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PHILIP JAMES TOEWS
Date of Passing: May 19, 2023
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PHILIP JAMES TOEWS
Phil died peacefully at home on Friday, May 19, 2023 with his wife Edith by his side and family close at hand.
Phil was born in 1943 to parents, Rev. Jacob (J.J.) and Lena Toews, and was a brother to Mel (Whitney) and Carolyn (Bob). His father’s career as a minister and college professor moved their family to various locations in North America.
Family was the centre of Phil’s life, and he was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Phil met Edith in high school. They were married in 1963, and throughout their nearly 60 years of marriage Phil expressed that he didn’t know what he’d do without Edith. Phil and Edith went on to have five children: Kim (Mark), Sandi (Cyril), Bonnie (Todd), Angie (Rennie) and Jeff; grandchildren, Jessica (Scott), Heather (Dex), Kari, Carly (Kurt), Jadon, Suzanne (Travis), Tyler (Emily), Austin (Angéline), Danielle (Evan), Jen (Rylan), Shelby and Sara; great-grandchildren, Theo, Lena, Liam, Sarah and Elle.
Phil was known for his unparalleled abilities to make the kids in the family laugh, whether they be children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or great-grandchildren. He was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever he could, whether it was taking care of children, completing beautiful woodworking projects, driving family and friends around, or just having long talks about life. No matter what his family needed, we knew we could rely on Phil, and that some how he’d make us feel we were doing him a favour when asking him for help.
Phil’s strong faith supported him through life’s challenges, and was a daily practice in his life. He dedicated himself to finding the meaning in life and living that out, and will be remembered as one who, through his kindness, listening ear, and good humour, showed God to all those he came across.
Outgoing and curious about others, Phil cultivated friendships wherever he went and after retirement enjoyed long talks over coffee with friends most mornings at Polo Park. He was always ready with a story to tell, and to connect with and listen to others.
Throughout his life, Phil had a deep love of music. Over the years, he collected a vast array of Bill Gaither tapes and videos and was always curious to hear about his family’s favourite music. He also enjoyed long drives in the country.
Phil will be greatly missed by many, and remembered always for his easy laugh, warm presence, and dedication to his faith and his family.
Phil was predeceased by his father Jacob, mother Lena, brother Mel and great-grandson Liam.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation in support of cardiovascular research or CancerCare Manitoba.
Publish Date: Jun 3, 2023
PHILIP JAMES TOEWS
Phil died peacefully at home on Friday, May 19, 2023 with his wife Edith by his side and family close at hand.
Phil was born in 1943 to parents Rev. Jacob (J.J.) and Lena Toews and was a brother to Mel (Whitney) and Carolyn (Bob). His father’s career as a minister and college professor moved their family to various locations in North America.
Family was the center of Phil’s life, and he was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Phil met Edith in high school. They were married in 1963, and throughout their nearly 60 years of marriage Phil expressed that he didn’t know what he’d do without Edith. Phil and Edith went on to have five children: Kim (Mark), Sandi (Cyril), Bonnie (Todd), Angie (Rennie) and Jeff; grandchildren Jessica (Scott), Heather (Dex), Kari, Carly (Kurt), Jadon, Suzanne (Travis), Tyler (Emily), Austin (Angéline), Danielle (Evan), Jen (Rylan), Shelby and Sara; great-grandchildren Theo, Lena, Liam, Sarah and Elle.
Phil was known for his unparalleled abilities to make the kids in the family laugh, whether they be children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or great-grandchildren. He was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever he could, whether it was taking care of children, completing beautiful woodworking projects, driving family and friends around, or just having long talks about life. No matter what his family needed, we knew we could rely on Phil, and that some how he’d make us feel we were doing him a favour when asking him for help.
Phil’s strong faith supported him through life’s challenges, and was a daily practice in his life. He dedicated himself to finding the meaning in life and living that out, and will be remembered as one who, through his kindness, listening ear, and good humour, showed God to all those he came across.
Outgoing and curious about others, Phil cultivated friendships wherever he went and after retirement enjoyed long talks over coffee with friends most mornings at Polo Park. He was always ready with a story to tell, and to connect with and listen to others.
Throughout his life, Phil had a deep love of music. Over the years, he collected a vast array of Bill Gaither tapes and videos and was always curious to hear about his family’s favourite music. He also enjoyed long drives in the country.
Phil will be greatly missed by many, and remembered always for his easy laugh, warm presence, and dedication to his faith and his family.
Phil was predeceased by his father Jacob, mother Lena, brother Mel and great-grandson Liam.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation in support of cardiovascular research or CancerCare Manitoba.
Publish Date: May 27, 2023
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2023, Jun 03, 2023
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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My heartfelt condolences to you Edith and your precious family. Phil was a special man who always had a special or hug for his friends. I had the pleasure of working with him at Pallier Furniture in the 1970's and we forged a lifelong friendship. Rest in Peace Sweet Phil. God Bless You Love, Rose Boda and family - Posted by: Rose Olah-Boda (employee from Palliser Furniture & Friend) on: Oct 06, 2023
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Dear Edith, Carolyn and extended family, Please except my heartfelt sympathy and condolences in the loss of Phil. I have fond memories of when you and Phil started dating at MBCI. Carolyn you were so proud of your big brothers. May God grant you His peace of heart and mind, as you mourns Phils loss yet celebrate a life well lived. Hugs Roma Klassen Niessen Kelowna BC - Posted by: Roma (Friend of Edith) on: Jun 03, 2023
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We are sorry to hear Phil is not with us any more we pray for him and his family. He will be missed from Polo Park coffee group. God Bless! - Posted by: Gurdeep gujral (Friend from polo park ) on: May 30, 2023
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I was fortunate that I was part of the Polo Park coffee group and that's how I met Phil. I have never met a kinder, honest gentleman. Eventually I started bringing my girlfriend to meet the group. She and Phil hit it off and we're always talking about something. When we found out Phil was sick we both shed a lot of tears. Then when Phil passed she was absolutely devastated along with myself. My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Phil. I guess I'm not accepting this very well because I still expect him to come walking up to the table in the morning. - Posted by: Robert Shelfontuk (Acquaintance ) on: May 28, 2023
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My thoughts and prayers are with you all. 🙏🏼 Phil sounds like a most lovely man and is surely to be missed and remembered fondly. May you all continue his legacy of kindness, good cheer, and loving service. ❤️ - Posted by: Felicia Torchia (Friend ) on: May 27, 2023
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