Philip "Phil" Russell McConville

Philip McConville, Phil, was born on September 25, 1952 in Salem, Oregon to Jack and Phylis McConville. He was raised in Salem and enjoyed a happy childhood where his parents worked very hard to provide for him and his younger brother, John. His parents provided unlimited love and wonderful examples. 

Phil attended and graduated from the University of Oregon where he made many of his lifetime friends. Phil always admired and had a strong relationship with his uncle, The Honorable Robert B. McConville, so it was not a surprise that Phil wanted to follow in his Uncle Bob’s footsteps and chose to become a lawyer.

Before going to law school at the University of Oregon, Phil took a “gap year” before it was known as a gap year, and traveled with friends throughout Europe in an old Volkswagen Van. After traveling for nine months, Phil returned to Eugene, Oregon and attended U of O Law School, where he received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence. After passing the Oregon State Bar with flying colors, he made Eugene his home.

Phil started his legal career as an associate with Flinn, Brown and Roseta, later known as Brown, Roseta, Long, McConville and Kilcullen where he worked for his entire legal career. His colleagues and opposing counsel say he was a strong litigator, very intelligent, stoic, and had a wonderfully dry sense of humor, all of which served him well in life, both in and out of the courtroom.

Phil loved any kind of fishing, playing tennis, and later in life, he enjoyed a round or two of golf. He loved camping, skiing, and anything to do with University of Oregon sports, particularly U of O football. He enjoyed spending the summers in his drift boat floating down many rivers, especially the “wild part” of the Rogue River. He was never happier than when he was on a river or lake with friends and family or attending a U of O football game, especially after a win!

In college, Phil met Laurie Fish, and they were married shortly thereafter. They shared their beloved golden retriever, Jackson, who was Phil’s best friend and companion for many years. Although their marriage ended, they remained friends, and later in life, they both were pleased that their children were able to meet and get to know one another.

Phil married Jennifer Kottkamp in 1989. One year later their first daughter Kelsey was born. Two years later, they were surprised by not one, but two more daughters, Ellie and Kaylin. His daughters were the essential pieces missing in Phil’s life, and his love and protection of them was fierce. They enjoyed many years together camping at Detroit Lake, spending spring breaks in Palm Desert with Phil’s family, hosting barbecues for friends and family and attending every home U of O Football game and a few of the bowlgames. Phil was truly the happiest when attending any of his daughter’s extracurricular activities. He kept every award they ever received and proudly posted every team photo in his home. Phil had one granddaughter, Riley Kennedy, who was born in January, 2016. His face lit up every time she entered a room. He was determined to attend her recent winter basketball games despite his failing health and he did so with pride. At the end of every one of Riley’s sports’ seasons, he gave some of Ellie, Kaylin and Kelsey’s Kidsports medals he had saved over the years to Riley and her teammates.

The family extends its thanks to Phil’s close friends, and his many neighbors who have provided their support to both Phil and his daughters throughout the years. Phil’s daughters also extend a warm thank you to the team at Bristol Hospice who stepped in during the last week of Phil’s life and provided tremendous help and support to both Phil and his family. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 21, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. Details will be posted when they are finalized. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions may be sent to the Hospice service facility of your choice or Rogue Riverkeepers.