Philip G Ammann

Philip G Ammann, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning, January 4, 2022, at the age of 97.  He never slowed down until the last few weeks of his life.

The whole family loved hearing his stories about growing up in the Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale area in the 1930s, including his many adventures boating, and his experiences as a golf course superintendent and as Fire Chief for the Plantation Volunteer Fire Department.

Born in New Jersey, Philip, his sister, and mother moved to Hollywood, Florida when he was five years old riding the whole way down US 1 in the rumble seat of his uncle’s car.

In 1939, his family moved to the Fort Lauderdale Country Club, where his stepfather was the golf course superintendent.  He attended Fort Lauderdale High School, class of 1942, and met his future wife, Barbara, deceased 2005, on the school bus.  She lived at the Fort Lauderdale riding stables.  Both were living so far west of town that they were the first ones picked up and the last ones dropped off.

After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps.  He served 3½ years in the Pacific.  While overseas, he proposed to Barbara in a letter.  He made it home just after Christmas, 1945.

He built the house in which he would live for the next 74 years right down the street from the Fort Lauderdale Country Club. His house withstood many hurricanes and the flood of 1947.  He was actually almost late for his wedding because he was busy working on his house.

He enjoyed boating with family and friends in South Florida and the Keys which always led to many adventures.

He worked as the golf course superintendent at Plantation, Rolling Hills, and Bonaventure Golf Clubs.  While at Plantation Golf Club, he was filmed in the “Show me your Lark Pack” television commercial, which you can still find online. He’s the fisherman.

He was never one for retirement, and stayed active most of his life.  He had a second career working as a mechanic at the Fort Lauderdale Harley Davidson Shop, where he would try to outwork all of the other younger guys.

He enjoyed serving his community as Fire Chief for the Plantation Volunteer Fire Department from 1963-1967 keeping his community safe and helping where he could.  On November 20, 2018, the Plantation Fire Department in appreciation of his past service showed a video interview of Phil and presented him with a Chief’s helmet.

He also enjoyed visiting the Plantation Historical Museum seeing the old Fire Engine #1 and photos of his friends in the fire department.  In May of 2019 the Plantation Historical Society made him a life member and nominated him for the Pioneer Award for Broward County, Florida.

He will always be lovingly remembered by his sister and cousin, his three daughters, five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, with the seventh on the way, and many friends and family including those at his favorite diner, Webby’s

Internment will be at the South Florida National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

Dad contributed to a number of charities.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.