Philip HERSEE

I was a student of Phil's course for Stills Photography.
I got to work with him on a couple of shows.
I made this shot of him while we were out shooting together in Stanley Park in 2001. What a handsome man!
My late but heartfelt condolences to his family.
Some day we will shoot together again Phil!

I knew Phil. when. I was. living in the. west end. of Vancouver and he was visiting. a. girl. friend. two. floors above. me when. I was about 18.. starting my art. career in. drawing. Vancouver.. We were. together. in. England. Hastings. with. Hilda. before. they. married. and. he. photoed. my. daughter Lisa s. first. wedding. in. Q E. P ark. Vancouver... He was a great person.. and. we. miss him, We now live in Nova. Scotia. Pleasantville..

I found Philips name while watching Highlander. His name and work will live on till I meet him in that great studio in the sky. James Rattan, Indianapolis, in.

Dear Hilda and Dustin,
I don't know if you remember me Michelle from English Bay. I came across an article on Rand Irwin and it mentioned Phil's book and I thought to myself I remember Phil and Hilda and their son Dustin. So I thought I would Google Phil and see what would come up and sadly it was his Obituary. I guess I was MIA in the late 80's at the old lifeguard shack but I still fondly remember every summer we all spent at the beach or when we celebrated by birthday at Pelican Bay Restaurant / club. I am so sorry to hear of your loss and I hope you are doing well in spite of your loss. It is hard to think of Dustin as grown up I still remember him as tanned little boy. Wishing you both all the best and again I am so sorry for your loss. All the best and you are always fondly remembered when I think of those amazing summers at English Bay.

Thinking back to the commercial photo scene in Vancouver in the 70s, let me see, well there was Stanley Wong, Ed Prior and his son Dave, George and his Commercial Illustrators, John Denison who was doing his thing with the Bay or was it Eatons, Derik Murray who originally worked for me, Peter Sauer who I shared my first studio with, Yourself, ever so famous and then at the end of Hamilton Street in Yaletown my studio Graphics Photo West. Those were tough but good times and I think most of us survived them. My production Mgr. became a Vet in the East, while I ended up in printing. Hope life has been good to you Philip and I still have the commercial photography coffee table book which you sold me ad space in for GPW.

Best and drop me a line if you have a moment. Great to hear from you,

Christopher

We were so sorry to hear about Phil. Although we didn't see much of him in later years, we have very fond memories of our youth in Hastings, and the early days when we all went to Canada. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hilda and Dustin at this time.

Dear Hilda and Dustin,
I sat with my dad in the pews and listened to all the wonderful stories, music, tributes and memories of Phil. He will always be remembered by us with the visits you used to make out to the "sticks" of Coquitlam at Christmas and other get togethers. As with many - the memories were captured on film often through his lens. We are forever grateful you shared him with us and thank you for your kindness and friendship over the last 50yrs+.
Much love, Dick, Dawn, Todd, Ian & Leigh and families.

It is a shock to learn of Phils passing, I last saw him about two years ago when he visited the U.K. I have fond memories of Phil from our childhood, he was always very talented and well liked by everyone. He will be sorley missed. Cousin, John Miles, Hastings, U.K.

My deepest condolences, Hilda.
We lost touch in later years but I will always remember him as a very kind and gentle person.
In the 70's when I was modelling we met on many jobs.
My very best to you and your family

Michael Matthews

I met Phil years ago, as the son of Doug Hersee. Doug was a long time friend of mine in Hastings, before I moved to Canada.
My memory of him, was when he walked past by my window, with his dad (visiting from England) just after I arrived home with my first baby. It was a surprise visit - they were both so warm and happy to be spending time together.
Maybe they will be hiking together again now, as I know they loved to do.