Philip Pemberton

Philip Max Pemberton, age 81, of Larimore, ND, passed away with his loving family by his side on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Philip was born on April 20, 1937 in Grand Junction, MI. He was adopted by Leo and Dolores (Lee) Pemberton and raised in Michigan. Philip attended St. Francis Xavier High School in Petoskey, MI, and Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in teaching.

On May 2, 1959 Philip married the love of his life, Cecilia Dorothy Lauer at St. Francis Xavier Church in Petoskey, MI. He was a teacher, and later an outdoor photographer and painter. A significant life accomplishment was Philip’s production of the adventure film “Never Before, Never Again,” which chronicled the adventure of two men who canoed from Montreal to the Bering Sea. Phil spent years on a travelogue lecture circuit sharing the adventure with countless communities. Upon retirement, he and Cecilia moved to North Dakota.

Philip served in the Army, 101st Airbourne, stationed in Fort Campbell, KY. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Franciscan Third Order, and Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel.

Philip loved the great outdoors, photography, traveling, fishing, gardening, and family activities. He also loved poker and was known as “All in, Phil.”

Philip is survived by his wife, Cecilia; children, John Pemberton, Michael Pemberton, James Pemberton, Theresa (James) Grijalva, and Phyllis (Jeffrey) Nomura; grandchildren, Kelsey Rose (Paul) Bricker, Eric Groves, Myles Newton, and Rosalie, Louis, and Carmen Grijalva; great-grandchildren, Cameron and Brady Bricker; and an abundance of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Dolores; and sister, Sharon Ball. May God bless Philip’s memory.

Visitation is from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN. The Funeral Mass is at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to service on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Crookston, MN. Interment is at Calvary Cemetery in Crookston, MN.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Our Lady of Sorrows Building Fund, 596 E. Robert St., Crookston, MN 56716.