PHILIP CUNNINGHAM

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

PHILIP CUNNINGHAM It is with great sadness that we announce the very sudden passing of Philip Edward Cunningham of Waterhen, Manitoba. Phil leaves to mourn his passing; his wife Patti and son Brett, mother Amy Cunningham of Woodstock, NB, sister Anne Denninger and husband Fred of Courtney, BC, nieces Krista and Kerri, brother Patrick Cunningham and wife Karen of Fredericton, NB, nieces Erin and Kate, and nephew Sean along with numerous extended family (including the RBILs!) and countless friends. Phil was predeceased by his father Edward Cunningham in February of 1991 and his mother-in-law Pauline Rindall in January of 2006. Phil was born on October 22, 1963 in Woodstock, NB. He grew up learning the value of hard work by working at many jobs ranging from harvesting potatoes to cutting meat in a butcher shop. He earned his Bachelor of Education degree from U.N.B in 1987 and set out on an extensive job hunt. He started out in Ottawa and eventually made in his way to Manitoba, where he accepted a teaching position with Frontier School Division in August of 1988. Phil would spend the next 20 years working in different communities such as Berens River, Crane River, Skownan First Nation and finally Waterhen. It was in Berens River that he met his wife Patti Rindall and married on July 14, 1990. One year later, Phil proudly took on the new role of Dad, with the arrival of his son Brett on July 11, 1991. Teaching may have been his passion, but being there for his son was first and foremost. Whether it was the joy of listening to him learn to read, all of the traveling to the many sporting events, or spending quiet times out in the ice shack, he was there. Phil took great pride in his teaching career, always guiding his students to make the proper choices, and reach their goals. He loved coaching badminton, and spent countless hours before and after school and on many Sunday afternoons working with his students. He would be bursting with pride when anyone was able to come back from Frontier Games with another banner for the rafters . Phil was currently involved in teaching the students about the environment. Over the last few months, he spent many hours planning out a flower bed and a proposed walking trail for people to enjoy for years to come. It will now be up to his students to carry out his ideas and see that all of his dreams become a reality. Phil was very community minded and had volunteered for many years on the Waterhen Ambulance Service. He'd grumble when he got a call at 3:00 a.m., but knew in his heart that it was the right thing to do. He was very active in the community church presently helping young adults get ready for their upcoming Confirmation. Everyone has a special place to escape to, and for Phil, that was the cottage at Sugar Point along the eastern shore of Lake Manitoba. Building by the lake was always a dream that became a reality in 2000. Phil loved to putter in his garage and do yard work. Getting there on a Friday evening was the best stress reliever that anyone could ask for. It was always sad having to leave on Sunday afternoon. When asked how many days of school were left until the next holiday, he could always give the exact number. Retirement was the one thing he looked forward to Not one day longer that I have to, I love teaching, but I love life more . Funeral Mass and celebration of Phil's life will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Waterhen Community Centre. Viewing will be offered from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Fr. Paul Tinguely will celebrate the mass with the service concluding at the hall and cremation to follow. Flowers are gratefully declined. Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in memory of Phil to a trust fund for his son Brett at any Branch of the Royal Bank, to the Waterhen School Green Project or the charity of one's choice. Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Service, Ste. Rose Chapel, Ste. Rose du Lac, in care of arrangements. (204) 447-2444

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 01, 2008