Harold Phillips

Energetic, innovative, dedicated, hard working are just a few words that could be used to describe Harold Phillips. This is a man who dedicated his life to his work, his family, and creating an honorable reputation. Harold was a creative man who could find a solution to any problem that confronted him, whether it be a conventional solution or not. Harold thrived on knowing how things worked and how he could make them work better. His natural inquisitive and confident attitude allowed Harold to not only believe but accomplish whatever he set out to do.

      Harold was born on February 8, 1945 at the Thessalon Hospital in Thessalon, Ontario. This is a little fact that Harold took great pride in keeping from his friend Jim McNabb as they bantered back and forth over the qualities of Bruce Mines (Harold) VS Thessalon ( Jim). His parents were Clifford and Edna Phillips. Harold was raised in Portlock, Ontario.

  Harold was raised with 5 siblings. He had an older sister Mary, 3 younger brothers, Harry, Niel and Kenny and a younger sister Marie. The family owned a dairy farm where even as a child Harold proved he knew the value of hard work and wasn't afraid to jump right in and help create a successful family business.

Harold could usually be found with a smile on his face that was contagious to everyone around him. Whether you were laughing at a joke he made, a new phrase that just popped out of his mouth, or just shaking your head when you heard him say "we will just work another couple hours to finish up" at the end of a 12 hour day. The qualities that Harold possessed drew people towards him to learn from him and respect him. Always interested in his friends activities and interests, he was sought after by people who recognized that he was generous with his time and energy. Those friends found Harold to be a refreshing influence in their lives. While growing up Harold was close friends with John Grasley and that friendship continued throughout his life. He later became friends with Jim Hiddleston, Ken Ralph, and Jim McNabb, all of whom shared in Harold's values and way of life.

It was February 19, 1969 when Harold exchanged wedding vows with Mary Ann Burns, at City Hall in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Harold was unique in expressing his affections for Mary. Whether he was buying her a new vehicle that she never picked out, or out of blue telling her to get ready they were headed out for a drive it was clear to everyone that he was devoted and still as in love with her as the day they met.

Harold was a mentor and influential part of his children's lives. Harold was admired by 2 children, one son Grant who stood by his side not only as his right hand in the family business, but as his closest confidant. He had the ability to instill his work ethics in Grant and set high standards that Grant continues to maintain and surpass in all that he does. His daughter Charlene who he lovingly referred to as "Chuckie" had a special place in Harold's heart and lit a spark in his eye when she was around. They had a special bond that was as simple as coffee breaks or Charlene just calling to check in on her daddy. He also was priviledged to meet and spend time with his granddaughter Kailey, who quickly adored and looked forward to seeing "grandpa Harry" and watching what machines he would be playing with next. Kailey continues to make grandpa proud when she points out all the trucks and machines on the road.

Harold created a wonderful life for his family building a beautiful log camp on Patten Lake which the family spent many holidays and weekends enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Of course no quiet time was had until Harold finished all the chores of cutting the grass, piling the wood, and just last year building a stone break wall at the lake. Harold enjoyed outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, 4 wheeling, and fishing but he was privileged enough that his main hobby in life was also something that was his job, every little boys dream to play with big machines.

    Harold and Mary recently started exploring new places, such as the Frankenmuth Auto fest, he found a new passion in attending the St Ignace car show and driving his new camaro. Harold looked forward  to attending the annual St Ignace car show and truck and tractor show where he could reminisce for hours and pass along years of knowledge about every old tractor he saw.    

Harold loved animals and has had many pets over his lifetime, norweigen elk hounds, Dollie & Kelly, a bearded collie named Poly. For the past 2 years Harold was followed by his trusty side kick and best buddy his pug named "Charlie". You could find Charlie in any truck Harold was using or waiting patiently for him to return from the excavator. Charlie and Harold noticed everything from trucks to people and whatever one may have missed the other was quick to point out.

Harold was taken suddenly in his prime with so many amazing ideas and things left unsaid. He was a man who never said what everyone expected to hear that was what made him unique and a pleasure to know. To know Harold was to respect him and smile when we think of him. We remember the positive presence he left on all of the lives he touched in some way or another.

This man will always be remembered fondly and missed dearly but his legacy, stories, and the values he instilled and shared will live on forever.

      Harold passed away on November 21, 2012 at Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He passed suddenly of a heart attack. He is survived by his wife Mary, children Grant (Jodie), and Charlene (Ryan), granddaughter Kailey, sisters Mary and Marie and brothers Harry, Niel and Kenny and many nieces and nephews. Services were held at Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Harold was laid to rest in Aberdeen Cemetery.

      During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Harold. He met the words “it can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. Harold was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around him could not. For Harold, the traditional way of doing things fell short of his expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Harold Phillips, the fun of living his life could be found in the challenge.

PHILLIPS, Harold – With sadness we announce the sudden passing of Harold Phillips on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at the age of 67 years, owner of Harold Phillips Haulage. Harold has left us not only with an empty place in our hearts but with fond memories that will keep his legacy alive. Husband and best friend of Mary. Mentor, friend and father of Grant (Jodie), special daughter Charlene "Chuckie" (Ryan), proud and adoring "grandpa Harry" to Kailey. Son of the late Clifford and Edna Phillips, son-in-law to the late Joe and Katherine Burns. Brother of Mary, Harry (Leeanne), Marie (Steve), Nial and Ken. Brother-in-law to Jean (Bob) and Glenn. Harold will be missed by many nieces and nephews. He will hold a special place in the heart of nephew Tom Phillips. Sadly missed by loving pug "Charlie". Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Sunday November 25, 2012 from 10:30 am – 3 pm. Funeral service will be celebrated at 3:30 pm in the chapel. Rev. Sam Norbo officiating. Interment Aberdeen Cemetery (Phillips). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com

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PHILLIPS, Harold – With sadness we announce the sudden passing of Harold Phillips on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at the age of 67 years, owner of Harold Phillips Haulage. Harold has left us not only with an empty place in our hearts but with fond memories that will keep his legacy alive. Husband and best friend of Mary. Mentor, friend and father of Grant (Jodie), special daughter Charlene "Chuckie" (Ryan), proud and adoring "grandpa Harry" to Kailey. Son of the late Clifford and Edna Phillips, son-in-law to the late Joe and Katherine Burns. Brother of Mary, Harry (Leeanne), Marie (Steve), Nial and Ken. Brother-in-law to Jean (Bob) and Glenn. Harold will be missed by many nieces and nephews. He will hold a special place in the heart of nephew Tom Phillips. Sadly missed by loving pug "Charlie". Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Sunday November 25, 2012 from 10:30 am – 3 pm. Funeral service will be celebrated at 3:30 pm in the chapel. Rev. Sam Norbo officiating. Interment Aberdeen Cemetery (Phillips). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com