Phil Short, 73, of Hughson, passed away at Doctors Medical Center with his family by his side. Phil was born and raised in the Modesto and Hughson area. In 1953, Phil graduated from Hughson High, and moved forward to attend UC Berkeley, where he majored in Engineering and played football for the Golden Bears.
In 1952, Phil met Kay Domecq, and they married in 1955. After college, Phil became an active walnut and almond farmer in orchards along the Tuolumne River for over 50 years. During this time he was very active within the community, serving on various boards. From 1967 to 1977, he served on the Hughson Elementary School Board. In November 1977, Phil was appointed to the Turlock Irrigation District Board of Directors, where he served eight 4-year terms, his last term was to end in 2011. Phil was also the president of the Association of California Water Agencies from 1993 to 1995, and served for many years on the Walnut Marketing Board and California Walnut Commission.
Above all Phil’s work in the community, he was also a loving husband and father, and a firm leader. He was a man with a great sense of humor, who cherished his family camping trips, enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his later years, Phil enjoyed wood working and reading.
He was a well-rounded, intelligent man, who will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
Phil is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Kay; children, Jim, Phillip and David Short of Hughson, Lisa Warner of Hickman and Virginia Castro of Manteca; sister, E.J. Peeler of Loylaton, Calif.; 14 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Oct. 2 at Centenary Methodist Church in Modesto. Memorial contributions can be made to Modesto Gospel Mission, 1400 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto, CA 95354 or The Salvation Army, 893 Lander Ave., Turlock, CA 95382.
Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.
In 1952, Phil met Kay Domecq, and they married in 1955. After college, Phil became an active walnut and almond farmer in orchards along the Tuolumne River for over 50 years. During this time he was very active within the community, serving on various boards. From 1967 to 1977, he served on the Hughson Elementary School Board. In November 1977, Phil was appointed to the Turlock Irrigation District Board of Directors, where he served eight 4-year terms, his last term was to end in 2011. Phil was also the president of the Association of California Water Agencies from 1993 to 1995, and served for many years on the Walnut Marketing Board and California Walnut Commission.
Above all Phil’s work in the community, he was also a loving husband and father, and a firm leader. He was a man with a great sense of humor, who cherished his family camping trips, enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his later years, Phil enjoyed wood working and reading.
He was a well-rounded, intelligent man, who will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
Phil is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Kay; children, Jim, Phillip and David Short of Hughson, Lisa Warner of Hickman and Virginia Castro of Manteca; sister, E.J. Peeler of Loylaton, Calif.; 14 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Oct. 2 at Centenary Methodist Church in Modesto. Memorial contributions can be made to Modesto Gospel Mission, 1400 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto, CA 95354 or The Salvation Army, 893 Lander Ave., Turlock, CA 95382.
Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.
