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PHILLIP HENRY HOLBROOK Obituary pic

PHILLIP HENRY HOLBROOK

Born: Nov 10, 1949

Date of Passing: Jan 21, 2016

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PHILLIP HENRY HOLBROOK Phillip Henry Holbrook, husband, brother, father, uncle, cousin and grandfather was born November 10, 1949 in Watford, England. He died in his sleep, at his home in Winnipeg, on the morning of January 21, 2016 at the young age of only 66 years old. He was healthy (we thought) and a very active guy. He was extraordinarily smart, handy, fun and funny (some might say quirky). He was the most generous man any of us have ever met and was known for giving away so much, even in the days when he had so little. He didn't care what anybody thought about him, how he dressed or keeping up with the Jones'. He was his own person and proud of it. Looking back, it is this "I do it my way" spirit to life that was one of the traits that made him so amazing. He put family first in front of anything and everything. He touched so many people with his giant heart which ultimately just wasn't strong enough to take him further. His firm directions to us was that there would be no funeral, no wake and no ceremony. He wanted his ashes in a plain cardboard box. As hard as it is to respect his wishes because we loved him so much, we are doing so because we know it was what he wanted. He gave so much to us and took so little that it breaks our hearts. We will remember him with all our love forever. Phillip is survived by his loving wife Linda, his three children Wellington, Therressa and Stuart, their families including eight grandchildren, his brother, sister, and a very long list of people who loved him dearly.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 30, 2016

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

  • He was the noblest of men. Where to start when it comes to share memories, since most of mine happened so long ago. I am an old friend of this mans son Wellington. We were but children when we decided to form a band and seek fame and, (of course) women! Oh we thought we were so smart and talented...turns out , (at least for meself) not so intelligent...but there was some talent. Most was because of Phils son, Well. We grew up together and during our time in the band we constantly fought with each other about the songs, who did it first, who the song sounded like...The entire time all this NOISY bickering was happening in Mr Holbrooks basement. He never once stopped us from playing...he always supported us. Some of us were going through some tough times as kids...this man fed us, cheered us on, sheltered us from the cold...and no matter how bad we sounded in the beginning...Phil encouraged us. The entire family did the same. We ended up making some really nice songs together that Wellington was at the heart of creating. I'm so glad Phil got to hear us play when we really sounded good...It happened at the high neighbors 75th anniversary... Any time since when I saw the man, he was welcoming...proud of his son...and kind to me. So nice that he treated us like adults even when we were just teens. May the essence of your kindness, wisdom and tolerance of foolish youth stay within you and your family immortal. May you and yours be blessed and keep comfort in the memories of knowing this man and having him as father. May he come to us when we are weak and feed us wisdom, rejoice with us during our triumphs...love with us as we loved him. My old friend, may the gods shelter your paths while you explore the universe.... All my love to you and yours, RBP - Posted by: Robert Paul (Close friend of his son Well) on: Sep 13, 2016

  • I just discovered that Phillip had passed today. Linda, I am very sorry and I am sure you and the family are still in shock. There are no words that can fill the void, but I just wanted to send you my condolences. Thinking of you..... - Posted by: Susan Gordon (friend from the past) on: Mar 17, 2016

  • My deepest condolences to the entire Holbrook family. - Posted by: Raegan Carlson (BMO I worked with Phillip and Stewart.) on: Feb 11, 2016

  • Just found out , just not right, no words, he was a very good person, always available , always nice, - Posted by: Jeanpaul Brasca () on: Feb 11, 2016

  • I had the pleasure of working with Phillip and Stuart at BMO. I was shocked to hear that Phillip had passed. My heart goes out to your family. I know how important you all were to him. - Posted by: Alison Cartier ((colleague)) on: Feb 03, 2016

  • We still have the flowers and the card received from the team for Christmas. Truly a loss to our family. Happy to have known him and can attest to the fact that he holds no prejudice to class or race. Can count on him to cheer for Jamaica if Canada or England isn't in the race. To the family, I am sure he has left a legacy of discipline, integrity and love. Hold these values dear to keep him near. Thompson family. - Posted by: Donna Thompson (Client/friend) on: Feb 01, 2016

  • PHIL WORKED FOR MY DAD AT THE ROYAL BANK IN ERICKSON IN THE EARLY 60S IT WAS NEAT FOR ME WHEN I BECAME A FINANCIAL PLANNER IN THE 90S TO GO TO INDUSTRY PRESENTATIONS AND THERE WAS PHIL AND HE REMEMBERED ME. I SPOKE TO HIM ONLY A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO AND AM SHOCKED TO SEE THIS NEWS. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOU AND WISH YOU THE VERY BEST WE WILL ALL MISS AMD REMEMBER HIM BLESS YOU - Posted by: LAURENCE BERTRAM (FRIEND) on: Jan 31, 2016

  • Life has distanced us from you all but our memories have never been left behind. Richard and I have recalled so many occasions that the four of us shared. We still hear Phil singing "Good Morning Starshine" in a goofy, off-key performance and have never failed to think of him whenever that song plays. Our thoughts,prayers and feelings of sadness are with all of you. - Posted by: Dianne and Richard Burke (Friends) on: Jan 31, 2016

  • We are very thankful to have known Phillip for the short amount of time we were neighbours. He was always very friendly to our family & he made us feel very welcome from the beginning. Our thoughts are with Linda & family. - Posted by: Mark & Krista Svendsen (Neighbours) on: Jan 31, 2016

  • How lucky are we to have known someone, who it is so hard to say goodbye to. - Posted by: Sandra and Susie Compton () on: Jan 30, 2016

  • We are terribly sorry to hear of the Holbrook family's loss. Our deepest sympathies go out to all of the family. Always remembered. - Posted by: Rochelle Klumper (employee of the family business) on: Jan 30, 2016

  • Linda-My deepest condolences in the loss of Phil. We worked together @ RBC Munroe & London many years ago, in summer I often walk past your home & think of you. I assume you still live there. Take care of yourself & your family - Posted by: Marlene Hanson (Linda I worked @ RBC Munroe & London Br) on: Jan 30, 2016

  • Having grown up with Wellington, Therressa and Stuart, I count myself among those who loved Phillip dearly. He was a remarkable man. Through awkward teenage years and early adulthood, Phillip was a constant and reliable strength; an important and unforgettable part of my life. Dance recitals, high school and university graduations, poolside chats and countless pints in English pubs. I am privileged to have known him and grateful for the time we spent together over the years. HIs loss is shocking and heartbreaking. He will be truly missed and forever loved. My deepest sympathies to Linda, Wellington, Therressa, Stuart and your families. You can be proud of your father's legacy - he has certainly left his mark. - Posted by: Riva Richard (Family Friend) on: Jan 30, 2016

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