PHILIP ALEXANDER LESTER

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PHILIP ALEXANDER LESTER February 5 1940 January 11, 2007 One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been. (Will Rogers). The family of Phil Lester is saddened to announce his sudden but peaceful death, on Thursday, January 11, 2007. Phil is survived by his best friend and soul mate: his wife Irene; his daughter Debbie, her husband Doug Robinson, and his beloved grandchildren Virginia and Matthew; his daughter Michele and husband Jeff Anderson; brother Allan and sister Dorothy Ghostkeeper; Irene's sisters and their husbands Lorraine and Wayne Wuirch, Linda and Grant Rowe, Sandra and George Leclerc, Cory Nys, and his mother-in-law Julie Nys, along with countless nieces, nephews, friends and business associates. He was predeceased by his mother Annabelle, his father Charles, brothers Stan and Harry, and father in-law Sandy Nys. Phil grew up in Elmwood and attended Lord Selkirk High School. He met Irene in the spring of 1959, and convinced her skeptical parents to consent to their marriage on October 29, 1960. He probably realized then that sales would be his career niche. After cutting his teeth working for several local power transmission distributors, he struck out on his own as a manufacturer's representative. In 1983, he started Drive-Line Services, with a basement office, a car, and an indomitable desire to succeed. By 1986, he was able to offer his new son-in-law a job, an opportunity for which Doug and Debbie will always be grateful. The business grew steadily, with partner Murray Ternovetsky joining in 1996. Satisfied that his baby was in good hands, Phil turned to new challenges, starting Star Industries with partner Dave Willingham that same year. Both businesses continue to grow; Michael Ternovetsky and Craig Woycheshin were the most recent additions to the family. The two companies now employ nine people, with customers across Canada and contacts around the world. It is a legacy we are all proud to carry on. Phil embraced life with an enthusiasm and zeal that was legendary. Whether it was closing the six figure sale, travelling to the far east, cracking a ribald joke, enjoying the cabin near Kenora, cooking up veal scallopine, or sampling a fine single malt, he did it all with his own inimitable wit and style. He was also a mentor to many people over the course of his business career. His absence will leave a huge void in so many, many lives. Phil's family is enormously grateful to everyone who assisted us during this difficult time, especially the doctors, nurses and aides of Concordia Hospital ICU and Ward N3W. We would also like to thank the Springfield Fire and Rescue Service and EMS, and neighbour Tammy Derksen, who worked so hard to bring Phil back and give us all a chance to say goodbye. Dr. Jeff Wiebe was there for us, above and beyond the call. Phil and Irene's many friends, in particular those from Oakbank and The Country Villas were also an enormous source of comfort and support. Our friends truly are our chosen family. Irene's sisters and brothers-in-law, Phil's niece Caroline and Rick Boyd, and everyone in our business family were constant and unwavering in their assistance. If the true measure of a man is the number of lives he touches, then Phil was successful beyond compare. We will miss the husband, the father, the grandfather, the friend - Phil - Dad; we love you so very much. We won't say good-bye, but instead, we will see you again one day. We know you will greet us in heaven with open arms. Funeral services will be held at St. Bernadette Church, 820 Cottonwood Rd., on Wednesday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow at The Canadinns Club Regent Hotel, 1415 Regent Ave. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice. Phil and Irene supported many causes, including Winnipeg Harvest, Autism Society Canada, The Alzheimer's Society, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, and The Canadian Cancer Society. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy. #1 E. at Navin, (204) 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 15, 2007