Philip 'Shorty' Bricker, 87

Philip Dean “Shorty” Bricker, 87, passed away peacefully in his home Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Sandpoint, Idaho, surrounded by family.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Shorty was born on July 16, 1936, in Douglas, Wyo., to Ernest and Bessie Bricker. A twin and the youngest of 14 children, he grew up in Sandpoint and graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1954.

On October 10, 1955, he married his wife of 61 years, Betty Wright, in Sandpoint. At the age of 13, he began working for the U.S. Forest Service and later for the Noxon Dam. He worked as an auto mechanic and service attendant at the Texaco station on the corner of Fifth and Cedar for many years before becoming the proprietor of the Tam O’Shanter “Tervan” bar in 1994 for nearly 20 years. 

He was a longtime member of the Elks and Eagles lodges and an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed wood cutting, ice fishing, golfing, woodworking, going to yard sales, huckleberry picking, and gardening.

Shorty is survived by three daughters, Anna Marie Phillips (Stan “Spud” Stockdale) of Sandpoint, Victoria (Ray) Robinson of Post Falls, and Deanna Bricker of Post Falls; five grandchildren, Jordan Lien, Melissa Lien, Abby Stolfo, Katie (Kevin) Amorebieta, and Briana (Jason) Muhlestein; and eight great-grandchildren, Tanner Best, Bridger and Parker Lien, Addison and Amelia Sweeney, Ellie and Taylor Amorebieta, and Anna June Muhlestein.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; and his siblings, Harvard, Miles, Ted, Ernest Jr., Lucile, Marie, Mildred, Betty, Louise, Dorothy, Phyllis, Wayne, and two infants.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Shorty’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.