VINALHAVEN — Philip Edwin Crossman took flight on December 27, 2025 at home surrounded by his immediate family. He was 81. Born in Weymouth Massachusetts on October 8, 1944 to Arthur and Patricia Crossman, Phil was notably NOT from Vinalhaven, though he loved this community as fiercely and faithfully as if he were.

Phil’s life was as diverse and complex as he was. Having graduated from Vinalhaven School, served in the United States Navy, and attended the University of Maine, Phil then followed his own path, to no one’s great surprise. Over the years, he played many parts: a builder, a hardware store owner, a wine merchant, a restaurateur (briefly and memorably), and the longtime owner and operator of the Tidewater Motel in the heart of “downstreet” Vinalhaven. Wherever Phil was, something was happening.

A devoted and tireless community member, Phil was rarely seen standing still. Whether serving as a selectman, performing with his a cappella group, Phil ’n the Blanks, or delivering one of his infamous roasts, he was instrumental in enriching island life, helping to found the Chamber of Commerce, Historic Downstreet, Island Spirits, and Vinalhaven Land Trust’s Storybook Trail.

Phil was a gifted performer, storyteller, and humorist with a wry wit. He was a keen observer of island life, with an eye for human quirks and a deep affection for the people he wrote about. He published several books, love stories to Vinalhaven and the folks who call it home. Always up for an adventure, Phil circumnavigated the island, walking every mile of the island’s winding coastline, sailed across the Atlantic, and was always up for a road trip.

Regardless of what he was doing, Phil had a presence that stole the show. He gave his boundless energy generously, and his integrity was reflected not only in his public roles, but in the countless small acts that defined him: a service offered, an idea shared, a kind word or hand extended. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, humor,  justice, creativity, entrepreneurship, and community-mindedness that will long be felt on the island he loved.

Phil is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Elaine Crossman; his children, Sarah Crossman and her spouse Chad King, and Kit Thomson Crossman and their spouse Maddie Thomson Crossman; grandchildren Brittany, Finn, Lorelei, and Archie; brothers Richard, David, and Matthew; sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, many beloved family and friends, and an island community that has been inexorably changed for the better because he called it home.

A service for the community will be held on January 10, at 11 a.m., at the Union Church on Vinalhaven. The service will also be live-streamed, and the link will be available on the Long Funeral Home website along with the Tidewater Motel’s social media pages. It will be followed by a reception luncheon where we welcome stories and memories. Space will be limited, but if you would like to join in person from the mainland and need a ride from the ferry to the church, please email Sarah at thetidewatervh@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a Vinalhaven organization of your choice. He certainly never could have chosen a favorite.

A second memorial service will be held on July 19, 2026 at the Boyden Barn on Vinalhaven for folks from far and wide to celebrate a life well-lived. If you will need accommodation for that event, please email Sarah at thetidewatervh@gmail.com.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.  Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.