Phil Goodwin, a bon vivant, tree planter and maker of famous clam chowder, passed away peacefully but far too soon on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Humber Hospital in Toronto, following a series of strokes. He was 70.
Phil is survived by his wife, Charleen (née Hainer); his daughter, Hayley (Sean Carson); his son, Spencer (Stefanie Smagala); his grandsons, Oliver and Charlie; and his brother, Fred. He was predeceased by his sister, Meg, and his parents.
Born in Toronto to Terry and Evelyn Goodwin and raised in Thornhill, Phil graduated from Huron College at the University of Western Ontario. His energy and love of a lively room drew him to sales and advertising. He worked at Wardair, K-tel Records, Bowen and Binstock, Transcontinental and the National Advertising Benevolent Society, building a vast network of friends that seemed to have no end. Phil excelled at making connections and maintaining them.
It was during an industry boat cruise that he met Charleen, the love of his life. The couple settled in North York near the East Don River. On walks with his Wheaten Terrier, Guinness, Phil looked at the neglected East Don Parkland and saw potential. Over the next twenty years he organized the planting of more than 10,000 trees, led walks on native plants, birds and salmon, and took part in many "Paddle the Don" events. He carried his father's belief in community service onto the boards of the Wildlands League and the Rotary Club.
His heart also belonged to the ocean, above all to the family cottage in Weekapaug, Rhode Island. There he could be found clamming in the salt pond or chatting with the local oyster farmers. Those clams would then go into his famous chowder, a recipe from his father. For ten years, Rodney's Oyster House in Toronto handed Phil its kitchen for his "Quest for Chowder" fundraiser, which supported his favourite charities.
In retirement, Phil and Charleen moved to Niagara wine country, steps from Lookout Point golf course. After family, golf was his next great love. In Niagara, he made new friends, played many happy rounds and, true to form, took up beekeeping.
Phil leaves behind a greener valley, a legendary chowder recipe and countless friends. He will be dearly missed.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday, October 12, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, both at Kane-Jarrett Funeral Home, 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Toronto & Region Conservation Foundation.
