Philip Kueber

KUEBER , Philip Thomas Died peacefully of heart failure early Monday morning, November 23, 2009. He was 75. Phil was born November 17, 1934 in Galahad, Alberta. He entered UBC in 1952 and alongside his academics, he took up rowing and became a member of the "Cinderella Crew". This crew was noted for their gold medal win at the 1954 Commonwealth Games, for defeating the favored Russian crew at the 1955 Henley Royal Regatta, and for securing a silver medal at the 1956 Summer Olympiad in Melbourne. Phil graduated from UBC Law School and moved to Calgary in 1958, where he practised corporate/securities law for thirty-five years as a partner at Howard Mackie. In particular, he excelled in his knowledge and execution of oil and gas law, and served on many boards over those decades. In 1979 he was appointed Queens Counsel. For his athletic achievements Phil had been inducted into the Canadian Amateur Sports Hall of Fame, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, the BC Sports Hall of Fame and the UBC Sports Hall of Fame. Athletics served him well, and he served in return, including fifteen years as a Director of the Alberta Sports Council, a founder and first President of the Calgary Rowing Club, President of the Alberta Rowing Association, and President of the Alberta Gymnastic Federation. Phil loved going to the thoroughbred horse track, and for years was part owner of "Par 4" stables. The twinkle in his eyes, when able to beat the "odds" is indescribable. He was proud of attaining a hole-in-one, though Phil retired from golf years ago in favor of walks through his local Victoria, BC neighbourhood. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Roswitha, their daughters Tawnia and Emilie, and stepsons Chris, Mark and Michael. He is survived by sons Phil Jr. (Christa) and John (Katarina), daughters Kathryn and Heidi (Richard), and by his first wife Eleanor. Grandpa Phil is also survived by eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his older brothers George, Bernard and Joseph, and sister Frances. His family will miss his sharp wit, his big laugh, and his fondness for recounting stories. He passed his love for completing the Sunday crossword puzzles on to posterity. Despite his dislike for pomp and circumstance, his Funeral will be held on Monday, November 30, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Cathedral, 740 View Street, Victoria, B.C. Reception to follow at the Victoria Golf & Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any area Scotiabank branch, to be used to fund an RESP for the benefit of his youngest daughter, Emilie.