Resident of Los Gatos

Kindhearted, generous and thoughtful, Dr. Philip Ernstrom faithfully served our community throughout the many chapters of his life.

Born in Portland, Oregon, to Lenore and Henry Ernstrom, Phil was the third of five children: Hank, Amby, Philip, Patty and Mary. His father was sales manager at J.E. Hazeltine Co., an important Northwest supplier of hardware, tools and goods. The Ernstroms were part of a close-knit community in North East Portland. Phil attended St. Rose School and then Grant High School. It was the time of the Great Depression, and he often spoke about his mother providing meals for families in need. Hardworking and supportive of each other, the Ernstroms were blessed with lifelong friendships from their early years in Portland.

Growing up, Phil had series of jobs that not only shaped his character, but instilled an innate respect and understanding of the value and importance of hard work. With many men away during WWII, he took jobs processing castings at the steel foundry, unloading fruit trucks and cleaning up slash with the forest service on the fire suppression crew. He took on his father’s philosophy, “work hard and perform well and people will speak well of you.”

A gifted, natural athlete, Phil excelled in track, swimming and football – earning local and state honors while attending Grant High School.

Along with his best friend since nursery school, Oliver Norville, he joined the Navy in the fall of 1946 at Great Lakes, Illinois. While in the Navy, he completed electronics school in Monterey and competed on the Navy’s swim team (participating in the Pacific Coast qualifier -- a precursor to the Olympic Trials).

His determination to pursue higher education came with an acceptance to Santa Clara University on the GI Bill, studying business administration. Through his academic, campus activities and spiritual path, Phil found kindred spirits who would remain lifelong friends, all of whom, like himself, would go on to give back to their communities in impactful ways.

Phil met his future wife Angela Panelli while he was boarding with the Kiely Family at their Santa Clara home. He saw in her a partner who could match his passion for education, service and commitment to family and friends (plus he loved her mother Natalina’s Italian cooking). Phil was forever grateful to Angela’s brother Ed for advocating on his behalf with the Panellis – even though Phil was not Italian, he was the perfect match for “Eddie’s big sister.” Learning enough Italian to ask her father Pilade for her hand, Angela and Phil married in 1951.

With Angela’s support, he found a way to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.

Married and with a newborn, Phil returned to Santa Clara for two additional years of pre-med coursework and then went back to Portland to attend the University of Oregon Medical School (OHSU), completing his medical education in 1958.

A general surgeon for 30 years at O’Connor Hospital, Phil served in many professional positions including Chairman of the O’Connor Department of Surgery and President of the San Jose Surgical Society. He completed his residency and internship at Valley Medical Center and at Presbyterian Medical Center in San Francisco, and served as a Clinical Instructor in the Stanford Residency Teaching Program at VMC.

More important to him than accolades were his working relationships with like-minded colleagues: they shared the same enthusiasm and commitment to surgery, working together to give their patients the best possible care.

Drs. Johnson, Condie, Ernstrom & Seid, founded their surgical practice with each partner making a commitment to work overseas. Phil served as the relief surgeon at the Africa Inland Mission Hospital in Kijabe, Kenya. Phil and Angela worked tirelessly alongside each other in the operating room. Living in Africa was a formative experience for the entire family.

Phil pursued many interests over his nine decades – including surfing, running, sailing, tennis, skiing, traveling, and cooking (as a science). In retirement, he was a Master Builder for Habitat for Humanity, a Rules Official for the Northern California Golf Association, participated in the South Bay Guitar Society, and was a lector at St. Mary’s Church for more than 30 years. An avid reader, he enjoyed the works of David Brooks, Daniel Kahneman and William James –to name some recent favorites.

Santa Clara University recognized Phil with the Ignatian Award in 2004 –honoring University alumni who have demonstrated outstanding service to humanity –“act justly, love mercifully and serve humbly.”

As a lifelong learner, Phil was still taking weekly classical guitar lessons until the time of his death –always working to further master his favorite pieces. In March, he completed his Continuing Medical Education (CME) units and coursework to renew his medical license.

Throughout his life, his friendships and social interactions with people of all ages have been a source of joy for him and for all those who had the privilege to know him.

The outpouring and gratitude from so many people from both his professional and personal lives has been a great source of strength for the family during this difficult time.

Always known as a gracious, vibrant person and retired general surgeon-- he was the youngest 96-year-old we have ever known.

Preceded in death by Angela, his wife of 64 years, daughter Katherine DuBois, cherished family Aldo Panelli, Lorna and Edward Panelli, Hank and Muriel Ernstrom, Amby Ernstrom, Patricia E. Ernstrom, Mary and David Case, Phil is survived by Natalee Ernstrom, Patricia Ernstrom and Marshall Anstandig. Other loved ones include: Gabriella Panelli, Danielle Ernstrom, Dale Dubois, Jim and Linda Ernstrom, Roger and Laurie Ernstrom, Doug and Kim Case, Kristen and Bob Stark, Lisal and Andrew Barnard, Maria and Steve Taylor, Angelique and George Ernstrom-Kissas, Tom and Lani Panelli, Jeff Panelli, Michael and Cindy Panelli, Alex Panelli, Patrick and Erica Panelli, along with their children.

A Funeral Mass in celebration of Dr. Ernstrom’s life will be held on Saturday, September 28, at 9 a.m. at Mission Santa Clara. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names (SNJM) c/o P.O. Box 907, Los Gatos, CA 95031; or Santa Clara University Office of Development –Justice Edward A. Panelli Endowed Law Scholarship, or a charity of your choice.