Phillip Krohn

Phillip Krohn, was born on Nov 23, 1947 at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.  He graduated from Mark Keppel High School in Alhambra in 1965.  He attended Chico State University where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Recreation Administration.   Phil can be described as a visionary, pioneer and “exercise aficionado.”   He moved to Sonoma County in the early 1970’s. In the early 70’s Phil leased and managed the Mendocino Health Club when it was in Montgomery Village, he served as Izzy Derkos ’ assistant tennis coach at SRJC, and taught tennis and fitness classes there, and wrote an article that was published in Strength and Health Magazine, “Tennis Balls and Barbells, the New Mixed Doubles.”

I n Spring 1975, he raised money for Social Advocates for Youth by attempting to break the Guinness Book of World Records for playing tennis the longest on the tennis courts of Howarth Park.  In fall of 1975, Phil and Bill Trumbo, opened Sports-A-Foot , and sold the first Nike’s in Sonoma County.  In the late 70’s Phil opened the first personal training business in Santa Rosa, My Trainer.  He helped his friend Willy start his exercise training business in Ketchum, Idaho, and helped train Mariel Hemmingway (for her film Personal Best), Cher (who called him “Shorty” ) , and Bette Midler.   In the early 80’s Phil began teaching tennis at Countryside Racquet’s Club in West Santa Rosa.  In 1985 he purchased the Club, and moved his family into the little farmhouse on the Club property where they lived and played for many years.  The Countryside members were like family. Phil loved holding events at the Club like the 4 th of July BBQ (where there was always a special guest , one year it was Abe Lincoln), Christmas Parties where Santa always showed up.  He was always coming up with new games to play on and off the Court.

Over the years, Phil mentored young tennis players like Tim and Greg Anderson, Karen Marshall, and his son Alex, who went on to successful college careers. He put together a proposal, “Adopt an Athlete,” which he submitted to the USTA with the hope of encouraging tennis instructors to reach out to young athletes who may not have the resources to take up tennis as a sport. Although he closed his “My Trainer” business years before, Phil turned the garage at Countryside into an indoor/outdoor gym, where members and friends could work out.  Phil would lead workout sessions at Countryside on a regular basis -- always coming up with new ideas to make exercise fun.

Phil joined the staff at Montecito Heights Health Club in 20 04 as tennis director and later became an Ace Certified personal trainer and joined the staff of trainers at Montecito. One of the ideas that he was most proud of was his “Memory Boxing” work out – which he began developing before the rise in popularity of “boxing” workouts.

Phil’s family has been deeply touched by the many people who have already been in touch with them to express just how much they loved Phil and how he had made an impact on their lives.

Phil is survived by his w ife, Debbie, whom he met on his birthday in 1975, his sons, Alex and Max, his brother, Allen Krohn (Robin) of Redding, California , and the many dear friends that he considered to be part of his family.

Phil’s family plans to have a celebration of Phil’s life sometime this Spring.

Donations can be made in Phil’s name to Social Advocates for Youth, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society .