Obituary of Philip Cornutt

Philip Cornutt peacefully and gently passed on December 27, after a valiant fight against cancer, with his wife Cathy by his side. Throughout his battle, Phil maintained a positive attitude and said he had had an amazing life and was able to do what he wanted to do!

Phil was born July 31st, 1949 in Tokyo, Japan. He joined an amazing family (now two parents/three boys). Hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, skiing and just plain fun were always part of his childhood. Years later, his many adventures with Doug and Howard, Jr., made for great stories around the campfire.

Being in a military family, he lived in Tokyo, Heidelberg, California, New Jersey, Washington, Alaska, and, FINALLY, Oregon! Upon graduating from high school in Anchorage, Alaska, Phil joined the Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam as a field radio operator on the front lines. After returning, he attended the University of Oregon, graduating with a B.S. in architecture. About that time, the Cornutt farm was purchased and, of course, Phil was there to help! Also at that time, Phil decided that he didn’t want to plan houses but build them and that’s just what he did for many years! As you drive on Highway 205, look up up on the bluff at the 10th street exit at those beautiful homes, many of which Phil and his company framed.

Phil was always helping others. One client paid him with a horse, Copper, who joined Sue on the farm! Well, one thing led to another, and “Farmer Phil’s” life ultimately included sheep, more horses, mules, pigs, Herefords, pigeons, geese, cats, and dogs, as well as never ending “projects” on the farm.

God directed Phil to sign on with Allied Moving Company and it was there that he met the love of his life, Cathy (Sindelar). Cathy brought her horse, Jasper, to the farm where they worked and played. They were married June 28, 1987, 34 years ago, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. On their first anniversary (paper), Phil gave Cathy a bookmark which she has carried ever since:

“Some people come into our lives

Make footprints on our heart

And we are never the same!”

There were many memorable hunting and fishing trips as well as summer scouting excursions. Of course, there was ALWAYS hay season, fields to irrigate, animals, and projects to tackle, on top of their regular jobs!

In 1995, Cathy opened the Coffee Barn in Newberg and they were off on another adventure! As the years rolled on, Phil built an “event” coffee trailer and later joined the daily operations at the Coffee Barn. They loved the community and all their customers, who became friends.

Phil and Cathy sold the Coffee Barn about the same time that the farm was sold and were finally able to retire! They found their dream home on the banks of the Santiam River in Sweet Home, Oregon, where they got to spend from sunrise to sunset in what Phil called “God’s Church!”

A heartfelt remembrance touched our heartstrings when a nephew wrote, “I picture Phil somewhere in beautiful mountains filled with deer, elk, and fish, cowboying around and smiling down on us!”

Phil told his loved ones, “I always did my best and always wished the best for others!” Philip Lee Cornutt was a blessing to all who knew him. He knew Jesus Christ as his creator and savior. The world’s a better place because Phil was in it.