PHILIP (PHIL) J. AXELROD

Condolences & Memories (32 entries)

• My sincere condolences to Sylvie, Rebecca and Michelle. I worked with Phil at CIBC, Toronto for over 5 years. I learnt a lot from his management style, honesty, professionalism and dedication. RIP Phil - Posted by: Anne Nedd (Business Associate) on: Mar 31, 2016

• So saddened to hear of Phil's premature passing. I was a fellow Liobian, (Liverpool Institute old boy) and Phil became a member of our weekend party set for a couple of years, and what a smooth operator he was! I recall his family owning a supermarket Smithdown Road way. We also shared a passion for Liverpool FC. Recall being impressed when he went to see our team play in Glasgow, not the most welcoming of venues, and he complained of being hit on the head by a flying 5-pint beer can. What peeved him most was that it was not even empty. RIP Phil. Nice memories. Thanks. - Posted by: Colin Kitchen (Ex school friend) on: Oct 06, 2014

• Just found out about Phil's sad passing and was shocked. Phil and I both arrived in Canada in 1974 at Touche Ross, and as new immigrants spent a lot of time together. My sincere condolences to Sylvie. - Posted by: Colin Grant (Friend) on: Aug 26, 2013

• After many years of losing touch I looked up Phil hoping to find him on Facebook etc. I am absolutely shocked. I knew Phil when we were very young. My parents Ruth and Henry took him under their wing when he came to Montreal as we are all from Liverpool. Phil and I hung out as good friends. Sylvie, I don't know if you remember me. I am so terribly sorry for you and the girls loss. He was a wonderful guy and family person. Hugs and strength. - Posted by: Elizabeth Tenser Levy (Friend) on: Jun 21, 2013

• It was a real honour to have been one of Phil's physicians. He was a cheerful realist during his clinic visits. Phil's family is in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Martha Ainslie (Physician) on: Oct 01, 2012

• I first met Phil in 1997 when I was a temp at Comcheq (ceridian). My first impression was that he was a pleasant and proper Brit. As i got to know him through the years, I enjoyed his quick wit and his willing to give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. But, never cross him or you felt his wrath. Phil has made me laugh, cry and angry at times. But, when he left Ceridian he told me that he was hard on me and apologized. Sylvie, Michelle & Rebecca, please accept my sympathy & condolences on your great loss. Phil I will see you in the new system! Rest in Peace Phil! - Posted by: Norine Rodych (Co-worker) on: Aug 11, 2012

• Met Phil @wwc in the squash courts-he aiways beat me. A wonderful man ----big and brave to fight his disease. We all will miss him. Sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Tino Ethans (Freind and advisor) on: Jul 23, 2012

• I met Phil through work and became his friend over time. He had a great sense of dry humour, was scrupulous beyond compare and was a lively conversational companion - especially if a pint was involved. He will be missed. - Posted by: Amanda Le Rougetel (friend and colleague) on: Jul 20, 2012

• My husband Murray and Phil were friends in the Multiple Myeloma Support Group and I met Phil and Sylvie through that group. I liked them both instantly. I'll have fond memories of Phil always. Sylvie, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope to visit with you again sometime. - Posted by: Donna Eastoe (Friend) on: Jul 19, 2012

• My condolences to Sylvie and the Axelrod family on Phil's passing. I got to know Phil during the time that we both worked at Comcheq and Ceridian. I appreciated his sense of humour and tell-it-like-it-is attitude that drew a lot of chuckles and inspired all those around him. Always approachable, Phil always took the time to stop in his tracks for a chat. I also appreciated his professionalism and inclusiveness in relating to all the people that he worked with, regardless of their position. - Posted by: Curt Penner (Colleague) on: Jul 18, 2012

• My condolences to the Axelrod family. I enjoyed Phil's humor, honesty, and poker accumen. All in, Phil! - Posted by: brian sawka (poker buddy, coworker) on: Jul 18, 2012

• Deepest condolences to Sylvie, Michelle and Rebecca - Posted by: Jacqui Hiebert (Comcheq/Ceridian) on: Jul 16, 2012

• Phil and I have been friends since meeting at the Bank of Montreal, over 25 years ago. He was a smart, articulate, funny man, who did not suffer fools at all! Phil's most outstanding accomplishment though was that of a father. I babysat both her daughters from the time they were six months old and I was always amazed at how Phil took to fatherhood. I don't know of a more devoted dad who would get annoyed when people would tell him that he should go away for a weekend and get a "break" from the kids! "Why do I need a break", he would say "I love my kids, I want to be with them, I don't ever want to break"! He was so proud of both Michelle and Rebecca and it was so hard for him when Michelle went away to Edmonton to school. He was so looking forward to the day he could walk each of his daughters down the aisle. I will miss Phil greatly. - Posted by: Jacqueline Hammond (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2012

• One evening, Phil and I were volunteering at a bingo for Squash Manitoba. If you have ever worked a bingo these days, it is quite boring and quiet...not like the old bingos. So, Phil and I were doing our laps when finally someone called us over to buy some cards. While Phil was counting out the cards, the customer looked at me and then to Phil and said "is he your son?". I let out a howl and walked away as Phil was aghast by the comment (He was old enough to be my dad, but that was beside the point). From that point on, he was always "Dad" to me and he always called me "son". I will miss you Dad! - Posted by: Alan Collo (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2012

• My deepest condolences to you Sylvie and your family - Posted by: Kim (Nurse) on: Jul 15, 2012

• I met Phil in Montreal in the early seventies when the firm where he worked audited the company where I worked. We became friends and bridge adversaries (I think I was like a sparing partner to him and Sylvie). This friendship shifted to Toronto when our jobs changed cities. When Phil and his family moved on to Winnipeg our friendship drifted apart and we did the traditional exchange of Christmas cards. When that card never arrived one year I knew something was wrong and found out later that he was battling cancer. He never lost his love of life and fought hard to stay alive. He became a role model to me – someone to whom I looked up. Our friendship renewed through our telephone calls. I will miss those calls and also the man I called my friend. Sylvie, Rebecca and Michelle, please accept my heartfelt condolences. We all lost out on the day Phil died. Colin - Posted by: Colin McAlpine (friend) on: Jul 15, 2012

• Phil was my Monday bridge partner at Tuxedo Bridge Club. Our last game was so successful we looked forward to other games. It was not to be. We had fun playing together, and I will miss him very much. Dear family, I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Gladys Drewniak (bridge partner) on: Jul 15, 2012

• So sorry for your loss. Michelina always spoke so fondly of Philip. Please accept our most sincere condolences, your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Sending all our love, the Crosbie Family - Posted by: Scott, Josie, Michelina & Kyle Crosbie (Friends) on: Jul 15, 2012

• I remember Phil especially for his integrity and wit. We worked together at Ceridian then again at Telpay where Phil served as the HR go-to among other duties. When I was laid off from TelPay, Phil showed much compassion and concern. My deepest sympathy goes out to Sylvie, Michelle and Rebecca. Phil will be greatly missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Cheryl Costen (friend and colleague) on: Jul 15, 2012

• On behalf of the Winnipeg Squash Racquet Club and myself, we would like to express our sincere condolences to Phil's family. I used to play squash regularly with Phil and he used to always beat me with his stupid trick shots and when he did lose he wasn't very happy. During his battle with cancer he still managed to make his appearance at the Manitoba Open Squash Tournament and we all enjoyed visiting with him and we all admired his ability to fight a lot longer than the medical experts expected. See ya Phil and we will toast you at the 2013 MB Open - Posted by: Jim Lawson (Squash Club Friend) on: Jul 15, 2012

• Our deepest condolences to Sylvie and family. - Posted by: Silvia Severini and family (neighbour) on: Jul 15, 2012

• Sylvie, Michelle and Rebecca know our collective thoughts and prayers of support are with you at this difficult time. We too experienced life with Phil, and sre the richer for it. His deep love of family, appreciation of friendships, loyalty, engagement and responsibility to work and community, keen sense of right and fairness, passionate intensity & inquisitiveness, michieviousness, personal respectfulness, wise counsel, sense of adventure, competitiveness, and unflagging zest for life ensure that while we won't see him as often, memories and thoughts of Phil and of our shared experiences will continue to bring smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. See you my friend. - Posted by: Greg Genik (Friend) on: Jul 15, 2012

• Phil and I worked together at the Credit Union. A fellow Brit, he was a great friend and mentor to me. He was always there to offer me help and advice in my career and would be blunt and to the point, not one to mince words! But I valued his opinion and he was usually right! We spent many a lunch hour discussing our favorite footie teams, he of course being a dedicated Liverpool fan where as I am a Man U supporter. How I shall miss his banter and sense of humour. RIP Boss. My condolences to you Sylvie and your family. - Posted by: Leanna Beasant (Friend and colleague) on: Jul 14, 2012

• Condolences to the family. I worked with Phil while at the Winter Club; he was such a nice gentleman, a professional and had a great sense of humour. So sorry to hear about his passing. - Posted by: Michelle () on: Jul 14, 2012

• I will miss Phil. We worked together for many years and when I first met Phil I thought...what an ornery guy. If you know Phil he didn't hide much...said what was on his mind. Over the years I saw Phil for the person he was...intelligent, great father, good sense of humour, cheap, and devoted husband to Sylvie. He will be missed by so many people and our poker table will not be the same without him. We all saw him fight cancer bravely and we all respected the man he was. - Posted by: Chris Ashley (Friend) on: Jul 14, 2012

• Thanks, Phil, for being fun to be with. You were a great bridge partner and an entertaining poker opponent. Your presence and wry comments will be missed. All the best to Sylvie and family during this time. - Posted by: Larry Phillips (Friend) on: Jul 13, 2012

• Phil welcomed right away when I joined the Sluggos @ squash with his mischevious grin and sharp wit. Even though he trounced me soundly I will miss our sqaush matches. I will always admire his perservance and strength in the face of his illness. Rest in peace, Phil. - Posted by: Brad De Ryck (Friend/Squash Buddy) on: Jul 13, 2012

• Phile was the Finance Chair of a Board of Directors I reported to and I remember our meetings and relationship fondly. His dedication and integrity to his job and family was incredible. My heart and thoughts go out to you Sylvie and the girls. Take care of yourselves. - Posted by: Bruce MacKay (Friend) on: Jul 13, 2012

• Phil was a long time family friend. He will always hold a spot in my heart for offering the prayer at my wedding. The news of his passing leaves a void in my heart that won't be filled. Thank you to the whole Axelrod family for all the memories and us Axelrod families will continue to make more in the future with Phil in our hearts! - Posted by: Arlin Axelrod (Long time family friend) on: Jul 13, 2012

• My condolences to you Sylvie and your family - Posted by: terri (friend) on: Jul 13, 2012

• My condolenses to the family. Phil was a great guy,a true gentleman and a great bridge partner. He will be missed. - Posted by: Louise Paquette (bridge partner) on: Jul 13, 2012

• Before retirement I worked for a bank and Phil was my main contact at one of the companies to which we provided banking services. I am originally from London England and it did not take long for Phil to "pick on" my London based soccer team while I responded about his beloved Liverpool. We quickly became good friends and the friendly soccer banter continued, typically over a curry. I will miss Phil's quick wit and the chance to discuss our mutual love of soccer. I know Phil is looking down on us and hoping Liverpool can have a better season than last - Posted by: Tony Cook (Business associate) on: Jul 13, 2012