Philip W. Teeter

Philip, 81, passed away at home with his wife and their dog at his bedside. His was a big life, filled with projects, plans and ideas.

Born and raised in Coldwater, Michigan to Howard M. Teeter and Marian (Warner) Teeter, Phil spent many days of his childhood rough-and-tumbling with his two brothers at the family cottage on Coldwater Lake. There they explored the lake in all kinds of watercraft, pursuing adventures—some joyous, some questionable, and some involving the sorts of explosive experiments that only rambunctious brothers could dream up.

After high school, Phil moved to Ann Arbor where he attended the University of Michigan, receiving a BA in Political Science. Soon after, he moved to Ft. Collins, Colorado and pursued a master's degree in Natural Resources Management at Colorado State University.

He soon abandoned an advanced degree to open The Mountain Shop, one of the earliest specialized outdoor stores in Colorado. The shop quickly became a gathering spot for the Northern Colorado climbing community and other outdoor enthusiasts. Many locals have fond memories of sitting around the shop's wood stove, telling stories of their adventures and solving the world's problems. Within a few years the shop outgrew its original cramped quarters, and Phil moved it to a larger location on Laurel Street and then, later, to his own building, which allowed him to add sea kayaks and canoes to his land-based inventory.

It was during these years that Phil met his life-long partner, Annie. Together, they shared a love of the outdoors, travel, animals, art, music, and food.

In the early 90's, Phil sold The Mountain Shop, and began to pursue community and conservation endeavors close to his heart. He was a member of the Colorado State Forest Planning Committee, served with the Larimer County Agricultural Board, was a member of the board of the Legacy Land Trust, and was involved with the Fort Collins Mediation Program.

In retirement, his love for horses led him to acquire specialized training to be an official at the World Pair Driving Championships.

Phil was an accomplished chef, and knew the power of a good meal to bring friends and family together. He loved his animals, especially his mule, Chiquita, and his "shop-dog" Flash. He also developed a talent and passion for woodcarving, especially in the genre of Swedish folk art, attending many clinics and classes in this country as well as Sweden.

Phil is survived by his wife of 44 years, Annie Sjoberg, his brother John Teeter, as well as nieces and nephews Matt, Ellen, John, Kate, and their families. His older brother Bob, preceded him in death.

Phil will always be remembered by friends and family for his often wry (and sometimes inappropriate) humor and for his warm heart and sharp intellect. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers please offer a contribution to Longhopes Donkey Shelter in Bennett, CO ( www.longhopes.org/ ) or Street Dog Coalition of Ft. Collins, CO ( www.thestreetdogcoalition.org/northern-colorado ); and Pathways Hospice of Northern Colorado ( www.pathways-care.org ).

A memorial service will be held in the summer of 2026.