Phil was born May 23, 1961, in Bridgeport, NE, to Leonard Gene and Rae Uzene (Deboodt) Lif. Phil attended school in Bridgeport and graduated from Bridgeport High School. He loved hunting and fishing. After high school, Phil joined his father in the construction business and later had his own construction company. On February 24, 1984, Phil married Judy Nuss.They were the parents of one daughter, Heidi. Phil and Judy later divorced.The last three years he spent his summers guiding fishing trips at Lake McConaughy.

Survivors include his daughter, Heidi Antoine of Torrington,WY; grandchildren Hailey, Lucas, Madison, and Logan; father Leonard Lif of Bridgeport; sister Deanne Bilby of Bridgeport; nieces and nephews.

Phil was preceded in death by his mother Rae Uzene Lif; brother-in-law John S. Bilby III; grandparents Art and Ruth Lif and Ray and Clara Deboodt.