Elmer Shortridge PHILLIPS

PHILLIPS, Elmer Shortridge (1918- 2004)
After a long and happy life, Elmer died peacefully on December 31 following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. A true lover of people and music, a bon vivant with a talent for friendship and humour, a devoted husband and father, Elmer possessed an ageless spirit and enduring energy that will stay with us forever. Elmer's life embraced the worlds of business, arts and academe in a unique way. He was a pioneer in management education in Canada through his many years at York University and the University of Toronto. A professor, a humanist, a singer and marathon runner, he touched many people across business, the arts and educational communities in Toronto and internationally with his strength to connect and communicate.
Predeceased by beloved wife Ruth Burton and brother Ross Phillips, he will be missed by his four children, David (Leslie Bowland), Brock (Winnie Hobbs), Joan, Patricia (Neil Freeman), his grandchildren Katie and Betsy Phillips, as well as sister- in-law Peggy Oullahan, brother-in-law Irwin Oullahan and family. Born in Toronto to Edgar and Minnie Phillips, Elmer attended Malvern Collegiate, the University of Toronto (Victoria College 1943), and went on to do graduate work in industrial psychology. His true passion was singing and popular music and throughout high school and university, Elmer honed his talents as a vocalist with local dance bands and as a performer in musical theatre. A highlight of his life was his time as a cast member of the Royal Canadian Navy Show 'Meet The Navy' touring Canada and Europe between 1943 and 1946. Following a brief period as a CBC announcer after WWII, Elmer began a career in personnel and human resource management with Household Finance, Great-West Life and Simpson Sears. He later focused on management education, joining the Extension Division of the University of Toronto. In 1964, Elmer moved to Geneva, Switzerland to work with the Management Development Branch of the International Labour Organization (ILO) advising on productivity and management training in Asia and the Middle East. He later continued to work with the ILO on projects based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Elmer joined the Faculty of Administrative Studies at York University (now Schulich School of Business) in 1967, where he served as the Director of the Division of Executive Development until 1988. In 1994 , he was honoured for outstanding contribution to the Faculty of Administrative Studies at York. Elmer was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts in Toronto and for many years found great enjoyment as an active member of the Arts and Letters Club, including a term as President. Elmer was also an Honourary Life Member of the Human Resource Professionals Association of Ontario and more recently a representative on the Senate of Victoria College, University of Toronto. His life was greatly enriched by time spent at Jack Lake where he loved to be with family and friends.
The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks for the care given to Elmer during his illness, to Annette Ebanks and to the wonderful staff of K2 Centre at the Sunnybrook Veterans Residence. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East), from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5. Funeral to be held at the Chapel on Thursday, January 6 at 1:00 p.m. A special celebration honouring Elmer's life will be organized for the spring with details to follow.
Elmer's credo was 'Flowers for the living,' and he expressed this compassionate philosophy by ensuring that accomplishments and efforts are given appreciation today, not tomorrow. In memory of Elmer, please recognize anyone in your life who brings help and joy to others. Donations to the Parkinson Society of Canada, 4211 Yonge St., Toronto would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.