ROBERT WILLIAM PHILLIPS

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ROBERT WILLIAM PHILLIPS

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) William Phillips on April 4, 2023, at the age of 95.

He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his daughters, Dawn and Debbie (Sandy) Watson, grandsons, Rob and Andrew, and pet cats, Mark and Hugh. Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife Joan.

Dad was born in Red Deer, Alberta on October 5, 1927. His father was a station agent with CN and the family lived in numerous small towns in Alberta. One of these places was Edgerton where he met Joan and they were married in 1952. Dad joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1946 as an Air Craftsman 2nd Class. He had many postings across Canada and in London, England. Upon returning from London we lived in Ottawa. Dad retired in 1979, at the rank of Major, when Mum was diagnosed with cancer, and we moved to Edmonton so that she could be with her sisters in her last days. After Mum passed away, he was employed with the City of Edmonton prior to moving to Winnipeg in 1994 to be with his daughters.

Dad was a pretty good athlete, having played baseball, hockey and curling. He respected nature and the great outdoors and enjoyed cross country skiing, downhill skiing, canoeing and hiking - he hiked the Chilkoot Trail in 1992. He looked forward to his morning walks along the South St. Vital Trail visiting with friends, often with dogs, he met along the way - making sure he did not forget the dog biscuits. He was an active member of St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church and volunteered with Meals on Wheels for 25 years. He looked forward to family visits and had tickets to Goldeyes games and the Symphony with Debbie and Dawn for many years. Dad was dedicated to his family and we always knew we had his love and support. "It is healthy and honourable to weep at the loss of someone we love. Healthy because such passion must be released. Honourable because it is respectful to admit the importance of people who have loved and supported us, people whose footprints cannot ever be matched." - Maya Angelou.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital for their care and to the residents and staff of Seine River Retirement Residence for their caring and support.

A service will be held on Friday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church, 881 Autmnwood Drive, Winnipeg MB. Cremation has taken place and Dad's remains will be placed with Mum's in Edgerton at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 29, 2023