PHILIPP RUDOLF ENS, O.M.

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PHILIPP RUDOLF ENS, O.M.

September 9, 1939 - May 11, 2024

After a period of declining health, Philipp R. Ens died at the age of 84.

He was one of ten children born to Maria (Wiebe) and Heinrich G. Ens of Reinland, Manitoba. His parents emigrated in 1923 from a Mennonite Colony in Russia/Ukraine. In hindsight, he said those early years in the village of Reinland were challenging - but also, that every person should be so fortunate to have a childhood such as his. He often referred to the poems, German songs and music that he learned in those early years. It was in this small village where he developed a deep love and connection to the land which he cherished throughout his life. In his last years, few things gave him greater pleasure than trips to the country to observe the fields, crops, and learn about the innovative farming practices on his grandson-in-law’s family farm.

Philipp’s formal education included attending Mennonite Collegiate Institute (MCI), and the Winkler Collegiate (GVCI). Further studies included Elim Bible Institute in Altona and Canadian Mennonite Bible College, now CMU, in Winnipeg where he took courses in music, conducting and biblical studies. When his work focus shifted to business, he undertook part-time studies in accounting and business administration at Red River College.

During a country wedding, playing one of their favourite Mennonite circle games, Phil met Katy Enns of Greenfarm whom he married in 1960. While still in school, he began to learn the plumbing trade from his father-in-law, a skill he found invaluable throughout his life. He continued to work in the plumbing and heating trade for several more years. Eventually in 1965, embarking on a daring new venture, Phil together with father-in-law Peter W. Enns, and brother-in-law Peter Elias (the three “E’s”) made a radical decision to build travel trailers, forming that which would later become Triple E Canada Ltd. Then, in 1980, Phil partnered with nephew Terry Elias to acquire Lode King Industries, manufacturers of highway trailers for the transportation industry. He was forever grateful for the continued partnership and friendship of Terry and eventually Terry’s three sons. Phil served as president and CEO of Triple E from 1969 to 1998, and then as chairman until his death, leading the 58th annual general meeting in November of 2023. Until last summer, he commuted regularly to Winkler from Winnipeg and remained engaged and interested in the discussions of day-to-day operations. Over the last years, he moved from active management to elder statesman of the company, supporting and mentoring employees and making people feel seen and appreciated. He felt strongly about serving the community where his employees lived and where he had spent most of his life.

Phil and Katy and their four children enjoyed life on their hobby farm just west of Winkler, working together to build the business, raising and showing Quarter horses, planting trees and serving on many boards and committees in their church and community. He was deeply committed and supported the work of Eden Mental Health Centre in Winkler for many years. He loved sports, playing softball and hockey in his youth, and was an avid golfer for many decades. In 1968, he took flying lessons with his father-in-law, and both became licensed private pilots leading to many travel adventures. His family and friends remember epic motorhome trips across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and parts of Central America.

Music did not become his career, but it remained a lifelong passion. He instilled a love for music, specifically choral singing into the hearts and lives of his children and grandchildren. He was a founding member of the Faith and Life Choir Male Choir and sang in the baritone section for 30 years. He was passionate about supporting Christian education and believed that academic institutions needed to produce solid leaders in every discipline, including leaders grounded in faith. He felt a deep sense of responsibility to acknowledge the gifts he had received by giving back in return. He was a generous financial supporter of Mennonite institutions, community music groups and humanitarian organizations and he humbly accepted acknowledgement for his philanthropic endeavours, including the Order of Manitoba (O.M.) in 2017.

After the death of Katy in 2000, mutual friends introduced him to Ilse Krentz, and they married in 2001. Together they forged a new life chapter in Winnipeg, enjoying music, travelling, church life, and many friendships in Winnipeg and Palm Desert, CA.

Phil had a curious mind and a lifelong interest in learning. He had an intelligent faith and could acknowledge the ambiguities surrounding his beliefs. He retained his membership in the Mennonite church but also adopted Ilse’s Lutheran congregation and together they enjoyed many meaningful experiences within both traditions.

In his last years, Phil struggled with severe orthostatic hypotension which caused him debilitating fatigue and weakness. In March of this year, one of his hospital admissions resulted in the news that there was a tumour growing in his lungs. Despite his previous health challenges he continued to embrace hope, he was determined to live and fought hard to defy his diagnosis. Together with his wife Ilse, the last almost three months in hospital were filled with meaningful bedside conversations with family, friends and colleagues. He was comforted by endless nights of choral music, opera, hymns, curating poetry readings and hockey playoffs. Even in his last weeks, his children were constantly amazed at his encyclopedic memory, his wit, and his enduring affection. His ability to bless and inspire others continued to humble those who witnessed his journey.

Philipp R. Ens was predeceased by his first wife Katy, his parents and parents-in-law, three sisters and two brothers. Left to miss his relentless optimism and grounding wisdom is his wife of 23 years, Ilse Krentz Ens, his children, Flori (Jamie), Johanna (Alexander), Phillip (Bridget), Peter (Karla); grandchildren, Emma (Alex), Johanna (Elijah) and their daughter Rorie; Caden, Ava, and William and step-grandchildren, Ella, Johanna (Sebastian) and their daughter Sofia; and Charlotte (Simon). Also mourning his loss are Ilse’s children, Kelly (Rowena), David (Kim), Mark (Naing), and grandchildren, Jonathan, Adam, Maya, Jade, Theo, Atticus, Althea. He is also survived by brothers, George (Margaret) and Alvin (Ruth), sisters, Meg Suderman, Lydia Zacharias, Esther (Glen) Janzen, several siblings-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral and celebration of Phil’s life took place in Winkler on Thursday, May 16. The family is grateful for the warm and sensitive care during the numerous weeks Phil spent at St. Boniface Hospital, especially while on the 8th floor palliative care unit. Thanks also to the many visitors who lovingly visited Phil in his final weeks.

Memorial donations can be directed to Winkler Community Foundation (https://winklercommunityfoundation.com/donate-now/) or to Canadian Mennonite University (https://www.cmu.ca/give). Alternatively, consider bestowing a random act of kindness on someone who needs it.

Wiebe Funeral Homes, Winkler

In care of arrangements

wiebefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2024, Jun 01, 2024