Thomas Phillips

1961 - 2018

Thomas Madison Phillips

March 12, 1961-April 22, 2018

Thomas Madison Phillips passed away suddenly on April 22, 2018, aboard the sport fishing boat, the Independence.
Tom was born to Thomas and Karin Phillips in Corona, California on March 12, 1961. Tom grew up in Pacific Beach, San Diego where he played little league, enjoyed fishing with his Dad and surfing with his brother Chris. He was also an avid skier and would take long road trips with his high school buddies up to Lake Tahoe. Early in his life he developed an addiction to his sister Elisabeth's chocolate chip cookies and after a long day, fishing, surfing or playing baseball would ask her to bake for him.
In addition to baseball, his hobbies were rock collecting, and re building cars. He built a vintage truck, completing the bodywork and mechanics himself with the help of one of his high school mentors, Mr. Greg.
At a young age, he developed the appreciation of financial independence. At the age of 13 he went to work at Ocean Fresh restaurant in Birdrock, La Jolla. Tom developed his skill for cooking here, and liked to watch the cooks prep and learned to chop vegetables, and grill.
While attending San Diego State University and pursuing a degree in Accounting, he worked in the accounting department at Sea World where he met his first wife, Colleen.
After graduating, they married and moved to San Francisco. Tom completed his CPA license and secured a position with one of the "Big Eight" accounting firms KPMG.
After a few years at a large firm, Tom decided to start his own CPA practice. He eventually joined two other former employees of KPMG to form Nelson, Vogelheim and Phillips CPA firm. The order of the names being in reverse order of how hard each of them worked. Tom worked tirelessly building his practice and providing superior client service.
During this time Colleen tragically passed away. Tom later met Amy and they were married in October 1998. Tom then embarked on his more important career, as a family man. Tom and Amy were first blessed with twin girls, Paige and Jane and four years later little Brooke arrived on the scene. Tom loved every minute of watching his girls dance ballet, play sports, cheerlead and horseback ride, and when he had to be away from them he loved every minute of telling those around him about his daughters.
Tom and Amy created a beautiful family. Tom loved Amy dearly and was so very proud of his three daughters. Tom and Amy joined Marin Country Club nearly 10 years ago and Tom jumped in with both feet. He held many positions on committees and served on the board in various positions from 2012-2017. Tom was in demand at the club and enjoyed playing golf with friends and enjoying the wonderful food. Tom was quite the host -- and was known for serving up platters of food and drinks. He always wanted to share fine wines, scotches and cigars.
Prior to his passing, Tom had just endured another tax season where he worked tirelessly up through the tax deadline. He then left for his annual fishing trip where he would unwind by catching Yellowfin Tuna deep in the ocean near Mexico. All of this embodies the work-hard play hard philosophy that even at a young age defined Tom Phillips. Tom is survived by his parents, Tom and Karin Phillips, his brother, Christopher Phillips, his sister, Elisabeth Brumley, his wife Amy and their 3 children, Paige, Jane and Brooke Phillips along with several cousins, nieces, nephews and lots of friends.
In lieu of flowers, please give a donation to a charity of your choice. There will be a celebration of Tom's incredible and too short life on May 20, 2018 at 3:00pm at Marin Country Club.