Philip George Eklund

Philip George Eklund of Portsmouth, RI, born February 13, 1944 at Aitkin CommunityHospital, Aitkin, MN passed peacefully in his home on November 9, 2017, surrounded byfamily and friends.He is predeceased by his parents Elmer(d) and Marguerite (Anderson) (d) Eklund of Isle,MN.Phillip was one of 10 children; Roy(d) and Betes (Eklund) Paulson, Lavonne and Ralph(d)Cooper, Marlyn and Shirley Eklund, Norman(d) and Helen Eklund, Larry(d) and RuthieEklund, Jerry and Faye(d) Eklund, Corrine and Bob(d) Maxwell, Elaine and DennisMcPheeters, Jeanie and Phillip Brooks, all of which still reside in Minnesota.He also leaves behind 5 children: Nicole (Eklund) Davis and Matt Davis, Tami (Eklund)Chestnut and Adam Chestnut, Kim (Eklund) Lewis and Brian Lewis, Colin McKeon, and Kate(McKeon) Acosta; and 14 grandchildren: Kai Phoenix, Brooke McKeon, Sydney Davis, Daniel Acosta,Emma Chestnut, Whitney McKeon, Olivia Davis, Owen Chestnut, Ty Babcock, Kirby Davis,Abaigael and Isabella McKeon, and Boden and Lucas Lewis. In addition, Phil leaves behindmany nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends and acquaintances, and his close friendand confidant Denise Jette.Philip Grew up on the family dairy farm in Malmo, MN and attended grades 1-4 at LakesideSchool, a 1 room school house. He graduated from Isle Highschool in 1962 where he wascaptain of both the basketball and football teams (honorable mention for all-state in both);best actor within school plays and won national honorable mention for annual sportssection design.Following graduation Philip enlisted in the US Navy; he served 5 years onboard the USSProteus, with time in Holy Lock, Scotland, Rota, Spain, and Guam. He recently receivedrecognition for his status a Vietnam war vet. Phil's Naval career brought him to AquidneckIsland where he easily found work at various government contracting companies; heretired as small business owner, and private contractor to the federal government, lessthan a year prior to his passing.A 40 year member of Wanumetonomy Golf Country Club, and avid golfer, Phil traveledthroughout the US for work and pleasure. During his travels he never missed anopportunity to play a round of his favorite sport at the nearest club; especially localsfeaturing world renowned courses.Philip also enjoyed nature hikes, gardening, puzzles, and was a lifelong Minnesota Vikingsand Twins fan; but anyone that truly knew him knows his favorite pastime was makingpeople laugh. He was a kind, and generous man, with a sense of humor that wasincomparable, and a laugh that was contagious. His children reminisce often about runninginto casual acquaintances who would go out of their way to tell them what a great guy he is.Honest and loyal, Philip was a true example of how 'they just don't make them like theyused to'. If you were endeared to him, you knew you had a force to be reckoned with inyour corner. His family and friends will miss seeing him twisting on his signature toothpick as he entertained with one of his many hysterical stories or jokes. Most of all they will missthe twinkle in his eye, his bold infectious laugh, and the unwavering support and love thathe gave generously and unconditionally.Calling hours will be held Tuesday, November 14, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at ConnorsFuneral Home, 55 West Main Rd, Route 114, Portsmouth, RI and Friday evening, November17, 2017 at Mille Lacs Lake Funeral Home, 460 Main Street, Isle, MN. A burial will be heldSaturday, November 18, 2017 at Lakeside Cemetery, 40th Avenue, Isle, MN.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veteranshttps://www.dav.org. Cemetery Details Lakeside Cemetery Isle, MN, Visitation NOV 14. 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com