Phillip Eugene Lobato

Phillip Eugene Lobato has left us all with a void that will never be filled. He leaves quite a legend in his wake. For a guy with such a short stature, he had the biggest personality. Always, unapologetically, sarcastically, funny Phill.

He loved his son, first and foremost. Bonding with him in that special way Phill had. Leaving him with many happy memories. And if I am not mistaken, some good lessons as well. We will always be here to share a story with you Joaquin. We will remember the good times.

Second in Phill’s life was his drums. He influenced his friends and family (me especially) with his absolute love for music. It was contagious. He even started his beloved band in his high school days practicing in his dad’s garage. He loved attending concerts and going to a concert with Phill was the absolute best. He had you laughing the whole trip. His sarcasm and sharp wit will be so deeply missed.

Smoke was one of the biggest, best things Phill had his hand in. Some of the best times of his life were spent on stage. He loved his band and he lived for their music. Many of us remember watching their videos or seeing them on stage. They were such a presence when those three were all together. I hope we can all gather a little bit of peace knowing they’re all together again. Can you imagine what a show that is?

Phill loved his family and friends unapologetically and without judgement. He made friends with everyone from the misfits to the posh. I feel like everyone knew “Little Phill”. Especially growing up and following his path through school. Everyone knew my brother. And everyone liked him. His interests and hobbies ranged so wide; he had something to chat about with almost anyone. That was one of the special things that made Phill…. Phill. His humor was sarcastic and sharp and brutally honest. He was always just a phone call away. Always the life of the party, the butt of the joke, and the first one to laugh at himself. That is one of the best lessons we all could learn from him. They can’t laugh at you if you’re laughing with them.

He is survived by his son, Joaquin Lobato, father and step mother Felix Lobato and Suzanne Rochefort, mother and step father Lorraine Thomas  and Paul Thomas, sister Mary Lobato, niece Alannah Valdez, nephew Jason Malott, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

This is such a hard goodbye. Phill almost seemed like he was indestructible. The world is less awesome. The phone is quieter. I am closing with a quote from one of his favorite authors. If I remember correctly, someone quoted this for both Meeshy and Khris and now I will quote it for my brother.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of Smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a ride!’” Hunter S. Thompson

You are loved by many, Phill. 10/30/77-08/21/2022