Philip Ross Bancroft

Philip Ross Bancroft came into this world in the usual way to parents, William Earl and Kathryn Norwood Bancroft. He joined older brother "Bill," William Earl Bancroft, Jr. and together they enjoyed their life together in the Broadmoor neighborhood. Philip was the talkative one. He had a great sense of humor and was a legendary neighborhood daredevil - riding his bike off unsafe ramps and jumping into piles of freshly raked leaves and grass. He liked pranks, the details of which are better left for another day. He developed a love of all things that go fast at a young age, which he never out grew. When it was time for Philip to start his own family, he married Anne Eichler. Although they later divorced, they enjoyed a lifelong relationship centered on their four children, Meredith, Alexander, Hannah and Ian. They also enjoyed a true friendship and continued to care for each other as family. Everyone had their own special nickname and Philip and the kids had their own language that they shared with each other. Like "I love you 7," which was the largest number the kids knew at the time, surpassing even infinity. Philip was loved too. To his children and countless friends, and extended family, he was bigger than life itself. He would help anyone, especially those who were suffering emotionally. Philip had a unique gift to be able to listen and then speak in a way that made sense and brought peace to people who suffered. Philip also loved to have fun with the family. The kids recall their times on the family boat, which was very reliable, if you count breaking down with regularity. They loved spending time on the red river. Philip, ever the optimist, placed a sticker on the back of the boat that read "Nothing about this sucks." In the end, it was time with Dad and memories that will be cherished. The kids' friends would often tell them that they had a cool dad. They knew that better than anyone. Yearly trips to Gulf Shores, and time spent together. He loved his dog, Nubbin, a calm mature lab who was his constant companion during some of Philip's most challenging recent times. Later by Charlie, a high-energy pointer that he and Sarah raised in their home together. Philip met Sarah in 1982. They became friends and maintained that friendship for over 30 years. Sarah was living in Chicago, but returned to Shreveport to marry Philip. Sarah loved Philip. He would frequently tell friends how much he loved Sarah. When they were together, neither of them had to say anything, it was undeniable. He also loved Sarah's daughter Isabella Vines. Date night on Tuesday, fulltime bug killer and safety manager of her car. Isabella, with great sincerity told me "Philip took care of us." That was his way of showing love. He also showed love with little notes he would stick to the coffee pot - every morning - for Sarah. In her words, he was a good man with a big heart. There are many other friends and family, his sister-in-law Susanne Bancroft, nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and those in the recovery community he leaves behind. Because he could relate to anyone, regardless of age or his or her story, it would be impossible to list everyone Philip loved or who loved him. Flowers always made Philip sneeze. They look pretty, but they do not change lives. In lieu of flowers, would you consider sending a gift to help those in early recovery to either, Bridge House for Men, 426 Stoner Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104 or to Oakwood House for Women, 1700 Highland, Shreveport, LA 71104. The family invites you to visitation on Monday, May 21, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the funeral on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Both will take place at Rose-Neath Funeral Home on Marshall Street.