Philip Richard Perceval

Philip was born in Ireland, the fourth child and third son of Irish Guards Major Ascelin Perceval and his wife Nora, of Temple House, Ballymote, Sligo. He was educated in both Wales and England, graduating from Stowe School in 1944. Ten years as farm manager for Temple House convinced him that Canada offered the chance to prove he could make something of himself. Early jobs in Canada included logger at Knight Inlet, fruit picker at Paradise Ranch, Naramata, and dairy farming in Aldergrove. A friend alerted him to the prospects at the Bank of Montreal: he was hired within an hour of his March 1956 interview. At BMO he met and married Florence Irene Payce at Thanksgiving 1958. In January 1968 he was recruited by Odlum Brown and started a 38-year career with a firm he considered “family”. Phil came to understand the benefits of working for an independent full service investment firm. Over the years many people valued Phil as their investment advisor and referrals flowed in steadily. Before his 2006 retirement, clients were sending children and grandchildren for Phil’s advice. Phil and Irene were successful in finding a house in Surrey with land for gardening, dogs and stress reduction. They also enjoyed the adventures made possible by having a travel trailer. The early 1980’s marked a low point in Phil’s life, when first his brother John and then wife Irene passed away. He greatly valued the lifelong friendship of her brothers Jack and Frank Payce and their families. A few years later, he met and married Lin, the Irish stepdaughter of Jim Copithorne. a former colleague from Odlum Brown. In spite of economic downturns over the years, and the worries these generated, Phil and Lin were able to enjoy travel adventures and social life with friends and family Phil was eventually convinced to try Hawaii and ended up making 17 trips there. Hotel Perceval was often occupied for months each year. Phil could justifiably claim to have “made something of himself” and routinely proved it by providing extensive financial support to his family and friends. Phil’s steadily deteriorating health caused increasing suffering. However, he achieved his final wish to die in his home of 54 years. In Canada he is survived by wife Lin, nephew Jeremy (Barbara) Perceval and niece Jane (Bill) Bourlet Sincere thanks go to the many people who supported Phil in the latter years of his life. Two deserve particular mention: his Odlum Brown protégé Bill Weaver, and his home care aide, Grace Drabinska. A Celebration of Phil’s life will take place on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 (the 92nd anniversary of his birth) at 3 p.m. at Victory Memorial Funeral Home, 14831 28 Avenue, Surrey. In lieu of flowers donations to Phil’s favourite TV channel, Knowledge Network, would be appreciated.