Philip Schuyler Tambling, born October 15, 1934 in Lawrence, MA, died peacefully on March 21, 2023 at 9:37 PM in his home @ 22 York Lane, Lee, NH.
Phil was the son of Captain Preston S. Tambling (USN) and Gertrude Fuller Tambling. He spent his childhood in locations where the family was stationed, including France (during the mid 1930’s), Guam (after WWII), and at the naval base at Tongue Point, Astoria, Oregon. Along with his brothers, Robert and David, he enjoyed fishing, swimming, painting, gardening, golfing, and traveling. He later attended Reed College in Oregon.
His architectural career started while working in the office of Maurice E. Witmer, AIA in Portsmouth NH. Mr Witmer saw Phil’s potential as an architect and registered him in the Boston Architectural Center in Boston, MA. While attending the BAC, he worked in the office of Royal Barry Wills Associates in Boston, MA. Then in 1963, he worked for the office of Hugh Stubbins and Associates Inc. in Cambridge, MA.
In 1966, after moving to Rye, NH, he started working for Donald Dennis AIA in Portsmouth and later became a partner. As his career prospered, he started his own practice in Rye, NH. Phil then continued his private practice on Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH. As his practice continued to grow, he formed TMS Architects with 2 partners. Then in 1986, he formed York River Architects in York, ME and practiced there until 2000.
In 2000, he and his wife started Hickory Nut Farm in Lee, NH. At his passing, the farm had 89 milking goats producing goat milk cheeses, Yogoatgurt, soap, waddle syrup, and fudge (his favorite).
Phil was a devoted and loving Christian man who attended Bethany Church in Greenland, NH. He led many men’s small groups, participated in leadership activities like the Graham Crusade, etc. Additionally, he did the design work for the addition to Bethany.
He was an intelligent, kind, and quirky man with many hobbies and interests. He loved painting and drawing and has left many pictures for us to enjoy.
He had a love for reading, studying, writing, gardening, travel, orchids, golf, collecting things, walking in the woods at the shed, bird watching, piano playing, singing; collecting books, notebooks, and pens; having lunch with his brother and Joan, playing with the four legged kids, candlelight, and being with people. His joy and fun loving is missed.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Donna-Lee Woods, her daughters Dorianne Barr and husband Glenn and their children Rebekah Barr, Joshua Barr, Tabitha and George Barlin, and Moriah Barr; and Daphne Corso and husband Scott, and their children Camden Corso, Matthew Corso, and Liza Corso.
He is survived by his two lovely daughters, Sarah Carpenter Tambling and Lenore Tambling Cortez and husband Reuben, their children, Nicolasa Moreau and husband, Jarod, and Ashley Cortez Villareal and husband, Emilio and their children, Carter Moreau, Caleb Moreau, Cohen Moreau, and Ethan Villareal.
He is also survived by his brother David Fisk Tambling and sister-in-law, Joan Lenehan Tambling.
A celebration of his life will be held at Bethany Church, 500 Breakfast Hill Rd, Greenland NH on June 16 at 7 pm. The service will be followed by his favorite meal - dessert.
If desired, memorial donations may be sent to your local Animal Rescue Shelters.