Philip Russell Broms' Obituary
Philip Russell Broms, 88, of Honolulu, passed away in Honolulu, Hawaii on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. He was born in Portland, Oregon and is survived by his wife, Mary Broms, his children, Erik Broms, Koa Asam, Kela Fisher (Mike), Moana Yost (Colin), his sisters, Michaele Woodward of Wheeler, OR, Lisa Broms of Sherwood, OR, as well as, 10 grandchildren, Elijah Broms, Ethan Broms, Levi Broms, Kainalu Asam, Kalei Asam, Mehana Fisher, Ilima Fisher, Kana’i Fisher, Kiani Yost, Alika Yost, and 1 great-grandchild, Ava Wiggins, daughter to Ilima Fisher, and his many nieces and nephews.
Phil Broms was born and raised in Portland, OR and was the son to Russell and Phyllis Broms from Manzanita, OR.
After graduating with the class of 1953 from Washington High School, Phil attended Portland State University (1953-1955) then enlisted in the U.S. Army. In 1963 he moved to Honolulu, HI and worked at State Savings and Loan as a branch manager. He married Loretta Castro in 1964 and in 1965, their son, Erik Philip Broms was born in Honolulu, HI.
Phil Broms was a commercial realtor, developer, and real estate agent for most of his career. He was President and Principal Broker of Pac III Ltd., a real estate development firm and had many successful projects in Honolulu. In 1989 he and his wife, Mary Broms, purchased a 100- slip marina and small hotel in Port Hadlock, WA for further development including a 29-unit waterfront detached condominium community, a restaurant, and an art gallery featuring local artists. After which, they moved to Silverdale, WA in 1993 and Phil teamed with wife, Mary, as REMAX Platinum Services, Phil & Mary Two for You Team.
Phil was a proud member of the Honolulu Symphony Board and Member of the Honolulu Concert Chorale. He thoroughly enjoyed singing and participating in the holiday performances. Phil loved singing A Cappella and performing in a Barber Shop Quartet. Phil also was a proud member of the Bremerton Symphony Concert Chorale and introduced, “Healthy Start Kitsap” child abuse prevention program in Silverdale, WA.
When Phil arrived in Honolulu in 1963, he quickly became involved with the Jaycees and later was a Rotarian for 25 years. He introduced the “Ducky Dash” duck race fundraising. As a Board Member of the Honolulu Downtown Exchange Club, Phil was a strong advocate for the prevention of child abuse and neglect, and as General Chair, he was responsible for the first Annual Celebrity Auction for Prevention of Child Abuse.
Phil’s interests included walking, swimming, gardening, working on projects in his home and in the yard, reading, writing, cooking, engaging in lengthy robust conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about life, business, and the state of the city, state and union. He actively wrote to his elected officials in hopes of making positive changes in his community. Phil had a life-long passion and love of music that brought him tremendous joy and engagement throughout his life.
Phil and Mary returned to Oahu in 2010 and happily lived in Niu Valley near family and loved every minute of it. They moved to Southern Oregon in 2020 for their final adventure and made their great return to Oahu in 2022.
Phil will be fondly remembered and deeply missed for his eloquent words as he held court among his beloved family and friends. He lit up a room with his charm and made you feel important, special, and present in that moment. A true gift in life. And, if he serenaded you with, "That’s Amore," his sparkling blue eyes, and that smile that honored the joie de vivre of it all, you knew you were in the presence of someone very special.
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