May 1, 1933 - November 6, 2023

Philip Leon Flax, whose life reflected the art that he supported, died on November 6th, in Santa Rosa, California. His beloved wife of 65 years, Toby, was at his side.

Born in Bayonne, New Jersey to Sylvia and Herman Flax, he was the youngest child with two older siblings, Jerry and Lita. When he was three, the family traveled West to settle in San Francisco. Upon graduation from Lowell High he enlisted in the army, being called back for the untimely death of his father in 1955. He joined the family business, Flax’s Artist Materials in Sanau Francisco. Two years later his life with Toby began. Together they grew a lovely family, created beautiful homes incorporating the design skills of both, and Philip became known as a brilliant retailer.

In 1959 Philip opened "Philip’s Art Supplies”. At this time his family's art store catered mostly to commercial art needs— Philip the entrepreneur saw an opportunity to serve individuals and the local arts community. He learned from his father and as he developed relationships with his customers the store took on a mentoring quality for the arts in San Francisco. Upon finding a larger space in 1966, the two stores merged into one on Sutter Street, where Philip turned the “mom and pop” art store into a destination that, after 85 years, is now recognized as a San Francisco Legacy Business.

Though his life was devoted to art, Philip’s expertise extended to many fields. He was an athlete with basketball and tennis skills, and in his later years golf. On family vacations by the beach, he became an incomparable architect with sand. Mysteries were his favorite, but he read everything and could be relied upon to comment on any topic, from politics to poetry and sports. Philip was proficient in painting and playing classical guitar, achievements that he modestly downplayed. He had a passion for games, known as an expert bridge and poker player, usually coming home with the friendly stakes. He was proud of his membership at the Mechanics Institute where he was member number 76. He introduced his children and grandchildren to chess, with whom he played games online until just before his passing.

In the 1980s and 1990s Philip established himself as a legend in the art supply industry. During this period of growth his three children, Howard, Craig, and Leslie, joined the business. The company started a catalog, eventually distributing millions each year across the country. And the store moved to a huge space on Market Street, a building that was an empty shell awaiting the fulfillment of Philip’s creative vision. He built a store unlike any other in the world that drew international recognition and praise. The manner of layout, merchandising and presentation was all new, inventive and inspiring. Both the store and catalog were iconic. Philip was the Bay Area’s consummate arbiter of sophistication and style for retailing of any kind let alone art materials.

Food had always been an adventure! He loved discovering unique restaurants, enjoying the cuisine of varied ethnicities. He never forgot a meal, ever. Thanksgiving at the Flax home was always special. He was delighted to share his Asian culinary skills, using a wok. When dining out for Chinese food, his friends agreed it was always wise to let Philip do the ordering.

After raising their children, Toby and Philip downsized to a condo in San Francisco. They split their time between that and a home in the wine country, where they planted acres of grapes. Their beautiful ranch became the playground for the next generation of Flaxes, highlighted by an annual Flax family picnic. His favorite role was that of Popee to his six grandchildren, Emilie and Charlotte, Isabel and Jackie, Nathaniel and Ella.

He was reluctant to retire, but realized the business was in good hands. With the supporting efforts of all three of his children, the family business had grown to prominence and become a part of the Bay Area’s diverse cultural scene. It was time for Philip to relax and enjoy being the valued advisor, yet he loved being involved and worked remotely generating orders for Howard to review until just last month.

Even in his last days, he maintained his sense of humor, a polished wit tinged with a splash of sarcasm. He remained the romantic, expressing daily a deep affection and appreciation for the tender care he received from Toby throughout their 65 years of marriage.

Philip was a gentleman, well loved and respected. His was a life well lived. He will be sadly missed by many nephews and nieces, by old and new friends and especially by his own Toby, Howie (Patty), Craig (Jenn) and Leslie (Thierry).