Phil Cross

Happy memories of you at Tyrrells and Boswells Phil…
You have frequently popped up at social occasions and in life regularly with a broad smile and a cheeky quip!
It was heartwarming today to send you off with a smile and to raise a glass with oh so very many people who cared so deeply about you.
My goodness you would have loved it today!
Rest peacefully, Phil.
Mum, Dad Steve and I send fondest regards.

Phil was our first host at SPFarms, and he could not have been more helpful, and in no short measure, sold us on the decision to move in.
He was our go-to guy, and chief problem solver, and just a great bloke to have a chat with. We'll miss that great smile, drive by waves and DIY tips.
RIP Phil.

My dear cousin Phillip. Warm, friendly, funny, kind, such a wonderful man. I will miss you so much.
Rachel xx

Phil was a genuinely kind, cheerful, and warm-hearted man who brought so much positivity to those around him. He made time for people and was always willing to help, often going above and beyond without hesitation. His generosity and good humour will be remembered by many. It is hard to comprehend how quickly things have changed, and he will be greatly missed.

Phil. You were large than life and the most giving and inclusive of people. So many great memories over the last 20 years. Attacking a cheese board with a glass or two port will always be so poignant. Rest in peace mate. Graeme

I have known Phil since 2016 when he applied to join the Eastern Region of the National Escort Group to become a motorcycle safety marshal for British Cycling and he soon became a dear friend to so many of us . He loved the role and went on to work for other organisations such as ATZ and British Triathlon covering all manner of road sporting events. We were shocked to hear of Phil's passing especially as he had been his usual jovial self at the London Marathon only days before. Messages have come from colleagues all over the country sending condolences to Laura and his family and he will be greatly missed by all.

Phil had such a positive outlook on life, always smiling, chatty with everyone and really good fun to be around. A typical example of Phil's humour occurred whist escorting a cycle race in East Hanningfield a few years ago. He called up on the radio to say a group of people were about to escort a donkey across the road to an adjacent church on Palm Sunday but he had it all sorted. We assumed he had asked them just to pause as the cyclists went past but no, as we rode through the village there he was at the side of the road holding the donkey with a big smile on his face.

I feel a great sadness at the loss of my friend who will be will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

I knew Phil years ago, I’d like to say he was a very big part of my misspent youth but it wasn’t misspent as I spent it with him and a great group of friends. He way always there, always ready to go camping, have a BBQ, find a pub with a nice garden on a Sunday, go punting, play badminton in the back garden or table tennis and definitely swing ball! So many happy memories, taken too soon.
Wish I could find the photos to prove it!
Lindsay

Phil, I have been so lucky to have you as a friend. You were one of those rare people who made every conversation feel easy, and you always had a new story from your adventures in France ready to make me smile.

There was a spark of mischief in you too — the kind that made ordinary moments unforgettable. I’ll never forget the day you and your family kindly offered to help with the wedding preparations. You took charge of the cocktails with great seriousness… or so I thought. During the reception, I told you, “Phil, I don’t remember the vodka tasting quite that strong in this cocktail.”
You gave me that famous smile — the one that meant trouble. So I asked, “Phil… did you add more vodka?”
And with total confidence you replied, “I improved the recipe. It’s to make everyone happy.”

It’s a memory that captures you perfectly: generous, joyful, a little cheeky, and always ready to make life brighter. Happy memory of you.

I was so saddened to hear the news - I had known Phil for over 27 years - from weekends in Norfolk, to coming to our wedding in France and barbeques and drinks in Chelmsford. Always full of life and prepared to do things for completely philanthropic causes. A great loss, you have departed this life too soon and we can still barely believe what happened.
Rest in peace.
Bill

Always living life to the full and genuinely happy to see you. one of life’s good guys who gave so much to others.
Thank you for all the memories
Rest in peace xx

Phil, you always had a smile on your face, even if the weather was not being kind to us. Without your contribution to the NEG, racing would have been non existent. The Commissaires will mis you

Dear Phil
Your smiley face and cheerful positive way is how we will remember you. We will miss you very much.
Love, Sue and John

I met Phil at Trimmers , he was always great company, fun , smiley and easy going . So many lovely memories to cherish - camping , nights out , barn dances and many more .
You will be greatly missed ❤️❤️
Such a big heart. Nicky , Sean & family xxx

Phil was our wonderful neighbour. He regaled us with descriptions about his marshalling of races. He came to our personal rescue many times. Phil is sorely missed.

Phil, always smiling, larger than life character never heard him say a cross word about anyone.
Loved his impromptu visits on his motor bike, come for chat and cup of tea.
He did the hanging tiles on our house, real tradesman never had any issues 🤞
We remember Phil as a child, could never keep still, Grandad would say ‘what’s he touching now’ 🤣
Phil you’ve been taken to soon, rsvp

As a child, I loved visiting Auntie Sheila and Uncle Michael’s, not least because it meant spending time with Philip, who was endlessly funny, always cheeky, and didn’t mind being pestered by his younger cousins! One enduring memory is when he tried to get me to drink Pernod and black at Deb’s and Roger’s wedding, saying it tasted of aniseed balls - I was only about eight or nine years old, I think! As an adult, while we didn’t see each other often, it was a joy to be in his company. Always smiling, always laughing, it was like no time had passed at all. He was one of those people who made everyone around him feel good. I know he will be hugely missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

Met Phil through Laura we both thought our partners would get on. This started a lovely friendship of lots of laughter. Phil was such great company and clearly adored Laura.
Sarah and Lindsay

I’ve known Phil for 20+ years and shared many memories, from skiing trips and the lads on tour biking trips. Phil was our sat nav man and got us as far as the Alps… eventually, he always made sure we got our order at the Chinese on everyone’s birthday and wore some great shirts. Phil will be greatly missed by us all.

Phil,
Our paths crossed infrequently, but when they did, it was always a pleasure. Rest in Peace.
Richard.

Some of the funniest times were with Phil on our bike trips, ‘Le Boogey’ will go down in history! Miss you and miss one last mountain before home 😁

Dear Cous,
You lived your life so well, great friends, food and most importantly your family. Your infectious laughter will stay in our hearts forever.
Millie found this from yesteryear when she ‘photobombed’ the boys!
Dave, Ally and Millie X

Such a shock to hear the sad news. I knew Phil from work at Old Park Farm. He always came in the office with a smile and we shared so many memories over a cup of tea. You will be dearly missed! From all the girls at Hamiltons from Old Park Farm xx

He'll be much missed by so many (even for his terrible shirts). Way too soon 😞

Thank you for holding my hand in life when I needed you most. I will miss you always and love you forever. Julie xxx

Uncle Phil. The man you could count on for everything in life. To make us laugh, to go to the pub, to hang a mirror, to share a cheeseboard, or to talk to about absolutely anything. You appreciated all the small things in life, and that’s why we loved you.

You will always be someone Ed and I look up to and remember every day. A true legend in every sense of the word.

We’ll miss you more than words can say, Uncle Phil, but we’ll carry your humour, kindness and spirit with us forever.

I will always remember how Phil came to the rescue when I found out ( on the day) the venue for my 50th party was double booked.! With his usual charm & charisma Phil negotiated an alternative venue & made the party happen.
Phil.was so full of fun & life. He certainly knew how to party. He was the best of guys.
Mary Horley

Uncle Phil,

You know how important you were to me and how much I valued our relationship. You played such a significant fatherly role in my life, and you will be dearly missed.

I promise to make you proud and to be there for everyone in the same way you were for all of us.

Lots of love,
Ed xxx

You were always smiley, could talk to anyone and had a story for everything. Thank you for the memories, you will never be forgotten.

Rest easy.

All our memories of Phil are of him smiling and laughing. An indication of the joy he brought to life. This photo is when he was spotted on YouTube whilst doing some of his marshalling - signature smile in place!

Our greatest memories of Phil and Laura are from camping, especially the one where I tripped the electricity.
I thought it would be a good idea to turn a camping heater on in the tent when I went to bed, as I plugged it in it tripped the whole campsite, most people at this time would of owned up but me!! Thought it would be a good idea to unplug it and go to bed.
In the morning when Phil and Laura were talking about the electric tripping it transpires that Phil was in the shower and suddenly mid soap was in darkness, Laura ran to his rescue with a torch!!
It took a while but eventually I owned up later in the day, with a mixture of laughter and I’m sorry!!
The camping heater later went in the bin!!
Much love to you Laura and the kids fly high Phil xxxx

Phil

How incredibly sad and sorry I feel, to say farewell to our bright, happy, fun-loving ‘Phil next door’. An engaging smile, grin and chuckle from the day you were born; adventure, action, exploration guiding your way.

Memories - ‘Get off that shed’, ‘Climb down from the tree’, ‘He’s cut his foot’, ‘Broken his ….’ Always a story.

Julie and I had the perfect solution for our ‘ little brothers’. Strap them in my twin dolls pram with the dog sandwiched in the middle. Wheel them to the end of the estate and abandon!

As adults I enjoyed our end of driveway ‘catch up chats’ in Falmouth Rd. Laughing over our experiences with mutual interests; skiing calamities, gardening ventures, nature and the outdoors.

Most recently, biking. Whilst I would recount my furious pedalling, you would talk enthusiastically of your marshalling and monitoring. Sharing our joint enthusiasms for event challenges and the beauty of the countryside.

Thinking of you Phil, will always brighten my day.

All the photos and words show how much Phil was loved and will be missed.
A few memories and photos-Motorbike marshalling - I was watching with my class the Men’s Tour of Britain when it came through Woodbridge in 2017.At Emily’s wedding and Lisa’s birthday party.Love to Laura and family. X

From Cubs (nicking my woggle) to our Boswells group get together (in more recent times), you were always a constant and brought the fun to friendship. At college you became the nucleus spanning multiple groups of friends from other schools. That Venn diagram became the blueprint of The Mob, and we are all better for it. An earlier memory, when you led our Sunday training rides out front on your 50cc moped (to outsiders we must have looked like a Keirin race), was the seed of that lasting passion for me. What a ride! Love to all, especially Laura, Deborah and Julie.

Phil was the nicest guy. Phil wasn’t just full of life, he was life. He was so enthusiastic and led from the front and you couldn’t help just wanting to join in with him.
It won’t be the same without you Phil.

Lots of love
Debbie and Mike xxx

Heaven gained an amazing man who will be greatly missed I know by many. Nothing but smiles, laughter and always up for a beer. May you rest in peace Phil. Until we meet again for a beer and a huffer sandwich x

Oh Phil- all those years of fun. Camping, skiing when you would patiently guide me down from a tricky mess I got into, holidays in Seville and Malta, great meals out and parties usually ending with a cheeky glass or two of port. Always cheerful, always caring. So lovely and patient with Clive. I found this old picture in the Edge. Sums you up carefree and enjoying the moment. Your love for Laura always obvious. You will be missed so much.

Remembering Phil goes a long way back, from primary school as kids, mountain biking In Wales, to Skiing from the first to last lift in Courchevel & the 3 valleys and always finishing off with a Mutzig. He always had a beaming smile and made so much of every day. Rest in peace.

There is a metaphor that life is a train journey.
Life is like a train ride, people board and leave at different stations, we rarely know how long anyone will stay beside us.
The train itself represents life moving forward.
Stations are our life’s events.
Passengers are the people we meet.
Our journey started together at Boswells school where we first became friends and had many great laughs.
Over the following years we experienced many stations.
Friday night beers with ‘the boys’
Motorcycle trips (you were never as fast as me)
Skiing holidays (I was never as fast as you)
Days out in London, a wonderful trip to Porto where we all got very drunk sampling the different ports.
My stag do at Butlins and you being best man at mine and Caroline’s wedding, this was probably the best station for me.
You and Laura were our first visitors when we moved to Spain, we drank a whole bottle of Nisperro gin on New Year’s Eve and then climbed the mountain to Orba castle the next morning with banging heads , that was your idea!!
You were one of the most positive people I knew, always smiling and cracking crap jokes. You were without a doubt one of life’s good people.
You were a great friend to many people, it was just the guy you were.
You got off the train too early Phil and I am so so sad you are gone.
Our journeys continue but they won’t be the same without you.
RIP Phil, you will be sorely missed.
Big John.

Phil was the best handy man you could ask for at Wilderness Foundation, always doing more for us when he could. He was always one you could count on for a laugh, missing him deafening us on a Tuesday testing fire alarms, turning the lights out when they needed checking and coming over to fix the alarm every time it went wrong (which was often). A kind man that did a lot for others.

Such a shock .. I met Phil in the late 1980s at Kung Fu .We seemed to bump into each other through various hobbies and associations . On a camping trip about 18 years ago , he secretly got into my mobile phone and set the alarm for 5am . It went off and woke people up ! I couldn’t turn it off ! Wicked sense of humour .He was just the nicest guy ..
our hearts go out to Laura and Family .

This is such a shock, what a lovely man. I will always remember Phil as a cheerful, kind and generous soul, he will be so missed.
In the early 1990s, our paths crossed many times through mutual friends, and it often felt as though everyone knew Phil. We would often ask, “Where are Phil’s crowd meeting tonight?” because wherever he was, there would always a big gathering of friends. Seeing the outpouring of love for him now, it is clear just how many lives he touched.
Phil loved being at Old Park Meadow, being in nature and helping others. At Dads funeral he made sure he was there to greet me, and then planting extra bulbs by his grave ‘shhhh don’t tell the others!’ so typical of Phil, always there for others, thoughtful, caring, and kind-hearted, with a cheeky grin.
My heart goes out to Laura, and to all of Phil’s family and many friends as they mourn this tremendous loss.

These photographs were taken at birthday celebrations seven years ago with close friends Nigel, Sue and Sandra.

Dear Cuz, as you and I would fondly address each other, I can't believe you've gone. What a huge shock and loss. Although we hadn't seen each other since your last trip to Aotearoa in 1999 I loved keeping in contact via short FB comments recognising each others milestone events. You were always so interested in the happenings on the other side of the world and such a happy man. It showed how giving, kind and loving you were. It was such a shame you didn't quite get to meet our daughter, Ruby, and her wee one coming soon. I was convinced you had but it looks like I had my dates mixed up. You also remind me of dad (your uncle) in looks. It's strange to think we will never meet again, that would have been awesome. Anyway, moe mai rā (rest) Cuz. Much aroha (love) to you, Laura, Deborah, Julie and the wider whānau (family) from Ngaire, Russell & Ruby xxxxx

First knew Phil at cubs over 50 years ago and then at Boswells school, I left Chelmsford to join the RAF so never kept in personal touch. I have kept Phil as a friend on Facebook and enjoyed following his antics through the years. So missed already RIP.

I still cannot believe this happened!! One of the nicest guys I have had the pleasure of calling a friend. RIP young man xx

I’ve known Phil since college ( 1981) so many memories and so many stories . Parties, camping , barbecues , motorbike trips and every Friday pub nights . None of these things will ever be the same again

I once called Phil “our Labrador puppy “ how accurate ! Always happy and enthusiastic , loved his food and treats “ gin and tonic”,. Always displaying a playful nature , never needed a coat even in coldest weather. Most importantly , a kind heart bigger than him , Phil , you will forever remain in our hearts and be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved you . Kerry xxx❤️❤️

A genuine friend who was very much life and soul of a party, always smiling , always a funny tale or a joke to be told. Gone away too soon. We miss you Phil .

Cathy and Richard

Phil was such a wonderful friend, always cheerful, always helpful and always good fun. He seemed to bring joy and exuberance to all he did. I really admired his motorbiking skills and how he used them to support charity rides. He had fun on his electric bicycle.

I even forgave him for not supporting Wales at rugby because he was so good-humoured about it. I will miss him so much. But am so happy to have known him

I met Phil at Trimmers in the late 80 s . He would turn up every evening after work for his swim , sauna and coffee .
We became good friends and went to Ashwells and Riverside doing different Aerobics classes . We played badminton , had Bbqs and went skiing . He was always great company and would give anything a try .
Phil , you will be sadly missed by so many . There are no words to describe the shock to us all and the hole you have left behind . Condolences to Laura , Deborah , Julie and families .
Taken far too soon 🙁
RIP Phil xxx
Love Carl and Jennie x

I first knew Phil at Boswells and will always be remembered for his desire to have fun, looking for the positives and choosing videos from the local video store by the cattle market! Driving his little fiesta van in the 80’s to motorbikes for the marathons more recently. You are already missed Phil

I usually bumped into Phil about once a year in a pub.

Every time, he made me laugh.

The world could do with more people like Phil.

Martin McIntosh

Was only in each others company for a couple of years in a working environment and it was an absolute pleasure… what a great man and what a loss. Thinking of all his family and work colleagues at this sad time
King Gary
Plumbing & heating

I only really knew Phil in the last year when I joined a company on OPF. He was so friendly and kind. You could really see the joy he brought to people and the positive impact he had on so many lives. His absence on OPF is already deeply felt. What an incredibly sad and shocking loss. My condolences to Phil's family and friends.

I feel like we had known Phil much longer than we had. It was so lovely to have his company when we were visiting in England and so much fun when he helped show us around on our tours. It’s hard to believe we won’t see his cheeky face popping in on our marathon zoom calls with Julie and Laura.
As many have said, I’ve never seen him without that cheerful smile. Words can never convey how much he will be missed by all. Sending much love and condolences. I wish I could be there for you Laura but know you have much loving family around you. Until we see you please know we are with you in our hearts. xoxo

I am proud to have called Phil one of my closest friends since we were 3 years old, nearly 59 years. From meeting at nursery school, through living 5 doors apart in Falmouth Road until we were 11, we were inseparable. And since schools, house moves, and country moves took us further apart, we have remained solid friends throughout. I can honestly say that Phil has got me into more scrapes and led me astray on more occasions than anyone else I can think of, far too many times to mention here. But whether it was being persuaded to climb way too high in a tree (when he once fell out after going higher) or cycling 8 miles on a dual carriageway to Witham at age 8 (…both picked up by a police car), both crashing off our motorbikes on the same roundabout age 16 and laughing our heads off in the gutter, or skiing off-piste towards the edge of a cliff in our 20s, I can say that these and many more times with Phil have been some of the most fun and memorable in my life. Phil was a fantastic guy and so special to so many people. I will miss him greatly and my thoughts go out to Laura, Deborah and Julie in particular, but also to everyone who knew him for who this will be such a terrible shock.

I first met Phil when I worked at Trimmers. He would come into the club for his evening swim .
From there he became a big part of my family’s life’s . We went on many camping holiday and days out and barbecues . My children were young at the time they now are adults. These trips had a big impact on them growing up. Phil you were a wonderful influence on them. You were the best of men
Love Joe Luke Lydia Jett and Sean

Can't believe you've gone.😔..
You were such a good friend ...we will miss you and your cheeky chipmunk laugh...you will be forever in our hearts Phil...💓
Love Sal Chris Felix and Alfie xxxx

We were in shock and so saddened to hear of Phil's passing.

We did not have the privilege of knowing him for a very long time, like so many of you have, but it didn't take long to appreciate his kind, funny and happy disposition.

On a trip home to England once we took a trip to Cambridge with our cousins, Julie and Laura and Phil. We were fortunate to have Phil's expertise while we were punting on the Cam, otherwise I think we would have all been in the water. My son, Connor, was the only one brave enough to give it a try but after a slight diversion into the trees, he gave the responsibility back to Phil. After our scenic and relaxing boat ride we did some more touring around for a while and ended up having high tea at the old morgue. It was a lovely day spent in great company, with lots of laughs and we were very much looking forward to spending more time with Phil on future visits.

There are no words to fix this for people you love and we are too far away to give you an in person cuddle Laura but you are in our hearts and minds and we are sending our love to you, your children and grandchildren, and to Julie. We also would like to send our sincere condolences to Phil's family.

He will be greatly missed by so many people and we hope that the wealth of wonderful memories that Phil has left you will in time begin to ease the sadness and the stories you share help fill the void.

Much love from Jackie and Connor

Always positive with a can do attitude….I haven’t seen that much of Phil over the past few years but Phil had a sense of adventure that was infectious, I had some of the best and funniest times of my life in the company of Phil…I seem to have lost my photos and thank Tony Holmes for including them in the memory wall

To my cousin Phil

We cannot believe you are gone. A lovely memory we have is you and Laura in your pjs sitting in front of the fire at home on New Years Eve 2020 during Covid times Facetiming us in New Zealand where it was the morning of New Years Day 2021 and we also were in our pjs but we were sitting outside in the sun. We talked about you and Laura visiting us in New Zealand one day but sadly you won’t make it back again. You had two visits to New Zealand – one in 1985 when you managed to make it into the newspaper for finding an egg within an egg and another trip in 1999 where we have a great photo you sitting at the kids table at our middle daughter’s 5th birthday party. You were the life and soul of the party – always happy, always smiling.

We loved catching up with you when we came to the UK. There were always lots of laughs. Our daughters have happy memories of you taking us punting on the River Cam in 2004 with Laura, Ed and Hannah. You were a lot better at punting than me and made it look easy while I was left with bleeding palms.

We will miss the messages when England is playing rugby against the All Blacks. You were always so interested and keen to learn more about the Haka.

We are so grateful that we could help celebrate your birthday last year when we were over, sadly not knowing it would be your last. There should have been so many more to come. Hope you got to drink the Port we got you from Porto.

Kau hinga te totara haemata, te totara whakamarumaru o te wao nui a Tane. Kua kore ngā manu e rere. Kua ngū te ngāhere. (The mighty tōtara tree has fallen, the sheltering tōtara of the great forest of Tāne. The birds no longer fly. The forest has fallen silent.)

Rest in peace Phil. You will be sadly missed by us and all your New Zealand family.

Love from John, Katherine and whanau (family) xxx