To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
39 Entries
Alex Carlson
January 22, 2024
I came across this photo recently and it feels perfect to me. This must have been one of Phil's favourite spots, and it's somewhere I'll always picture him.
Randall Brown
January 16, 2024
Randall Brown
January 16, 2024
Allyson Woodrooffe
January 10, 2024
Allyson Woodrooffe
January 10, 2024
Allyson Woodrooffe
January 10, 2024
Allyson Woodrooffe
January 10, 2024
Allyson Woodrooffe
January 10, 2024
Allyson Woodrooffe
January 10, 2024
Phil was a great force in my life, after he moved in with my mum, sister and me when I was about seven. Being severely shy, I had to learn to speak up or never be heard. Phil was a maker of memories and for that I'm immensely grateful. These include driving across the country in 1980 in his Galaxy 500 convertible, aka 'the pig', with the top down (almost) all the way. My sister and I were usually freezing in the back row - especially through the mountains - so we spent most of the journey huddled on the floor and we'd pop our heads up to take in the sights whenever Phil yelled 'View, left!' or 'View, right!'
When we moved to Vancouver, we shared a ski cabin for a couple of winters with some of Phil's work friends. Being introduced to mountain skiing (as opposed to little Ontario hills) at age 13 ignited a passion in me for downhill fun. To this day it's my favourite winter sport and Phil often comes to mind when we're out on the slopes, whether it's remembering his passion for grooving along through the back bowl to disco or his mid-day cognac stops. He was all about the fun.
Watching Phil engage with little kids was also simply delightful (and slightly terrifying). "Hop on" he'd bark, to any kids he came across while either in the Zodiak out on the water or in his golf cart on the beach road. All were welcome, and all were exposed to a different kind of adult that was perhaps a little bewildering.
Phil adored the family cottage on Cedarhurst beach as well as the countless parties, family dinners and beach bbqs that took place over the years. I'm sure he hopes they'll continue. He wanted me to share several dozen photos with you all, but we seem to be limited to five each so here are just a few.
I´d like to share this quote about Phil from my husband Roger Pepler, "I never met someone who could so easily offend so many, with so much affection."
We miss you terribly Phil, who´s going to call us to let us know there´s a good tennis match on tv?
Alex Carlson
January 8, 2024
Alex Carlson
January 8, 2024
Alex Carlson
January 8, 2024
Alex Carlson
January 8, 2024
Alex Carlson
January 8, 2024
Alex Carlson
January 8, 2024
Barbara Shirriff
January 8, 2024
Dear Liz and family,
I am so sorry to hear the heartbreaking news about dear Philip and want to let you know that I am thinking of you. You and your family must miss him terribly as I know I do and so many others.
Even though Phil´s death meant the end of a long term of suffering for him, there is still so much sadness in losing him. I am thankful to Phil for his friendship and all the fun times we spent together throughout the years in Toronto and Cedarhurst. Phil was a great guy who always had a funny joke to make you laugh - He was the one you wanted to be around. He was vibrant, warm and full of mischief and laughter. Truly one of a kind. A beacon of bright shining light.
So many happy memories come to my mind - "Club 80" and Donna Summers´ "Last Dance", and Barry White´s "Can´t Get Enough of Your Love Baby", the many lively dinner parties at Cedarhurst, morning tennis, big breakfasts, "cruises" in the zodiac, lazy, hazy summer days on the beach and bonfires under the stars... And Monday evenings were always better with Phil - Swiss Chalet, a "touch" of red wine, the Antique Road Show followed by CSI Miami, and tons of laughs!
There are Phil´s famous one-liners, which I can still hear him saying "Did you lose a bet?" (commenting on attire), "I am busy, busy, busy!" (when asked what he was doing), "What are ya? a cop?" (when asked what he´d been up to), and "I´m feeling a bit peckish", just to mention a few...
Philip was always welcoming and made everyone feel special - yet, he was the special one! I will always remember Phil´s love of life and nature, sharp wit, sense of humour, distinctive voice, infectious laugh, and his love of family and many friends.
May the happy, loving and special memories of Phil warm your hearts and keep you smiling forever.
Cheers to Philip, a great man and friend.
With my deepest sympathies and love,
Barb Shirriff
Colleen McKenna
January 6, 2024
We gave Phil the title of Dr.Phil.
Yes, he knew a lot of things, and gave direct and often insightful advice, he was well read ( I always took his side of a bet) . But his moniker came from 20 years ago when I ran into him at the pet store in Beaverton. I was cussing and muttering under my breath after our dog got sprayed by a skunk , and Phil said
"what´s up doll?" I told him about my several attempts in trying to rid the dog of the stench, and to nobody´s surprise he raddled off a homemade recipe that worked perfectly. Dr Phil , The Guru of many things added another feather to his cap.
I was happy to see him at the Tar´d the day before, as he passed my table, he simply said "what´s up doll?"
"Nothing much Dr Phil"
So many wonderful memories to recall.
Marie Corbett
January 6, 2024
I have only warm memories of Philip. He made having fun guilt-free. His generosity was ingrained.
He was easy to love. My condolences to his family.
Marie Corbett
Scott Pearce
January 6, 2024
In my last email to my Uncle Phil, I told him how much I appreciated him and I shared some of the life lessons that I´d learned from him:
-Don't patronize kids. They're smarter and tougher than we give them credit for.
-Don't follow the herd. Think for yourself; be true to yourself.
-Politeness is overrated.
-Always look for the humour in life.
-Live large! I will always remember the stories of your hard-working/hard-partying years on Bay Street and your epic wilderness trips.
-Appreciate friends and family, and the traditions that bring everyone together. Roxy, who can't stand "boring" family events, never wanted to miss one of your legendary Thanksgiving Dinners at the Beaudoin Cottage.
We miss you Phil.
Love,
Scott
Allen Wright
January 5, 2024
I first met Phil in September 1964 at Brock University, it's inaugural year. Gravitating to him was easy as he had a great sense of humour and loved to party (yes we studied too, sometimes). As part of the first graduating class of 76 people in 1967 we became known as the 'Silver Badgers". I followed Phil to Toronto and the Investment Industry but only lasted a short time before moving to the Wild West. We kept in touch but not as often as we should have, a regret I have today. I always appreciated the calls. The calls were fun and always good for a few laughs. I was proud to call Phil my friend and will miss him. See you on the other side old boy.
Kate Pepler
January 4, 2024
Kate Pepler
January 4, 2024
Kate Pepler
January 4, 2024
Kate Pepler
January 4, 2024
Kate Pepler
January 4, 2024
Kate Pepler
January 4, 2024
Thanks Phil for the airmail pancakes, zodiac rides, beach hangs and memories. Miss you, love you.
Kate
Bill Hatanaka
January 2, 2024
Dear Allyson,
Thank you so much for reaching out to us about our friend Phil´s recent death. Jan and I were in Australia at the time and did not see his notice in the Globe. I have many happy memories of Phil during our days together at Midland and in years afterwards. He was a boss who became a friend in his own inimitable way.(You described it well). Touring Midland branches up and down the BC coast, was a unique experience made hilarious by Phil´s many antics and he turned work into fun for all involved. I will miss his friendship greatly!
With love and respect,
Bill Hatanaka
[email protected]
(416) 409-9745
Mike Nolan
January 1, 2024
Mike Nolan
January 1, 2024
Mike Nolan
January 1, 2024
Mike Nolan
January 1, 2024
Mike Nolan
January 1, 2024
Mike Nolan
January 1, 2024
Phil was always welcoming and gracious as our social organizer on Cedarhurst Beach. He never wanted any one left out of the weekly festivities. Kids were drawn to his acerbic but kind character. He had time for all at his Cottage gatherings!
Cheers Philip
Rod Stamler
January 1, 2024
It was very sad to hear of the passing of my good friend Phil. Over the years we had some of the best days ever playing golf. I had the honour and pleasure of enjoying many rounds of golf and hearing some of the best stories as we played Rosedale Golf and Country Club. One of the most memorable games was when we played golf at Bigwin Island Golf Club, an island paradise in the Muskokas.
Phil was an enjoyable and remarkable person who touched the lives of so many with his joyful and cheerful attitude. He will certainly be missed by his family left behind, but mostly he will be remembered by everyone who knew him for his humour, wisdom, and kindness. He was the best.
Julia
January 1, 2024
My last email to Phil:
Dear Grandpa Phil,
Before you go, I want to say thank you.
You´ve taught me that anything can be fixed with a bit of Duct Tape. That life is best by the lake. That humour can be found in all of life´s ups and downs. That tennis is most exciting when shared with friends. And that a life well lived is one full of adventure, close calls, and stories told until they´re like polished gems.
Here´s to your next adventure.
Lots of love,
Julia
Ian Mackay
January 1, 2024
At age 8 Phil expounded on Marshall McLuhan. At age 17 I´m pretty sure Phil joined us for an impromptu party at the McLuhan´s house with his daughter Stephanie. Marshal was not please when he arrived home and kicked us all out. The medium was NOT the message.
Phil was a terrific friend in high school. He´ll be missed.
Sandra Ketchum
December 31, 2023
I am so sorry to learn that Phil has passed on -- for many summers my husband, Nick Ketchum, and I intended to stop at his Beaverton cottage for a visit on the way to our cottage in Georgian Bay but never did. Having been his girlfriend for about a year in Toronto some long time ago, I place myself among quite a number of girlfriends who knew him well and enjoyed his off- beat way of life -- though I think he never married. I still remember the delicious omelets he used to make though they were usually instead of going out for something to eat. Even so, he was a special spirit and it is sad to know he is gone. Special condolences to our long-time friends Bill & Julie Pearce. Sandra Souchotte Ketchum.
Mary Ellen Empringham
December 22, 2023
Phil´s death is a huge loss to his friends at Cedarhurst and Beaverton in general, and, of course many others of all ages.
It is palpable. He was one of a kind. We will keep him in our lives by sharing stories. He lived a life of Kindness, unbelievable humour, intelligence and honesty.
Rest in peace, dear Phil.
Mary Ellen
gary german
December 16, 2023
His Obituary says it all...a consummate, astute,....To young to pass.
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results