Philip Allen Himmel, (42), of Prineville, Oregon, passed away on August 30, 2024. Philip, known as Phil by all his friends and family, was born to James (Jim) and Susan (Sue) Himmel, on March 22, 1982, in Eugene, Oregon. Phil grew up in Lorane, Oregon. As a young boy, Phil was an incredibly happy child with a love for the outdoors and anything mechanical. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that he was born with “wheels in his head.” At 2-years old he would latch on to anything with a steering wheel, at 4 he was already telling people that he wanted to be a truck driver, and by 5 or 6 he was mowing the lawn using the family’s riding lawn mower. However, where most 5 or 6 year-olds would’ve been creating zigzags or mowing over mom’s flowers, Phil had a level of precision that rivaled a master gardener. 

This was a theme that would play out across Phil’s life – if there was something he wanted to do he would not only do it but do it well. Not only that, but Phil had a natural ability when it came to anything mechanical. He once watched another mechanic rebuild the rear-end of a pick-up and just by observing that one time was able to do it himself as if he’d been rebuilding rear-ends his whole life.

Phil attended Crow High School in Crow, Oregon and it was there that he met the love of his life and future wife, Tristin. He graduated high school in 2000 as the valedictorian and shortly thereafter fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a truck driver. Phil and Tristin were married at the Crow Nazarene Church on September 24, 2005 and welcomed their first baby girl in 2009 followed by their second in 2011. The family built many lasting memories together with many nights spent camping and riding quads at the dunes or enjoying their shared love of country music with friends.

Through his years of trucking, he touched many lives and built many lifelong friendships from hauling milk in Southern Oregon to freight at Bi-Mart and, although short, he had an incredibly impactful time driving low boy at Rickabaugh Construction in Prineville, Oregon.

Phil’s hard work ethic and unyielding devotion to his family will be remembered by everyone he encountered. He was a true friend and always willing to lend a hand when needed. Phil’s love will be carried on by his wife, Tristin; their children, Aubrey and Morgan; his parents Jim and Sue; his brother Joseph (Joe) and his wife Stephanie; and niece and nephews. 

There will be a Celebration of Phil’s life on October 5th at 12:00pm at the Crow High School (25863 Crow Rd, Eugene, OR 97402). Anyone who would like to join us in remembering Phil is welcome to attend. There will be lunch provided after the service. Additionally, in honor of Phil, those that would like to drive their trucks (big and small) are encouraged to arrive “in style” as we remember an amazing husband, father, son, brother, and friend.