Obituary

Philip Taylor Phillips RETIRED RCMP REG #25600

September 7, 1947 to September 3, 2023

After a life full of love, family, and many serious adventures, Dad left us just after the sun rose on September 3rd after a very short illness and quick decline.

Born to parents Ethel and Llewellyn in Alberta, Dad spent his early years in Lac La Biche, Stony Plain, and then Edmonton, where he attended school, played sports, and excelled at his famous paper route, #142W where he proudly delivered the Edmonton Journal. Dad was a fan of the Edmonton Eskimos as a kid, and was a member of the “Woodward’s Knothole Gang.” Gang members received a yellow football shaped crest to wear on their jackets and had to sit in the end zone. According to Dad’s memoir, they sat and froze their asses off and it was the best time ever. Dad was a Cub Scout, remembered milk being delivered daily by the milkman, and the night his father brought home their first TV, (17” black and white). He had stories of getting the strap across his hands in elementary school, and could recite his childhood phone number until the day he died – Hunter 8-7132.  He played marbles and traded sports cards – in particular favoring NHL and CFL.

Dad joined the RCMP in 1967, and graduated from Depot in October of that year.  His first posting was to Cranbrook BC, where he met our Mom at the Husky Truck Stop Diner. They were married in August of 1969, and were together until Lynne died in May 2005.

Over the years, Dad was transferred many times, including Midway, North Vancouver (where James was born in 1971, and Terri was born in 1973), Revelstoke (where David was born in 1977) Alexis Creek, Valemount, New Aiyansh (now known as Gitlax̱t’aamiks), Sayward, Duncan, Ucluelet, and finally Penticton, where he retired  after spending just short of 30 years in the RCMP.

Upon his official retirement, Mom and Dad spent many years running the Peach Orchard Campground in Summerland, BC, a job that brought great joy to them.  Dad could forever be seen mowing grass, moving sprinklers, or mopping floors.  It was at this time that they purchased a motorhome and would spend the off months touring around Alberta, BC and the USA, really enjoying retirement.  They often planned their stays around golf courses, where Dad “enjoyed and excelled” at the game… at least according to him.

After Mom passed away in 2005, Dad was alone for a bit.  It was by a stroke of luck and the grace of God that he got lucky with the ladies twice in his life, having met Janice in 2008, and wisely scooping her up in marriage in 2009. They had just celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary in July.  Dad and Jan spent many happy retirement years traveling to various places, including Mexico, Costa Rica, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Panama, Alaska and a tour of Western USA National Parks.   They were cat parents to many furry friends who will miss Dad a lot. Countless hours were spent with the grandkids – in particular Sarah who was a regular fixture in their lives, mostly hanging with Poppa and beating him at games of dominoes and cards.

Phil was father to James, Terri and David, who are all blessed to have been raised by him, and will miss him very much.  He always did the best he could by us. While not an outwardly affectionate man, we always knew dad’s love through special times and acts of love and kindness. Fishing and camping trips were the norm growing up, first tenting and then in our tent trailer. Mom and Dad always made Christmas, birthdays and holidays so special for us all – we were often given the coolest gifts before others we knew.  We had our first computer, an Apple IIC in the early 80’s and we always had the first generation video games before any of our friends did. One day Dad showed up at home with a brand new car, and the next day we left and drove all the way to Disneyland, where we stayed for many weeks.  One day we will all need to get our memories down on paper – being raised by an RCMP officer is not for the faint of heart, and comes with a lifetime of stories, from sad to incredulous to heartwarming.

That being said, the absolute meaning of life for dad was realized when he became Papa (Poppa!) to his 9 grandchildren.  The first grandbaby was born in 1996, and from that time on, nothing else on this planet mattered as much as those kids.  Dad was so incredibly proud of them: Sydney, Lauren, Jarred, Cameron, Sarah, Jacob, Isaac, Aiden, and Evan.  Dad traveled thousands of miles for dance recitals, hockey games, camping trips, and other special events. He attended school recitals, music recitals, class plays, and pageants. He was there when the grandkids were sick or sad.  He would go to the coast just to babysit for a weekend. Trips to Edmonton, Mexico, Disneyland and more.  He knew what everyone’s interests were, and kept up on where they were all at and what was going on in each grandchild’s life.  Dad got pretty good on social media over the years, and really did a good job at pressing LIKE on Facebook!

As a family, we were all together just a short time ago for a week in August to celebrate the wedding of Terri and Rory.  We are all so incredibly thankful to have had that last opportunity to spend time with Dad.  Every single family member was there, and it’s time that will forever be treasured.

Dad has gone on to join those who went before him, who we know were waiting to welcome him at the gates of Heaven.  Predeceased by his parents Llewelyn and Ethel,  first wife Lynne in 2005, Lynne’s parents Jack and Doris, Janice’s parents Jack and Clem and very special long time friends Stan and Robert.

Left to remember and miss Dad are all of us.

Wife Janice and her children, Darren, Claire and former daughter in law, Abbey, and her grandchildren Dylan and Ava.  Sisters-in-law, Cheryl, and Lisa and brother-in-law, Russell.

Son James with wife Karolin, and their children Lauren, Jacob and Isaac.

Daughter Terri with husband Rory, and Terri’s kids Sydney, Cameron, Jarred and Sarah.

Son David with sons Aiden and Evan.

Also left to mourn this loss is Kerry Boogaart, former partner of David and mom to Aiden and Evan.  Barry Wood, good friend to Phil, former husband of Terri and Dad to Sydney, Cameron, Jarred and Sarah.

Finally, very long term friends – all of the Bansgroves, The Clark Family, and Sandra, of the infamous “Sandra and Robert!”

James, Terri and David learned their best childhood swear words being around Dad while he watched hockey. Truly a lifelong Vancouver Canucks fan, this family is going to be quite annoyed if this is the year they finally win that cup!!

If Dad could have given anyone some final advice, it would have been to write down your history for your family.  He and mom wrote their memoirs in 2001 and in doing so have left an invaluable piece of history for us all.

Get in close and hang on tight.  You’ll be so missed.

No formal service will be held in accordance with Dad’s wishes. We will gather next year to remember him with happiness and spread his ashes.

If you wish to donate, please do so in Phil’s honour to Moog and Friends Hospice House in Penticton, or your local SPCA.

Thank you to Kevin at Kettle Valley Memorial in Penticton for helping us navigate the days after dad’s passing.