Walking On -- Philip John Warren

Philip John Warren

Feb. 4, 1942 – Nov. 23, 2016

Tribal Elder Philip John Warren, 74, walked on on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016, at his home in Grand Ronde, Ore.

Philip “Tonto Pup” Leland Warren was born in McMinnville, Ore., on Feb. 4, 1942, to John “Tambo” Phillip Warren and Blanche Marie (Ford) Warren Lillard.

He is survived by his brothers, John Lillard of Grand Ronde and Butch “PowWow” Lillard of Willamina, and his sister, Vonnie “Rosebud” Merrow of McGill, Nev. He also is survived by his son, Bob “Boot” (Karen) Warren of Grand Ronde, and daughters, Linda “LindaLee” Warren of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Pamala “Hamster” Warren of Coquille, Ore. He was a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and he leaves behind many extended family members and many community members who, over the years, became family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Blanche Lillard and Jasper A. Lillard, and four sisters: Ruthie Cooper, Shirley Flansberg, Donna Casey and Norma Billings.

Phil spent his lifetime working in the timber industry in some capacity, either as a tree faller or driving those logs out on his old truck “Nellie Belle.” His work took him as far away as Alaska and all over the state of Oregon, including living and working in Warm Springs.

He passed his love of animals on to his family. He will be greeted on the other side by the family members who have gone on before him, as well as the hundreds of dogs and cats that he has rescued and loved over his lifetime.

Phil knew most everyone and once he got to know you, you would be issued the classic “Tonto Pup” nickname and from that day forward that name was how he knew you.

He was always such a great storyteller. His hunting exploits were epic. He had many great adventures and many great friends and family to share them. He ventured far and wide, but always gravitated back to home base in Grand Ronde. This is where we gather to remember this great Bear of a man, share many memories and provide comfort to all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, at the Grand Ronde Tribal gymnasium in Grand Ronde.

Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center is caring for the family. To send an online condolence, go to www.dallastribute.com.