Philip Loren Bostrom
February 8, 1950 ~ October 17, 2019
Born in:
St. Paul, MN
Resided in:
Mills River, NC
Philip Loren Bostrom died at his home on Thursday, October 17, 2019. He was born February 8, 1950 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, son of the late Rev. Jay Bostrom and the late Esther Haycock Bostrom Engman.
Phil greeted the world with wonder and whimsy. He was curious and generous, calm and silly, thoughtful and kind. He believed that if you are able to do something to make life easier for someone, you should just do it, even if it’s hard. He loved the earth and all creatures, and even tolerated cats. Phil served his whole career as a United Methodist minister in Minnesota and South Carolina. He was always ready to go for a walk, and found his own congregation in the woods as part of a hiking group comprised of other ministers. Above all, Phil loved.
Phil was preceded in death by his stepfather Harvey Engman and brother Mark Bostrom, and is survived by his siblings David W. Bostrom (Marilyn Johnson) and Lynn Bostrom Hancock (John), his wife Kathy, daughter Beth, son Shannon (Megan McCarty), and delightful granddaughter Lily.
In lieu of flowers, Phil’s family requests donations to one or more of the following organizations: St Timothy United Methodist Church, Brevard, NC: https://www.sttimothy-brevard.org/give; The Sierra Club Western North Carolina Chapter; Metropolitan Ministries, Tampa, FL: www.metromin.org; Branches: www.branchesfl.org.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
Services
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Love and prayers to Kathy, Beth and Shannon and all of the family during this time.
Kathy, Shannon and Beth – our hearts go out to each of you. Phil was such a kind, giving man of God. We know how very much he adored each of you and his precious Lily. Prayers for peace and comfort for all.
We both send our love to all of you! We were honored to have met Phil and call him friend! Prayers for your healing and taking each day!❤️ Love, Gregg and Charlene Clark
Dear Kathy and your family–I am thinking of you. What a hard time for you. But you will come through. You are strongertan you know. Thelive of many friends surrounds you.
May God’s loving arms surround and sustain you in this time of sorrow.
Saying goodbye to your earthly presence is hard because you brought a lot to this world. Go with grace and gratitude Phil…I and many others will miss you. Nancy
Much love,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
On the trail, around a table, living life, serving others, Phil was always the same, gentle yet strong, principled and compassionate. So long my friend.
Prayers of thanksgiving for his life and for comfort for all you who love him
Di and I are missing you. We lift up prayers for you family.
Kathy, Beth and Shannon, I am so very sorry for the passing of Phil. I only met Phil on our cruise trip many years ago, but I feel as if I know him best from the thoughts and stories you have shared during his illness. I will think of you often in the coming days as you feel his loss and celebrate his wonderful and loving life.
Kathy and family, may the presence of the Prince of Peace be very evident to you during this time. We will miss Phil’s warm smile and gentle spirit and especially his presence with us in the “gleaning fields” where we practiced his belief of helping others even though it was hard work. Our love and prayers.