Philip Burke Hand, 61 of Friona passed from this life from a brief, but courageous battle with cancer, on February 9, 2021 surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly. No services are scheduled. Philip's wishes were for his family to be together, enjoy each other and remember him. Also, to be cremated and his final resting place will be somewhere in the southern Colorado mountains where he loved to spend time. Cremation arrangements by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.

Philip announced his wishes several days ago after his journey began with a perfect stranger helping him from the parking lot into the emergency room in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to ending up in his family home in Friona, Texas. He felt blessed by so many people during this time. This journey lasted 50 days.

Philip was born to Burke and Retta Hand on March 24, 1959, in Dimmitt, Texas. He was raised in Friona, Texas. He attended Friona schools and graduated in 1977. Philip graduated from Texas Tech in 1981. Then he was off to the Dallas area to begin a career in marketing. This career led him from Dallas to Albuquerque to Lubbock and back to Albuquerque.

Philip loved helping with Boy Scouts as his son grew up. There was always an adventure ahead. By the time his daughter got a little older he spent his time as a proud dad in the stands of her softball games. Scouts or softball, he was always so very proud of his children. Even now as adults there was still a glimmer in his eye as he spoke about them. This year he welcomed his first grandchild, Collins, and was excited to be a part of her future.
When it was playtime, Phil would often be found riding his motorcycle in the mountains of northern New Mexico, hoping that any ride would land him at Sipapu Lodge for a green chili cheeseburger. If he wasn't riding, he was often looking for a river or lake to spend some time fishing or spending time with nieces and nephews trying to beat them at cards.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Ira Burke Hand.

Philip will be dearly missed and loved by his mother Loretta Hand of Friona, Texas, his son – Brannon Hand of Lubbock, Texas, his daughter- Cortney Peck and husband Chris of North Richland Hills, Texas and his precious granddaughter, Collins Peck. One brother – Danny Hand and wife Jiselle of Friona, Texas. One sister – Tawnya Wales and husband Tim of Dimmitt, Texas. He is also mourned by his nieces and nephews who will always hold him in their hearts.

"We would like to thank his caregivers. We couldn't have done it without each and every one of you. You made it possible for us to care for him at home and be with him until the end. Leesa Roush, Jacki Koehn, Natalia Costas, Kristal Smith, Linda Rice, BSA Hospice – we will be forever thankful for each of you."