Philip STEPHENSON

1926 - 2023

PHILIP STEPHENSON December 5, 1926 - August 11, 2023 It is with profound sadness that our family announces the death of our Dad, Phil Stephenson. Philip was born in Carlisle, England, on December 5, 1926, and came to Canada by ship, via New York. He settled in Toronto and soon after, June, his wife to be, joined him. They were married at Manor Road United Church in 1953, and soon settled in the Scarborough area on Dorcot Avenue, where they raised their family. Three children were born in five years, Jennifer (Eddie) in 1956, Ray (Christine) in 1958 and Richard (Mary Jane) in 1961. Dad loved and was proud of his grandchildren, Steven (Allison), Brendan (Sarah) and Erin (Devin); as well as his great-grandchildren, Austin and Eugene. Dad and Mum organized many adventures across Canada and the US. From Vancouver Island to PEI, no historical plaque or town, village or hamlet was too insignificant to warrant a visit. Dad would say, "l am just the driver," but he was much more than that. He taught us so much about life. Like many of his generation, he was incredibly self-reliant. There was nothing he did not know and nothing he could not do. He spent endless hours helping us with schoolwork, teaching us to drive, and sharing his electrical and plumbing skills. To this day, all three of us "kids" have a passion for the outdoors. Birding was also a great passion for Mom and Dad. After a dedicated career as a federal civil servant, Dad looked forward to a well-deserved retirement with Mum. After a few short years, this was cruelly interrupted when Mum developed and eventually succumbed to cancer in 1997. Years later, Dad was blessed to find love again with Marg Haden, who became his partner. They met while mall walking at the Scarborough Town Centre and spent many happy years together, including many winters in Florida. He was fortunate enough to get a second chance at love and he took it. Marg was a source of enormous support, affection and love. In recent years, he suffered from progressively severe dementia, which robbed him of his enormous intellect, but not his gentleness, wit and good spirit. Finally, after a short stay at Centenary Hospital, Dad died on August 11, 2023. A special thank you to his caregivers at McCowan Retirement Residence, especially Kowsilla and Rebecca, for their wonderful and companionate care. It will not be forgotten. A Celebration of Life for Philip will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Pine Hills Funeral Centre, 625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough, Ontario.