JOHN (JACK) CLIFFORD PHILLIPS -

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JOHN (JACK) CLIFFORD PHILLIPS 1925 - 2009 Dad passed away suddenly on February 22, 2009 at Grace Hospital after developing pneumonia. He had spent over eight months prior to that at Seven Oaks Hospital after suffering a debilitating stroke. He had just moved to chronic care at Deer Lodge Centre the week before his death. Ironically Deer Lodge was his last place of employment, retiring as the DVA hospital's Director of Finance in 1984. Dad was born in Brantford, Ontario on January 7, 1925. He was the youngest of four children and the last surviving sibling at his passing. Like many other young men during the Second World War, he was eager to enlist in the military and go overseas. In September 1943 he volunteered to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force and trained as an Air Gunner. After training he boarded ship to go overseas but, by the time he arrived in England the War was over. He was discharged in September 1945. Dad re-enlisted in the RCAF in May 1946 as an LAC and enjoyed a 31 year career, rising through the ranks, and retiring as a Major in May of 1974. As a young airman, training in Regina, he met Thora Moore. They later married on October 18, 1946 and so began their journey as a married military couple, travelling from base to base across Canada. Dad was predeceased by Mom (Thora) in January 2004 and by his infant son Terry in 1950. He leaves to mourn; his sons Brian (Darlene) and Dale and daughter, Janice, as well as five grandchildren Morgan, Tyler, Graeme, Jessica and Tara. After putting down roots in Manitoba and working for another 10 years in the Federal Public Service, Dad had a long, enjoyable retirement doing the things he liked to do. This included gardening and 'animal husbandry' on a small hobby farm near Anola. He had numerous pets on the farm that he cared for lovingly and a well-stocked fish pond that was never fished. Dad was a private man and though, in later years he kept to himself, he was quick to offer support and guidance to family. He was an intelligent, independent, generous and ethical man and his children are fortunate to have had this influence in their lives. Dad enjoyed weekly visits with family and he liked to hear about everyone's activities, especially those of his grandchildren. We love you Dad and we will miss you. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Kristjanson and all the staff in Unit 2 on the 5th Floor at Seven Oaks Hospital for the good care you provided during Dad's long stay. Thanks too to Bonnie Greig and chronic care staff at Deer Lodge Centre for your efforts to make him comfortable for the short time he was there. Thanks to co-workers, friends and family for your words of condolence. Thank you to John Wilmot for his help in Dad's care. Cremation has taken place and there will be no service at Dad's request. His life is celebrated in our hearts.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2009