He joined the Board four years ago but still preferred to roll his sleeves up and get stuck in to any job which needed doing.
His last service for his club was one of the saddest. A week ago he helped Chairman Stuart Murray clear the debris out of the badly burned lock-up at Brinkburn. This Saturday he would have been on early duty clearing the pitch, putting out post protectors and ropes before taking his turn behind the bar.
Scores of former West players also benefited from Phil's hard work at Brierton where he tended the playing surface with loving care.
Stuart Murray said: "This is a very sad day for everyone connected with West Hartlepool club. We have lost a mate, a no-nonsense board member and someone who would see a job that needed doing and got on with it.
"Our thoughts are very much with his wife Erica and his son and daughter Neil and Kirsten."