Obituary of Philip John Hogman

4/15/1952 - 8/3/2023

Phil Hogman passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 71 in his home on August 3^rd, 2023.

As a man often described as “Bigger Than Life” and known as “Big Phil” his loss is huge, and he will be missed by many.

Phil is survived by his wife Debi Perry, his Daughter Katrina Hogman, his granddaughters, Emma and Lily, his sister Sherill Kucklick (Dan) and a myriad of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Manford and Margery and by his brother Scott Hogman.

Phil embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly and fiercely loved his daughter Katie. He found great joy in watching and helping her grow into the passionate and strong woman she is. Nothing brought him more joy than her happiness and peace. He also thoroughly loved that she brought him grandchildren to love.

Phil was a Puyallup native growing up in a happy home with his mother (a substitute teacher & homemaker) and father (custom home builder) and his siblings. He loved the fact that his genes included the attributes of a teacher and the critical thinking of a master craftsman. He applied them both well to his way of life.  A graduate of Puyallup High School, he went on to Clover Park Vocational for audio-visual studies and attended Everett Community College for photography studies.

In his younger years he worked at Mount Rainier for 2 summers as a laborer, then a photographer. His photography work was used in The Challenge of Rainier, published by The Mountaineers in 1971. He also learned mountain climbing skills while on that job.

The mountains became Phil’s “spiritual place” and continued to bring him peace and comfort throughout his life.

Although he did spend some time working and learning alongside his father in construction, Phil knew that was not his calling. He accepted a position at The Old Milwaukee, which ultimately lead him to Tacoma Rail (formerly Belt Line) as a Trackman, Engineer, Manager and back to Engineer to complete his 30 year career with the railroad. He loved being a “Hogger”, and all that it encompassed, including precision, timing, accuracy and the excellent people he called friends.

Phil had many passions in his lifetime, and he loved sharing those passions with others. He made a point of pulling his loved ones into his world and sharing his talents with them including baseball, (he won the Home Run Derby in Tacoma and went up against John Olerud in the Regionals, unfortunately he lost – but loved the experience), hunting and fishing, (was a proud Life Member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Elk Skull Camp) music…lots of music, playing trumpet in jr. high and high school band including marches in many Daffodil parades and school events. In his adult life he fulfilled his musical passions through guitar and harmonica while camping, at home and at many family gatherings; reading and most importantly bringing laughter to others. Although very proud of being Swedish, he loved to tell a good Sven & Ole joke! He enjoyed reciting poems, favorite song lyrics and quotes. One favorite poem was The Cremation of Sam McGee. A favorite song was The Bristlecone Pine. One quote was from Inherit the Wind…can’t you understand?... There were so many others. His memory was crazy good for details, so they would roll off his tongue effortlessly.

Private service TBD. In lieu of flowers “in memory gifts” may be made to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Missoula MT or your charity of choice.

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