You know it is strange when something like this happens.
Unfortunately I have never met, nor heard of Phil.
However I still feel a loss when I hear he passed. Partly because a person has passed, I think we all feel that sadness but knowing this person had something in common with me that we are/were passionate about and partially defines who we are magnifies the sad feelings. We are all brothers (and sisters) in this way.
Condolences to Phil's family. Sad to hear.