Philip Leslie Abrams

Philip Leslie Abrams passed away peacefully on August 27, 2022. He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Irene Abrams. He is lovingly remembered by his sister Donna (Al) Thiessen; his niece Nikki (Bryan) Jefferey; nephews Jordan (Jenny) Thiessen and Kent (Char) Thiessen as well as by adopted” nephew Shane (Catherine) Lang. He took great delight in being part of the lives of his nine great nephews and nieces. He had a large network of extended family and friends and relations from every walk of life. His daily phone calls with good friend, Brian, also meant a great deal to him. Also keeping in touch with his dear friends, Darwin in Ontario, who he knew since he was 5years old and Heather in Regina.

Phil was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan on July 2nd, 1950 to parents Howard Walter Abrams and Irene Margaret (nee Hoard) Abrams. He enjoyed growing up in Estevan where he developed several life-long friendships and discovered his love of sports – playing football, hockey and basketball. But most of all, he grew to love playing tennis. He became a very accomplished tennis player and in his adult years won several tennis tournaments. He worked in various jobs in Estevan: lifeguard, construction worker and men’s wear salesperson. A highlight in his life was a one- year trip he took to Europe, after High School, with good friends Darwin and Lyle. He with his parents established the Estevan Tennis Club.

In 1980, Phil moved to Kelowna to join his recently - retired parents. Although Phil lived with a disability, he built a very fulfilling life in Kelowna – making many friends through the tennis club and working with Mental Health services. He also started his own business stringing tennis rackets. Phil continued to enjoy playing tennis in his retirement years and regularly played with a group meeting at Wally’s. He was happy to participate in an annual Tennis and Bocci Ball Tournament to raise money for the Kelowna General Hospital.

Phil loved spending time with his family at Christmas – time as well as on special occasions during the year. He enjoyed vacations to Vancouver Island, Summerland, Sicamous with family.

Phil lived and loved his faith in God, through Jesus Christ, every day of his life. It was his guiding light during the various twists and turns he experienced in his life. His family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Van Heerden and the team at Three Links Manor care home for their kindness and support. Special thanks to his friends Craig, Kerry, George and Janice who as good friends visited him in Three Links Manor and showed their love for Phil in so many ways.

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8 NKJV)”

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Memorial Funeral Services (1211 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna) on Saturday, September 24th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Kelowna Salvation Army in memory of Philip.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299