January 26, 1945 - August 26, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Phil spent his childhood in Wickersley, England, playing in the woods, kicking a football with his friends and cousins, and delivering milk on the back of his grandad's wagon.
After immigrating to Powell River with his parents and younger brother, Phil fell in love with the girl next door, Kathleen (Craven), who would eventually become his wife of 56 years.
Phil attended UBC and after graduating with a BA and teaching degree, Kathy and Phil married. They worked to earn enough to travel Europe in a VW van for a year, before settling for good in the Comox Valley.
They built a unique dome home where they welcomed 5 children, while Phil established a 35-year career as a schoolteacher. His students and colleagues may remember him as being a fair, kind, and fun teacher and for Mr. Brown's legendary 4-Square rules.
Phil was an avid gardener, an active member of the soccer community, and spent years strumming along with 3 of his children on their fiddles.
In his retirement Philip travelled back to England, as well as to Australia and New Zealand, to reconnect with his many cousins and extended family. Phil valued family above all else and fulfilled his role of Grandad (Gungrat) with enthusiasm and joy.
Phil is predeceased by his parents, Norah and Dewiss, and his baby sister, Pauline.
Along with the love of his life, Kathy, Phil was immensely proud of their children Austin (Keri), Polly (Wayne), Tim (Melanie), Rosie (Julian), and Shelley (Adam), and grandchildren (Brad, Erika, Kali, Katie, Gavin, Paul, Lucy, Alec, Bridget, Rowan, and Hudson).
Phil had a close and loving relationship with his brother Neil (Jill) and enjoyed being an Uncle to his nieces and nephews. Phil will be deeply missed.
A private Celebration of Life was held on September 10.