OBITUARY
A. Mervyn Phillips
13 November, 1930 – 27 February, 2021
Age 90, Dartmouth, NS. Passed away peacefully in his sleep with his wife by his side on February 27, 2021. Born November 13, 1930 in the PEI Hospital, Charlottetown. Son of the late Albert and Mary (Jones) Phillips, Harrington, PEI.
Merv spent his formative years on the family farm and co-represented PEI as a dairy cattle judge at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, 1947. He graduated from Prince of Wales College and joined the Bank of Montreal at age 16. His banking career spanned 39 years in the Atlantic Provinces and Quebec. He held management positions in commercial credit and personnel, was Branch Manager in Corner Brook, NL, District Manager for Nova Scotia, and Vice-President Marketing Atlantic Provinces.
After retiring from the bank, Merv pursued a six year commercial and residential real estate career with Royal LePage, retiring in 1993. He was an active volunteer and served in various positions on the board of directors of Brightwood Golf and Country Club, Telco Toastmasters Club, and Admiralty Place Condo Corp.
Merv led an active life. His favourite sports were golf and curling. He had the good fortune to play golf in 10 Canadian provinces, Florida and other states in the USA. He felt blessed to golf regularly with his wife, children, grandchildren, sons-in-law and many friends who shared his passion for the game. Over the years Merv was a member of golf clubs in Charlottetown, Corner Brook, Dartmouth, and Cavendish and curling clubs in Halifax, Montreal, Corner Brook, and Dartmouth. His other interests included taking cruises with his wife Liz, bridge, badminton, bowling, and crossword puzzles. While Merv was a proud resident of Nova Scotia he treasured summers at his much loved cottage in Stanley Bridge, PE and enjoyed warm winters in Bradenton, FL.
Merv was a kind and generous man known for his quick wit and sense of humour. He can rest assured that his jokes, anecdotes, and stories will be fondly remembered and retold, especially by his grandchildren, who always laughed along with him. Merv always went out of his way to make his family feel special and he never missed a birthday or other milestone.
Survived by his wife Elizabeth (Bartosch), daughters Heather Praught (Mike) and Deborah Rodgers (Kent); daughter-in-law Peg Phillips, sisters Christine Allan and Anna Meston; sisters-in-law Betty Brown (Norman), grandchildren Cory Phillips (Ashley), Karen Clark (Joe), Andrew Praught (Monica), Christopher Rodgers (Meghan), Ali Praught, Ben Rodgers (Rebecca). Great grandchildren Isla, Sadie, and Emerson Phillips and Kianna Clark. Also survived by Elizabeth’s son Michael Botchett (Tracey) and their children Jacob, Dylan, and Gabriel, her daughter Deborah Jones (Glyn) and their daughter Allison; sisters Stephanie Boekamp (Konrad, deceased), Hertta Evans (Art, deceased). Additionally, Merv is fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his wife of 44 years Evelyn (Kerr) of Halifax, son Don, brother Herbert , wife Gladys and their daughter Judy, brothers/sister-in-law John Allan, Jack and Katherine Kerr, Bob and June Ward, John and Catherine Juskow.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date when family can gather. If so desired, donations to the MS Society (as a tribute to his son Don), or charity of your choice would be appreciated. For online condolences, please visit www.mattatallfuneralhome.com
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
A. Mervyn Phillips
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYKen and Judy Smith
9 March 2021
Debbie, Kent and Family,
So sorry to hear of your Dads passing, such a kind and gentle soul. He will be missed at the pensioners outings.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family during this difficult time.
Ken and Judy Smith
Bob Holmes
8 March 2021
I worked with Mervyn for many tears and I always found him to be a very helpful and supportive supervisor He was very supportive and any time I had a problem he was a great person to review it with. He will be missed and I truly enjoyed working with him.
Breda Tobin
6 March 2021
Heather, Ali, Mike and all the family, my sincere condolences at this very sad time. Sounds like your Dad/Grandad led a very full life and was loved by all. I hope all your lovely memories of your time together will sustain you through these difficult days. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kindest regards Breda IPA Dublin
Martina McKeon
6 March 2021
Heather, Ali, Mike and extended family. Thinking and praying for you all at this very sad time. The loss of your Father and Grandfather is difficult and not being able to be together is a cruel blow. Be kind to yourselves and each other and let the fond and loving memories lift your spirits. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Martina Ireland
Blair and Rhonda Hatherley
5 March 2021
Debbie, Kent and Family
We were so sorry to hear about your dad.
He was always such a kind, friendly gentlemen, a nice legacy to remember him by. Even though we can’t be there in person to offer comfort, we are thinking about you at this sad time.
Libby Hughes (phillips)
5 March 2021
To all the family’s of Mervin...He certainly had a Wonderful Life...I can remember when I was 16 years of age and I had a friend that was going to Dalhousie University and thought how nice it would be to go over and I could probably stay with Mervin and Evelyn..Got it all arranged.. My brother Albert, called after Mervin’s father gave me enough money to fly over for 5 days $16.00 return flight..Had a very nice visit, took the girls,Heather and Deborah shopping one afternoon.. So just to say Thanks to a Wonder Cousin for being able to have such a nice visit..Prayers and thoughts to all..He will certainly be missed❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Tom and Lea Russell
5 March 2021
To all the Phillip's family so sorry for your loss.
Bruce Carr
5 March 2021
Heather, Debbie and families:
On behalf of Nancy and myself I would like to offer our sincerest condolences on Merv's passing. I met Merv well over 40 years ago through Brightwood and DCC. The first game I ever curled in the Brightwood league was against Merv. We tied. The obituary summed up who he was, a real gentleman.
Take care,
Bruce and Nancy Carr
Sam Ashley
5 March 2021
I'll forever cherish my memories of Merv and all the joy and laughter he gave me. I'm grateful to have known him and the rest of the family. Best wishes to you all moving forward.
Russell & Maureen walsh
5 March 2021
Dear Debbie
We were very saddened to hear of your father's passing and
hasten to convey our sincere condolencs to you and your family.
While this is a very difficult time for you,we know you will be
able to cherish the wonderful memories your father has left behind.
We have known Merv for many years as longtime colleagues
with BMO and since retirement,through our penioner social functions.We very much valued our friendship,
He will be missed by many.
With Love
Russ & Maureen
,
Greg Hildebrand
5 March 2021
So sorry to hear of Merv's passing. Always enjoyed my chats with him at the Ironwood Clubhouse. A fine gentleman!
Greg Hildebrand
Margie & Herb Stewart
5 March 2021
Merv was a great boss and a true gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Elaine Morris
5 March 2021
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Mervyn. He was such a kind, charismatic and witty man. We have fond memories of spending time in P.E.I. with him where we played cards, harvested mussels and he entertained us with stories.
He will be greatly missed.
With caring thoughts,
Elaine and Glenn Morris
Janice and Frank Mason
5 March 2021
A lovely tribute written for a lovely man. Merv has left a legacy with his well loved family. He was someone who lifted your spirits with that contagious smile. Our thoughts are with all of you as you share memories of happier times. Xo
Gail Stevens
4 March 2021
With sincerest sympathy on the death of your father, Heather and Debbìe and your families!
Gerry CLARK
4 March 2021
Dear Debbie, Heather and family,
Our sincerest condolences. May the many wonderful memories you have of Merv carry you through your sorrow. All the best from both of us and our children. Gerry and Cindy Clark
Marlene and Forbes Keating
4 March 2021
Dear Debbie and family,
Forbes and I were saddened to read about your father’s passing. We send our heartfelt condolences to you and Kent and all family members. I remember your Dad as being a very kind and pleasant man during his visits to the bank. Cherish all your special memories with your Dad and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Marlene and Forbes
Mike & Dawn Hemsworth
4 March 2021
Heather, Debbie and Family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad.
With kindest thoughts and sincere sympathy.
Mike and Dawn
Susan George
4 March 2021
Heather, Debbie and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Please accept our sincerest condolences and may you find comfort in all of your great family memories.
Susan and Mike George
Mary Smith
4 March 2021
Heather and Debbie,
You grew up next to us and we watched your beautiful parents raise wonderful gentle kind daughters. Now your quiet father with a gleam in his eye has gone to join your sweet mother. You girls relished family celebrations and how wonderful to have those memories.Your dad was not only a gentle man but he was indeed a gentleman.
Sincerely, Mary , Trevor and Todd Smith,
Bruce Cowie
4 March 2021
Merv. was my District Mgr while I was Branch Mgr.at Spring Garden and Carleton Br, Halifax He was a great boss ! well liked by all. He had great .retirement , well deserved
Our condolences to Debbie and Kent
PS Debbie you were a great employee too
Neil Black
4 March 2021
Merv always filled the room with happiness when he passed through the doorway.
Right now I would suggest, he is on #3 in Heavenly Heights ,just two Strokes behind the big guy!
A wonderful man and kind soul that I was proud to say I knew and enjoyed his company both at work and leisure.
God Bless
Neil
Mary and Bill Greatorex
4 March 2021
Heather, Debbie and families. We want to extend our sincere sympathies on Merv's passing. Bill enjoyed travelling to and curling with him at the Brightwood league. Also, it was great to see him once and awhile here in the condo building.
Colleen Farrell
4 March 2021
Heather and Mike, Ali and Andrew, Debbie and Kent, and your families,
Robb, Sam and I were saddened to hear of Merv’s passing. He was so full of life, it is hard to imagine. We hope your wonderful memories comfort you in this difficult time. Take care of one another.
Joan Bernard
4 March 2021
Dear Liz and family please accept my sincere sympathy on the passing of your loved one may God grant you love and peace at this time .
Chick and Shannon Chisholm
4 March 2021
Dear Heather Debbie and family, Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers for the loss of your Father and Grandfather. We met Merv on several occasions when all our kids were in sports and he seemed like a very pleasant man. He certainly has lived a long full life and left a legacy for his family to admire and cherish. May your many wonderful memories of Merv bring you comfort and peace at this time. Sincerely Chick, Shannon, Allyson and Justin
Marilyn Dawdy
4 March 2021
To Debbie Kent and family.
Our deepest condolences to the lost of your dad. He was a true gentleman. One of the kindness we have known. May God bless you at this time and always remember the good memories and the Great Man he was.
Mike and Marilyn Dawdy
Kelly Dillman
4 March 2021
Dear Debbie & Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the sudden passing of your Dad. Merv was such a nice man,. I had the privilege to meet him while playing bridge at Brightwood. He sure had a full life. May your wonderful memories sustain you at this difficult time.
Hugs & Love,
Kelly & Gerry Flinn
Mary and Roger Surette
4 March 2021
Deb, Heather and family,
What a wonderful full life your Dad had and what legacy he has left behind.
Keep all those many precious memories close to your heart. Thinking about you and sending hugs and prayers.
Sincerely,
Mary and Roger
Kathy Legere
4 March 2021
Debbie, Heather and family, we were sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times and remember how kind & considerate he was. You both have been blessed with his calm demeanour. May sharing the wonderful memories help you during this difficult time. Kathy & Peter Legere
Michele Rodgers
3 March 2021
Oh Debbie I was so sorry to read of your father's death. Condolences to you and Kent and the boys and other family members. I met your father at different family events and he truly was a lovely man and boy did he love his grandkids. So hard loosing someone so special. Hugs for all.