Phillip George Harthan, 50
Phillip George Harthan, 50, passed away May 15, 2008. We lost our close friend of sudden heart failure while playing softball with friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carroll Harthan; twin brother, Paul Harthan; and sister, Phyllis Boppre.
He is survived by his children, Amanda and Nathan McCraven, and Laura and Todd Harthan; their mother, Sandra Harthan; grandson, Austin Phillip McCraven; mother, Catherine Harthan; and siblings, Dave, Steve, and Jim Harthan, Sue Brown, Barb Hanson, and Peggy Storlie. He also is survived by in-laws, Don Nelson and Cheri Nelson; and nephews, Jonathan, Josiah, and Jordan Nelson; along with numerous other close relatives and friends.
Phil was born Aug 20, 1957, and was raised in Cohasset, Minn., where he graduated from Grand Rapids High School. He proceeded onto Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids and graduated with an associate degree, transferring then to Mayville State University in North Dakota, graduating with a dual teaching and coaching degree.
He was married in 1981 to Sandra Russum in Grafton, N.D., and together moved to Carrington, N.D., where Phil taught fifth grade and coached wrestling, track, and football at the high-school level. Phil was honored with coach of the year for three consecutive years before moving to Kalispell in 1987, where he began teaching and coaching in Whitefish.
He began his career in painting in 1992, later partnering with John Jackson to establish H & J Painting.
Phil enjoyed coaching and watching his son, daughters, and nephews participate in sports and activities. He cheered on the local athletes, the Montana Grizzlies, and the Minnesota Vikings, and loved to spend time with his friends and family at their homes and at the lake. Phil was an avid fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed playing recreational softball and volleyball. He coached football, softball and wrestling for many years and was a member of Faith Free Lutheran Church.
Viewing will be from noon to 8 p.m. May 19 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, with the service being at 11 a.m. May 20 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A reception will be afterward at Faith Free Lutheran Church. Sign Phillip's book or leave condolences at www.buffalohillfh.com.