations, and had always looked to your opinion, and insight, whatever the topic, political or just the issues of our day. Plus, we had plenty of laughs. Thank you Phil.            You have a huge heart and you have had a big impact on me. Your impact will remain with me, for the rest of my days. Phil, you mean a lot to me. Keep the faith.                                   Your friend, and yours truly,          Marcel

Phil did beautiful work for us at Edwards Builders and I enjoyed his humor and pleasantness. He spoke of you often and I really appreciated his friendship and will miss him too. It seems like I have a picture of him and his "spotted" partner somewhere and I'll try to find and send to you. You are in my thoughts and Prayers.

My prayers and sympathy goes out to Phil’s wife, his daughter, his son, his family, and his many friends.
He will be deeply missed by me, and by all who knew him.
Phil was a friend. His parting has left a hole in all our lives.

To the Bender family you are in my thoughts and prayers.Phil will be missed.

Phil will be missed.  He was a mentor  to my three   teenage boys--as well as some of their friends--teaching them a trade -the value of hard work and leadership. HE ALSO TAUGHT BY EXAMPLE ,CHARACTER, A GOOD LAUGH, AND SO MUCH ABOUT LIFE. WE LOVE YOU FOR ALL YOU DID , AND THEN SOME! FONDLY ,  MIKE BELL AND KATHY

To the entire Bender family: You are in our thoughts and prayers. Phil will live on in your hearts for years to come. Know we are all grieving for you, but know that Phil is shining his light down on you...

We are so sorry for your loss. Although we never met Phil, we were always up to date on the happenings in the plastering trade thanks to Phil's input on the walls and ceilings message board. He will be missed by all of us. Our condolences to all of his family. 
Jim and Tracy Woods
Edmonton,Alberta, Canada

Sadly, I never got to meet Phil in person. Yet, through the Walls and Ceilings message board and regular e-mails, I got to know and understand Phil's ways: his skills as a Plasterer,logic, his understanding of happenings around the world, his "have a go" and "fair go" attiude and, dare I say it, his love of Alpacas!! He took a keen interest in my family and he shared his thoughts, beliefs and aspirations of his own. He proudly told me of Matthew's and Kara's accomplishments - the wise old Dad sitting at the head of the  table nodding his head in proud reflection is the picture I have in my mind. He loved his family unconditionally. I'm going to miss the contact. Phil, maybe some day we will be able to meet and I hope it won't be anywhere near THAT rather warm place ;-)
My sincere condolences to Diane, Matthew, Kara and the extended Bender family.

The Bender Family, Phil, Diane, Kara and Matt were my neighbors here in Florida from 1984 until 1996.  They were the best neighbors that anybody could ask for.  Phil was the best father to Kara and Matt and a great husband to Diane.  We always kept in touch via Christmas Cards.  I will miss Phil, such a great man.  My thoughts and prayers are with Diane, Kara and Matt during this sad time.

I've known Phil for about 8 or 9 years.  We are both plasterers and hit it off immediately.  His knowledge and passion for the craft was strong, but he was much, much more than a craftsman.  Through our many conversations I learned of his son and daughter's accomplishments - he was very proud of you both.  His love of music was always lingering in the background, I wish I had the opportunity to hear him play the guitar.  I did see him work with young people just learning the trade, and witness the kindness and patience he could offer to someone just starting out in life, and with a willingness to learn.  I will miss our conversations, and extend my sincere condolences to the entire Bender family.

Phil was my one of my first cousins; our Dads were brothers.  Because of where we live, we did not see each other often. I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana. However, Phil and I corresponded regularly over the years via letters or E-Mail. I always enjoyed our conversations. He was bright, funny, compassionate and interesting. Fortunately, I was able to see him and spend a couple days together a few years ago with our other cousins on Hilton Head. It was a grand reunion. I have no doubt he was a wonderful husband, father and friend.It breaks my heart that we've all lost him so soon. He will remain in my heart and thoughts. I miss him already.My sincere condolences to Diane, Matt and Kara, Pete and Linda, Alan and Denise and all of their grandchildren.With much love,  Jeanie Bender Stelle

Phil was a good friend of mine.Sadly we never met inperson.Phil lead An Internet discussion board by a national Trade magazine for at least 10 yrs .We E-mailed at times to talk business .I had guitar questions .Not only was he intelligent ,articulate and compassionate,not only cared about the trade but the guy cared about people.
Artist,intellectual,musician,family man and plasterer ,(more I'm sure ).A rare human being .
My hart goes out to his family .He will be missed.

OBITUARY

Phillip Bender

December 11, 1947 – January 9, 2011

Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park

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