Clarence Philippe "Philip" Bamberger, a descendant of a pioneering Utah mining and railroad family and the great-great-nephew of Governor Simon Bamberger, passed away on June 2nd, 2023, in Holladay, Utah. Born on February 10th, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Philip was the beloved eldest son of Clarence "Click" Bamberger Jr. of Salt Lake City and the only child of Liliane Guterman of Paris.
At the age of 3, Philip's parents divorced, and Liliane returned to Paris. Four years later, Click remarried Vivian Call (later Vivian McCarthy), who embraced Philip wholeheartedly and raised him as her own. Philip cherished Vivian as his mother until his last breath.
During his time at Highland High School, Philip displayed exceptional athletic abilities, particularly in golf, where he and his best friend Steve Mahas led their golf team to victory, clinching the state championship in both their junior and senior years. Philip's remarkable skills on the golf course earned him a place on the Varsity Golf Team at the University of Arizona in the early 1970s. Alongside his athletic accomplishments, Philip's magnetic personality attracted numerous friends, both during high school and beyond. His closest companions recall his innate talent for connecting with people from all walks of life, always leaving a positive and lasting impression.
While attending the University of Arizona, Philip embarked on a personal journey and decided to explore a different spiritual path, diverging from his Jewish heritage to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Following his freshman year, Philip took a hiatus from his studies and embarked on a mission in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he shared his newfound faith with others.
Upon returning to Salt Lake, Philip was introduced to Rebecca Nord through their respective families, and they were married in 1981. Together, they raised three children—Adrienne Lily Brown, Alexandra Isabel Malek, and Jacob Nathaniel Bamberger—who Philip considered his greatest accomplishments in life. In addition to his children, Philip is survived by his mother, Vivian McCarthy; his siblings, Shauna Priskos, Stephen Bamberger, Christine Bamberger and many nieces and nephews; his ex-wife, Rebecca Nord; his son-in-laws, Harley Brown and Adam Malek; and his adored grandsons, Axel and Cooper Brown, and Asher Malek, who reside in Boston, MA with their parents.
To honor Philip’s legacy, the family will be hosting a private Celebration of Life.
So sorry to hear about your passing Phillip.
We had a lot of fun together and spent many a day on the golf course.
Prayers coming your way.
love,
Tony Bailey
My deepest sympathy 🙏 My payers are with you.
I’m so sorry to hear of Philips passing. Although we didn’t keep in touch, even though we both lived in the SL area, I served with C. Philip back in 1976 in the Argentina BA North Mission. He was my 2nd companion in my first area. We had a great time. I was new and very green and impressionable and as my senior companion he did his job and taught me many things which left important impressions upon me, for which I have always been grateful. We always enjoyed running into each other at Mission Conferences and we’d spend time catching up and sharing stories. I hope that you can all find joy in the sweet memories that you have shared, just as I have done remembering our time in the Mission field. Praying for blessings of comfort for your family.
We had lost touch with Philip over the years, but we have many memories of time spent with him and his family. He was definitely blessed with gifts in language, golf and personality. RIP old friend.
Phil, I am sorry to hear of your passing. You and your family were there for me when I most needed it. Much love to you and your family. Don R
Phillip,
We had a great time when you were my DL in Buenos Aires. You will be greatly missed. Will look forward to seeing you on the other side!
So sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. Our friendship is fondly remembered , whether it was on the basketball court in his driveway, our time spent on the baseball Diamond, outings on the golf course, or the many weekends spent together at the family home. . Our fathers coaching our teams together, time spent with Phil was a major part of my childhood, and will always be treasured. May he rest in peace.
So sorry to hear about Phillips passing. I have often thought about him over the years with a smile. He was always so kind and friendly to all. Thinking of times at Marie Callenders after games or just a quick hi how ya doing.
My condolences 🙏 and prayers.
I'm sorry to hear about Phil's passing. He was a missionary in my district in the town of Jose Leon Suarez, a suburb of Buenos Aires. He was a good man and great missionary whom we loved. I wish his family my sincere condolences.
I just saw this notice and wanted to send this belated note to Philip's family. I had the pleasure of working with Philip many years ago at Innovations and TenFold, where I have never laughed so much as we collaborated on BizDev projects. Philip was one of those rare individuals who was brilliant, tenacious, and kind. He will certainly be missed.
