Phillip Peter Edgar Riou

Phillip Peter Edgar Riou, beloved family man and respected community member, passed away on June 7, 2024, at the age of 101, after a brief 10-day battle with pneumonia at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody, BC.

Born on August 26, 1922, in Montreal, Quebec, to Phillippe Riou (Cherbourg, France) and Margaret Anne Smyth (Kildare County, Ireland), Phillip grew up alongside siblings William (Bill), Joseph (Joey), Josephine (Phini), Elizabeth (Bessie), Margaret (Peggy).

Phillip was a beacon of resilience, growing up during the Great Depression and World War II, and served as a Merchant Mariner in the Merchant Navy from 1939 to 1945. Despite earning six medals for his bravery, Phillip remained a humble man, never boasting about his commendations. He was discharged in 1954, leaving as a seasoned seaman who had seen much of the world and with a couple tattoos.

Phillip was predeceased by his first wife, Rita Margaret Riou (1931 – 1981). He found love again and is survived by his cherished wife, Anne Welsh, and a loving family that spans generations. His children, Christine Riou, Anne-Marie Schindel (Stephen, Candice, Renae, Mila, Aliyah), Susan Dupuis (Stefan, Louis, Michelle, Nicole, Delilah), Alan (Debra, Jaime, Grant), and step-children Judy Welsh (Pat Baker), John Welsh (Austen, Hunter, Landon, Grayson), will miss him dearly.

Known for his kindness, empathy, and punctuality, Phillip enjoyed a successful career with the telephone company before returning to school at the age of 50 to complete his high school diploma. He retired in 1987, dedicating his later years to hobbies that brought him joy such as gardening, reading mystery novels, playing Scrabble, bowling, and daily walks.

Phillip loved to see the world, much like his early adolescent/young adult days, and later in life discovered a passion for road trips alongside his beautiful wife Anne. Together, they shared many memorable adventures – some of their favourites being to the Okanagan, Eastern Canada and Northern BC.

At the remarkable age of 100, Phillip adventured on a 12-hour road trip to Fort St. James with his wife, Anne, to visit her family (which included a boat ride), proving that age is but a number when it comes to living life to the fullest and cherishing family connections.

An avid bowler, Phillip bowled for the Coquitlam Seniors League, Lawn Bowling and 6 Pin, bowling up to 5 days a week and traveling to many tournaments up until the age of 96.

He also participated in the Senior Games in 1997. Phillip won many bowling trophies and chose to donate his many trophies earned back to the community, to be enjoyed for the years to come.

Phillip often declared with an unwavering certainty and smile, "I am going to live until I am 100!" True to his word and with his characteristic determination, he surpassed his own prediction, blessing us with almost two more years of cherished memories. Phillip’s zest for life and enduring spirit will forever inspire all who knew him and his legacy of love, humility, and adventure will live on forever through the many lives he touched.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Eagle Ridge Hospital on Ward E2A for their compassionate care during Phillip's final days.

Phillip's remains will rest at Fort St. James Cemetery in Fort St. James, BC.

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May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

May the rain fall softly upon your fields until we meet again,

And may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

- A Gaelic Farewell