tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post7050148976587084658..comments2024-03-15T13:51:03.427-07:00Comments on O.C. History Roundup: Phil Brigandi (1959-2019)Chris Jepsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00207321906121901004noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-48190101316384671472020-07-29T17:31:22.370-07:002020-07-29T17:31:22.370-07:00Phil and I corresponded by email about his article...Phil and I corresponded by email about his article on Orange Pavement talking about my great, great grandfather on being the namesake for Ball Road in Anaheim,California. I was introduced to Phil by Jane Newell Anaheim Historical society! He was very pleasant to talk to. He was a unbelievable source of historical information, he will be sorely missed. Such a wealth of Anaheim history...Marvin Duane Ballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08477337808415563417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-43079737708109582932020-03-25T10:35:08.058-07:002020-03-25T10:35:08.058-07:00I have just "discovered" Phil and his wo...I have just "discovered" Phil and his work while working on a book on Old Cemeteries and Graveyards in California --- and was so excited to "meet" someone whose love of local history and regional history was as inspiring as could be. I have written 10 books of local/regional history, so I know how deeply he felt about the collection of and preservation of the stories and traditions and vanishing history of an area. Please accept my humble accolades for such a great man. He died much too young.<br />Gail L. Fiorini-Jenner<br />Etna, CA<br />www.gailjenner.com<br />gfiorini@sisqtel.net<br />I would love to visit your museums and archives. I was just in San Diego in January for 5 days, trying to visit as many old and/or abandoned cemetery sites. Now with the whole "lock down" it looks like my future visits may be postponed past my editor's due date (Two Dot/Globe Pequot)....Gail L. Fiorini-Jennerhttp://www.gailjenner.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-50331389260170289782020-02-23T21:14:30.988-08:002020-02-23T21:14:30.988-08:00Stephen and Christopher, I am so sorry to hear ab...Stephen and Christopher, I am so sorry to hear about Phil. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. You may remember that we were childhood friends. Phil and I were in Troop 241 together, in the Baja Bugs patrol. We did a lot of fun camping back in the day; Camp Mirimichi, Emerald Bay, and many more. About 10 or 15 years ago, I met him at the basement of the County building were he worked and we went out for lunch. I gave him some Scout stuff I had been saving over the years, and we talked about old times. From time to time, I would keep up with his career via the internet. What a remarkable life. I am truly sorry for your loss. David DavisDavid Davishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13784695664616420874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-26296195238455920412020-02-01T07:40:10.979-08:002020-02-01T07:40:10.979-08:00Chris, although I've never met you or Phil, yo...Chris, although I've never met you or Phil, you two have been my heroes for the past decade or more for your dedication to local history and unswavering focus on accuracy without rhetoric or agenda. I just found out about Phil's death a few minutes ago, and am in shock. Thank you for writing this incredible profile, and thank you for the work you have done and will continue to do.Candicenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-79585852991064634352020-01-09T12:50:37.061-08:002020-01-09T12:50:37.061-08:00Such a great historian and friend - thank you for ...Such a great historian and friend - thank you for writing this Chris. He will be deeply missed.Chris Merritthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12759410855891198273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-84028926957664876342020-01-04T10:23:52.770-08:002020-01-04T10:23:52.770-08:00I cannot attempt to express how deeply shocked and...I cannot attempt to express how deeply shocked and grieved I was and am by the sudden announcement of Phil's death.dann gibbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05152575017113558374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-76871042680084852972019-12-31T14:28:41.182-08:002019-12-31T14:28:41.182-08:00Beautiful tribute.Beautiful tribute.BeeBeeBeeLeaveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14981836952709416943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-88492348446106023542019-12-17T14:48:24.453-08:002019-12-17T14:48:24.453-08:00I really appreciate this tribute. I had no idea o...I really appreciate this tribute. I had no idea of Phil's accomplishments! I went to school with his brother Chris, and so knew of Phil as a student, and then as a historian, via Lisa Ackerman Baldwin. I am touched by Phil's dedication and passion for Lost Valley. My son is a LifeScout, and I am looking forward to sharing with him this extra connection, as my son also has always loved 'his' camp at Lost Valley. I look forward to attending the memorial in January. God's peace, Jill <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-21599747134021478982019-12-17T06:21:56.469-08:002019-12-17T06:21:56.469-08:00I'm so sad and yet thankful for having had Phi...I'm so sad and yet thankful for having had Phil in my life, he's the reason I'm an Eagle Scout, I wanted to be like Phil, I know that we all looked up Phil. Phil was one of the greatest positive influences I've ever known. My first experience with Phil was at a Lad & Dad when I was 7, I loved to hear his stories about the Cupeno, Phil could totally captivate me like no one else. Phil was always the highlight of my Lost VAlley adventures. I was staff one summer and I like everyone else loved to visit him at the original homestead shack. One of my fondest memories of Scouting is Phil giving me a piece of pottery to put in my Vigil pouch which I still cherish. The passion for history and nature he instilled in me has been passed onto my children. Phil has, and will always be a part of me. Thank you PhilAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-49728518065385124352019-12-16T20:26:00.862-08:002019-12-16T20:26:00.862-08:00Phil was a scholar, fellow enthusiast and a very g...Phil was a scholar, fellow enthusiast and a very gentle soul. Also, he was my friend. He was generous to a fault and I will miss him terribly. The City of Orange will never have another so dedicated to its history. But when I’m working on my amateur historical research projects, and I have those rare but wonderful “ah ha” moments, I’ll know Phil is there with me.Whittierboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14718267911656054815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-85700889681937293592019-12-16T18:15:16.848-08:002019-12-16T18:15:16.848-08:00What a terrific look back at Phil’s life and your ...What a terrific look back at Phil’s life and your fortunate opportunity to learn from him. While I only met a couple times years (decades) ago through his brother, Chris, I would see his name associated with things in Southern California—particularly Orange County—that I was interested in. I heard his name spoken many times with the highest regard. I wish I could’ve picked his brain on some things about early OC and Anza Borrego, but I’m sure the legacy of his writings will leave many of us very glad that he took the endeavor of our local history seriously. He’ll be missed for sure. <br /><br />~Troy MeierTroy Meierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03875682379772206922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-70544674684264311982019-12-16T17:56:12.174-08:002019-12-16T17:56:12.174-08:00Hi,
My name is Jeff W, and I'm heartbroken by...Hi,<br /><br />My name is Jeff W, and I'm heartbroken by this news. I can't believe it.<br /><br />Phil was a walking encyclopedia, and I've spent hours BS'n with him. Unfortunately though, our paths haven't crossed in years, but I've never forgotten about him and all the others that used to hang out together during the summers in Lost Valley and other activities.<br /><br />God speed my friend...see you sooner rather than later!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-49465566244216483332019-12-15T23:15:00.380-08:002019-12-15T23:15:00.380-08:00I’m met Phil way back in 1980 in Troop 241. I was ...I’m met Phil way back in 1980 in Troop 241. I was just joining and he was moving on. We stayed in touch over the years and had a number of great conversations. However, in retrospect, they were too few and too brief. There is never enough time and there’s not always a tomorrow. Phil, you will be missed. RIP, my friend. Chuck Ramirezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05805572163300505581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-59090602921529690072019-12-15T22:16:03.919-08:002019-12-15T22:16:03.919-08:00Phil was the keynote speaker at Troop 241's 50...Phil was the keynote speaker at Troop 241's 50th anniversary gala a few years ago. He embodied the Eagle Scout spirit in his character, leadership and love of community and will be missed.Brian Lochriehttp://www.troop241.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-32709292464573937632019-12-15T18:37:25.994-08:002019-12-15T18:37:25.994-08:00May God rest his soul but not his knowledge. Fare...May God rest his soul but not his knowledge. Farewell Mr. Brigandi and thank you.Marishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09570606687770017005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-6881693659675868172019-12-15T18:10:07.905-08:002019-12-15T18:10:07.905-08:00Thank you Chris for that wonderful tribute.
Thank you Chris for that wonderful tribute.<br />Susan Deeringnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-1149082436651311462019-12-15T17:13:39.228-08:002019-12-15T17:13:39.228-08:00Thank you, Chris, for the wonderful tribute to Phi...Thank you, Chris, for the wonderful tribute to Phil and beautifully capturing his accomplishments, life and person. We are shocked to learn of his passing. Anytime we were fortunate enough to be at an historical gathering that Phil was a part of, we always left with new nuggets of OC history! We join the large circle of his friends in mourning his passing, but feel so fortunate to have known him. We pray he is resting in peace, and for his "inner circle" of friends who will carry on his legacy of promoting and preserving local history!Bob & Charlene Bakernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-51846806495780648582019-12-15T15:41:44.095-08:002019-12-15T15:41:44.095-08:00I first met Phil after he wrote a paper about the ...I first met Phil after he wrote a paper about the Boy Scouts exploring Coyote Canyon from Lost Valley over 40 years ago. Lowell and I were doing an update on our area guidebook ANZA-BORREGO DESERT REGION. Through the years we exchanged historical information about the Park area and most recently, he was sending me updates for a second edition of ANZA-BORREGO A TO Z, to be published in 2020. He was an outstanding historian and very meticulous. He was an expert on the early years of Borrego Valley and the old-time cattlemen of the area. In most recent years we met almost yearly at the annual Pegleg Smith Liars' Contest. He only missed when Easter Sunday would follow the Saturday night contest (which used to be held the first Saturday night in April - it is now the first Saturday night in March, so we were counting on him to always be the MC for the annual event for years to come). He was an amazing story-teller with perfect timing. He was made MC many years ago because he always won the contest and we wanted to give someone else a chance to win! He served well as a member of CACTI - the Committee to Assimilate Curious Tales of Incredibility - the committee with no formal meetings - everyone just showed up and the annual contest happened. Likely we will honor him at the next contest to be held the first Saturday night in March at the American Legion Post 853 in Borrego Springs (4515 Borrego Springs Rd, Borrego Springs, CA 92004)at dusk. DLINDSAY@SUNBELTPUB.COM Diana Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05859111462388198210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-53621114447159436842019-12-15T11:51:56.028-08:002019-12-15T11:51:56.028-08:00A beautiful tribute. I haven't seen Phil since...A beautiful tribute. I haven't seen Phil since high school, but even then he had that passion for local history. I was always hoping to hear him talk.Richard Clucashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03785161818619918508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-15542496675571882502019-12-15T11:45:25.739-08:002019-12-15T11:45:25.739-08:00Just this moment discovered his passing from a pos...Just this moment discovered his passing from a post of on Facebook (no would not have approved)! Still somewhat in shock, not sure I can even be logical here. I’m not only shocked, I’m heavily saddened.<br /><br />I have seen and spent time with Phil exactly 38 times. In 1982, I attended my very first of the Annual Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest having been asked to be a judge for the event. My first event and having never attended prior, it was a new experience for me. It took me no time at all, after listening to roughly 20 other prevaricators, Phil was clearly a ‘champion prevaricator’. He had participated a few years before, had won prior, and since has won more first place trophies than any other contestant in the history of the contest. It was always a long drive for him every year coming from Orange Country or Hemet, but he always said it was a beautiful drive and fun for him. Roughly 10 rears ago, he ‘retired’ from prevarication on his own volition, citing ‘he needed to give others a chance’ and has continued every year after as the contests verbal historian, moderator, and comedian! He was always there early and last to leave. I’m not sure, had I ever seen him elsewhere, would I have recognize him without his long, white duster. <br /><br />As a co-member of CACTI (Committee to Accumulate Curious Tale of Incredibilty) with Phil for near four decades, I can say without reservation, the contest held formally every year since 1948.......will never be the same. Rest In Peace my friend. <br /><br />Jim McKenna<br />Anza-Borrego Desert<br />Borrego Springs, CaJim McKennanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-26814312805515529972019-12-15T11:28:25.085-08:002019-12-15T11:28:25.085-08:00Knew him well at my first job at Lost Valley in 19...Knew him well at my first job at Lost Valley in 1989. I marvelled at his knowledge, and kept tabs with him for many years after. He will be missed.Aaron Harrisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04604363578680958948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-43360817121802468542019-12-15T11:08:38.899-08:002019-12-15T11:08:38.899-08:00With his passing, the voices of the past have once...With his passing, the voices of the past have once again been silenced. He will be missed. Anne E. Collierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15174901893268657976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-22689431317513940202019-12-15T09:17:23.500-08:002019-12-15T09:17:23.500-08:00Chris you did a great job on writing this piece ab...Chris you did a great job on writing this piece about Phil. It is a great lost for our History community. He did his big share. We owe so much to him. Peace to him.<br /><br />Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05989560249756788423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-10636615291080387932019-12-15T09:11:08.861-08:002019-12-15T09:11:08.861-08:00Truly a great tribute for your friend and mentor. ...Truly a great tribute for your friend and mentor. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about him and his accomplishments. Thank you for taking the time to write this and for sharing. Sounds like he will truly be missed by many and we will all miss out on what he would have accomplished were he to have survived this attack.Karin Sizelovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03824500722611243070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31835367.post-35414929736471953632019-12-15T09:06:18.742-08:002019-12-15T09:06:18.742-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Karin Sizelovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03824500722611243070noreply@blogger.com