“Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.”
Rev. Philip Joel Moran, 8/16/1956 to12/26/2024.
Phil was born in Fresno, California on August 16, 1956, to John and Martha Dean Moran. He passed away on Dec. 26, 2024, after a courageous battle with ALS. He was raised in Easton California, the only boy outnumbered by his four sisters, to which they took full advantage. Phil had a strong lifelong connection with the Lord which was nurtured at home and continued while attending Easton Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed all things outdoors with many dear childhood friends. Phil attended Washington Union High School (‘74), followed by a family tradition of attending Fresno State University (‘79). Throughout his time at Fresno State, he was very involved with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. He also spent many memorable summers on staff at Calvin Crest, a church camp near Oakhurst, California, which is time he cherished. In keeping with his dedication to the Lord, he decided to continue a career in ministry, graduating from San Franciso Theological Seminary in 1985.
Phil accepted his first call at Community Presbyterian Church in Vacaville, California in 1986, where he served as associate pastor until 1991. During his time in Vacaville, Phil met and married Charla Christine Boyce in 1988. Together they celebrated 36 years of marriage at the time of Phil’s passing. Their son, Thomas Joel Moran, was born in 1990 in Vacaville, California.
In 1991, after many memorable and rewarding years in California, Phil accepted a call at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho where he would teach and lead faithfully for over two decades . In mid-2015, Phil accepted a call to be the senior pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church Boise, from which he would retire in 2022 after 43 years in ministry.
Phil had a kind demeanor, was a great friend, a mentor to many, was quick to help others, and was never known to speak a negative word about anyone. A dear family friend wrote of Phil, “You taught me not only the overarching themes of scripture but the history and cultural layers that gave those words such rich meaning. You have always been a teacher at heart, revealing the relevance of the Bible in ways that felt real and alive.” Phil certainly had a great gift, a gift he shared with many over his decades of service to the people of Christ.
Phil is survived by his spouse, Charla Moran, their son Thomas and his wife Korina Moran, as well as their grandson, James Moran. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Priscilla and Bob Dack, Julie and Tim Romagnoli, Janet and David Cook, Carrie Hodgson; and many nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church on February 1 st , at 1PM.