Phillip Gonzales

Phillip Gonzales passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at the age of 62 after a valiant fight with a cancer diagnosis two years ago. For those who loved and knew him well, we are each better for having shared part of his life’s journey.

Phil was born to Simon and Theresa Gonzales in Toppenish, Washington, on Friday, October 21, 1960. As the oldest of five, he was the brother that always offered help and support to his siblings. He would credit the work ethic and faith shown by his Dad and Mom as the foundation for his own success.

Graduating from Toppenish High School in 1979, he made life-long friends while playing on the football, basketball, and tennis teams. Phil continued his education with a B.S. from Eastern Washington University and Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. Phil began his teaching career with the Chandler School District where he taught and coached at Chandler High, Willis Jr. High, Bogle Jr. High and Hamilton High School. It was at Hamilton that Phil established a successful Boys Tennis Program, winning 2 back-to-back State Doubles Championships. As a coach and USPTA-certified instructor, Phil felt fortunate to develop and coach an elite cadre of student athletes for thirty-eight challenging and fulfilling years.

While he was a passionate tennis coach, Phil was also a dedicated teacher, assistant Basketball coach and Football scorekeeper at his beloved Hamilton High School. He was humbled and grateful when honored with induction into the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame, and by the naming of the “Hamilton HS Tennis Complex” after him. Phil took his greatest pride in the success and accomplishments of his students, players, and fellow coaches. It was the arc of their lives that were the trophies he pointed to the most.

Hamilton High was also the source of Phil’s greatest partnership to fellow teacher and wife Karen with whom he shared over 23 years of love, fun, and lots of sporting events. He will be deeply missed for his playful smile, his patience, and his ever-present strength and caring for others.

Phil is survived by his wife Karen and son Steve; brother Paul Gonzales, Seattle; sisters Elizabeth (Ayman) Mohamed, Yakima, and Mary Ann (Paul) Campos, Olympia; brother-in-law Keith Swanson; nieces: Jessica Gonzales, Cassandra Campos; nephews: Marcus Gonzales, Charlie (Holly) and Mason Gonzales, Alejandro and Nicolas Campos, and Thomas and Adam Swanson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Doug Eckhardt; and sister Carmen.

Memorial donations may be made to:

The Hamilton Boys Tennis Booster Club – (% Coach Justin Artis, Hamilton H.S.)

The ASU Foundation “Doug Eckhardt Memorial Rugby Scholarship”

(https://www.asufoundation.org/home)