Phillip will surely be missed. He was a great addition to the City of Victoria's transportation team and brought such great creativity and strategic thought to everything. 

Big condolences to the family and loved ones as this is too early to depart and our thoughts are with you all. Much love.

Philip partaking in a values, beliefs and goals workshop with the Public Works team in October 2022.

Philip was proud to present Dave and Brian with their Public Works Association of BC awards on a fresh October 2022 morning in the PW yard.

Whether you were having a drink, sending messages back and forth, or wandering the streets with Philip, he had a way of always making you laugh and have fun.  Quick wit, hilarious expressions and story telling, good heart and a stand-up guy.  You were taken far too soon, but still managed to live a very full life.  It won't be the same without you.

Good times working in Transportation at the City of Surrey!
14 years of memories there with Philip.  He was insightful, politically savvy, progressive, an incredible writer and amazing mentor to so many.  He helped shape transportation for the City, left a great body of work and big legacy.  His work ethic, passion for transportation and sense of humour helped create an amazing team culture that achieved an incredible amount.

Victoria Housewarming weekend get together of the 4 Amigos.
Great fun, lots of beer, terrible singing, and wandering adventure.
A cherished memory.

So many happy memories of a fantastic man taken too soon.  You will always have a place in our hearts,  Goodbye Phil, we miss you! RIP

There has to be a photo near Tower Bridge when you come to us

Fathers with sons, when Phil and Peter came to London.

Musical chairs  same day Clearly, the conversation was not engaging Rose!

Outside St.Georges Cathedral for one of the boys first communion (James I think)

Finally, he gets down to work tackling taking down and old outside brick toilet block.

More supervising with his dad doing the work this time.

I know Phil as a bit of a grafter but looking back at some picture of the family helping in our cottage in Suffolk I can see he was  pretty good at just supervising too. Talk about like father like son!

Geoff and Phil  with my guy at our first flat in Leytonstone,  for a firework party in 1985, if I remember correctly. When we upgraded to a house around the corner a year or so later Phil lived with us briefly.

I'm so sorry that Richard and I will not be there to celebrate his life on Friday with you. Before we came to Greece, I dug out some old photos to share some of our memories of Phil with you. Starting with a picture on our wedding day with a young Phil looking very dapper.  It's also one of the rare photos of all six siblings together as young adults, along with my two sisters and the best man.  This marks the day he became my much-loved brother-in-law. It was the earliest, photo  I could find, though I know I have some older ones somewhere, including one of him on the doorstep of Rosemary house at Stone, where he had turned up unannounced with a bag of washing, but sadly I didn't have time to find it.

There are people who make you smile broadly just thinking of them. Philip was that person. He was a brilliant, diligent, grounded, good man with a wicked sense of humour.  His profound humility made him take some time to ponder taking on the post of Director of Engineering and Public Works for the City of Victoria but we are so very fortunate that he did.  A reluctant hero, he developed, shaped and guided a vision for city building that will stand the test of time. He built strong, authentic connections with his peers and his team and was a highly valued member of the Senior Leadership Team. He was loved by many and liked by all. His passion for work was second only to his devotion to his family and working on his house at Vista. The memories I hold most dearly are those conversations about us both growing up across the pond, Tunnocks Tea Cakes, the BBC and our shared love of Matt Berry. His memory is a blessing to all who got to spend time with him. A very bright light has dimmed but will live on in our hearts.  My deepest condolences to Amanda and family at this time.

How unfortunate it is that you’re gone. 

The hardest thing has been the permanence of it all - that you’re just not here anymore. It seems obvious but it’s the most devastating thing - you don’t get to be in this world anymore. You don’t get to enjoy its beauty, get annoyed at the silly things, or form opinions on what’s happening in this world. You really experienced life, and now that’s been taken from you. You thought deeply, felt strongly, and always had a perspective. I will miss hearing your take on things - we often thought alike.

I keep coming back to how unfair this all is. That life was taken from him before he was quite finished. Even though his life ended too soon, my dad got so much out of life. He made things happen and he followed through on his ideas and goals. He wanted to leave London and live in the countryside, so he made it happen. He and my mom wanted more out of this world, so they made the leap and moved us to Canada. The changes he implemented in Victoria, including the blue traffic cones(!), are a reminder of his conviction and creativity. He was determined and quietly driven.

I recognize a lot of myself in him. We shared a tendency to be particular, had strong senses of what’s right, and didn’t speak just to fill silence. He wasn’t loud or showy, but had a presence - someone who led by example, who was generous without making it a performance, and who approached things with care and competence. He had a subtle humour and a sharp mind that made people take notice. I like to think I carry some of those traits, and I’ll keep trying to live in a way that reflects the values he passed on.

I am so proud to call him my dad. I have always admired him, but it’s been so moving to see how many people were affecting by knowing him. He left his mark in the work he did, in his family, and in everyone he crossed paths with. He had a thoughtful, inquisitive, and open spirit that will be missed by not just us four.

Philip to me, was just a very personable, funny, and nice human being whom will be missed.  The photo above was taken at a City of Surrey's employee's wedding, where Philip's personality was noticeable and remembered.  Philip and Amanda kept us company in our vehicle on the way back home.  Karen Chong-Kwan Boan

I only got to know Philip after he went on leave. I had only met him a few times during regular council meetings, but in the blur of meeting so many people, I wasn't sure who had gone on leave. However, since my Mom had died from colon cancer more than three decades ago, I sent Philip a letter (typed as no one can read my handwriting). He responded and we shared a few lunches. He did me a favour by helping me use up our monthly minimum at our golf course and luckily he wasn't too proud to allow me to pay! In the time we had over lunches, we spoke about so many things - work was an easy one, but of course I got to know about his life, family and interests. I was away when I found out Philip was in the  hospital/hospice, but he said don't bother with a phone call - just wait until I was back. Alas, he died before I got back. But even the couple texts to me showed how much he cared for what his family was going through. In the short time I spent with Philip, I got to know a great guy, with a great sense of humour and a great laugh. If we are all remembered that way, we haven't done too bad. So, not bad Philip, not bad indeed. You've left your mark.

I mourn not getting to have worked with Philip at the City more; his conviviality, leadership, and forward-thinking visions for the City were incredible to witness. One of my favourite memories of Philip are from Council chambers when I was talking about deferred maintenance of infrastructure as a long-term concern, and he suddenly leaned over sideways looking over his glasses at me, and nodded so enthusiastically! It was both affirming and comical! A small gesture, but one that meant a lot to me that someone with his expertise agreed with a newbie like me. He leaves behind a legacy to be exceptionally proud of.

Happy memories of Philip as father of the bride at Eva's and Luke's wedding.

I remember a particular whiteboarding session with Philip and our collegaue Sarah. It was a session to solve an element our mobility plan, GoVictoria, a draft at that time. It went late into the evening with some good laughs and problem solving. It was clear Philip was extremely knowledgeable and invested in the work our team undertook, both while he led our Transportation team and later the wider Engineering team. It was also abundantly clear how much he cared about our team, both professionally, and as friends enjoying the good times and checking in.  I miss you Philip.

Philip was special. Not only was he my boss, but he was a friend. His love and passion for transportation wasn't just about systems, infrastructure, or innovation - it was about people and connection. He understood that transportation is ultimately about people. How they live, how they move and how they thrive. He led the Engineering team with integrity, curiosity and a deep respect for every voice at the table. He inspired us to think bigger and never stop caring. Philip helped build an amazing engineering and public works team with strong, compassionate leadership and for that I am forever blessed. 

My last time with him was special.  I was at work, taking a break and walking down Douglas Street.  It was a busy day with lots of buses and people around.  Philip was driving down Douglas Street to pick up his family members who were coming in to town to visit.  He pulled over to give me a hug and say good bye.  It was special and still brings a tear to my eye.  
I miss him.

This is when Philip started at the City of Victoria and was Manager of the Transportation group, before we took the job as Director of Engineering.

Nick, Tina, Anita and Philip.  We had so many laughs!!

We have fond memories of Phil and the  family from the 5 years we spent in the Peak District.  Don’t have many photos, but we found this digital one, that shows Phil enjoying some fun play time with Peter, our Alex, and Eva.  Our love thoughts are with you all.

Phil was a treasured friend.
We'll miss you mate.

And one last picture from me. On Berrow beach, near to my home. This one is in our digital photo frame, and each time it appears in the cycle of pictures, it takes me right back to that day, and I find myself smiling.

One last image from my WhatsApp folder. As I look at this I can hear Philip yawning. I think that he'd appreciate my including it here. It reminds me of many candid moments. Even in the mundane and everyday Philip could somehow find a way to share the joy and happiness he experienced with the world.

At our respective weddings, Philip was my best man, and I was honoured to be his. This is a picture from my wedding (it's a favourite of my mother's). Philip was nervous about his speech - he needn't have been - it was legendary. Louise (my wife) often reminds me of one very memorable line from it. Philip quoted something I'd foolishly said to one of our teachers in a biology class, but I'll not share that here.

There's another very important memory here, concerning how Amanda and Philip first met. Amanda and I were two amongst a group of students, living in what was once a splendid house in Studland Street, Hammersmith, London. Sadly the days of splendour were long gone, but we, and a large population of mice did not mind too much. Philip, now employed by Campden Council, was in need of a place to stay. There was an empty room, and an opportunity for some unofficial sub-letting, so Philip moved in. I was only there for 6 months. Philip stayed on...and the rest is a very happy history.

Philip sent me many action pictures which featured a hand, often with a power tool, and the latest DIY project for a backdrop.

I've included this memory especially for you Eva, Peter and Esther. Your Dad's caption was along the lines of "this says it all". He was so very proud of you.

When studying at university in London Philip won first prize in a raffle at the student union  - a romantic weekend for two in Paris. This was a couple of years before he and Amanda met, so he was young free and single. Without a significant-other to invite, he asked me if I'd like to join him. How could I have said no?

It was a wild summer weekend, packed with good memories. We had a "cheeky beer" or two sitting on the grass beneath the Eiffel Tower. Two wandering Gendarmerie moved us off the grass, once, twice, no three times - the moment they walked out of sight all the Parisians returned to their places, so we did too.  We walked for miles and spent a few hours getting lost in the Louvre. 

When it was time for us to head to our hotel, we found we were on the wrong side of the city, but near a Metro station. It was only when we were on the platform that we noticed people were settling down to sleep on the benches - and there were no trains. The Metro was closed. After a swift about turn back to the entrance we found ourselves on the wrong side of descending metal shutters. Our hotel was not the best, but it was better than spending our night locked in a station. We had to run and launch ourselves at the shrinking gap beneath the shutter. Think of Indiana Jones rolling beneath a descending door of rock, grabbing his hat just in time -  that's just the way I remember Philip rolling.

That incident meant we'd have to get back on foot, through the Pigalle, after midnight. We did not know that we were about to pass through Paris’s centre of adult entertainment. My memory is vivid. We walked down the centre of one road with our gaze firmly fixed on the horizon ahead, not wishing to catch the eye of anyone of the many who were working late that night.

Recalling how we shared that weekend, and the many other ways that our lives have interwoven, it's obvious how blessed I have been to have known Philip - the very best of friends.

For more than 40 years Philip and I kept in touch with each other. I still have all the crazy letters that he sent whilst we were studying at distant universities in the late 80s. These letters are quite mad, and very funny. They are a wonderful reminder of the fun we had together.  

In more recent years, when separated by more than 4700 miles , we kept in touch with email, and then with WhatsApp - the style of our exchanges remained unchanged - happy, crazy and full of humour. A new message from Philip was a highlight in any day. 

This is one of the many happy selfies that Philip sent me via WhatsApp.

Philip and I became the very best of friends when we met in 1984 at school in Ipswich, Suffolk, UK. This picture was taken on a biology field trip to the Dartmoor National Park.

A fine gentleman Phill was! He will be deeply missed.

Dear Amanda and Family,

I share in your great sadness at the loss of Philip. He was a shining light, a fearless leader, a kind friend. He touched many lives through his work at the City of Victoria, myself included. The spirit and determination with which he faced his illness was a continuation of his ways. I will miss him greatly.

Catching up over good food and great company at Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub in Victoria; February 2020

From sound checks to sea breezes...Phil on the catamaran in Oahu

The Ukulele Hawaiian Tour Chaperones ~ July 2014, Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

Off to Hawaii with the Langley Ukulele Ensemble ~ July 2014

We first met Phil through the Langley Ukulele Ensemble about fifteen years ago.  He was known to us as the “light guy” and was the one who convinced Darcy to help out with the concert lighting.   As we spent countless hours volunteering together, we got to know both Phil and Amanda well, and it quickly became clear that this was the beginning of a lasting friendship.

Even after our kids’ time in the ensemble came to an end, our connection never faded.  Despite the distance after their move to Victoria, we remained close friends, always making time to meet up whenever we were in town.  Phil had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and time spent with him and Amanda was always filled with laughter and warmth.

Our last visit was this past January.  We shared good food and lots of laughs over wine AND Guinness (in the bottle!).   At one point, I discovered that Phil had worn the same set of contact lenses for over 20 years, a fact he shared with pride and that had us all laughing.  One of my favourite memories is how Phil jokingly coined the phrase “YO”; my shorthand for “yarn over” in crocheting.  He found it hilarious and would say, “YO, Edgecombes!” just to make us smile.

Phil will be deeply missed but the memories we made together will always stay close to our hearts.

Unforgettable family trip to Ucluelet in 2023. Happy times.

2015-Phil's epic ride from Vancouver to Whistler (most of the way!). He always liked a challenge! Did a similar challenging ride with Luke from Ucluelet to Tofino  whilst on chemo. Absolutely irrepressible. ❤️

Trip to the Irish pub. Two old geezers trying to decide what to order!

Visit to the Kinsol Tressle Bridge last year with Phil and family. Fascinating place which piqued Phil's interest in engineering. 😍

Uncle Phil racing Jake and Bowie along the beach in Vancouver

Sharing our memories together when we visited May 2024. Uncle Phil with his great nephew talking about how tall the trees are in Canada

Waikiki 2016. A hot day, on our way to a gig in Honolulu. Fantastic times.

Wonderful trip back home to see family in 2022. Just getting the hang of selfies!

We all mourn the recent passing of Philip. Some will know him best as the sometimes sarcastic, sometimes surly (but always loving) older or younger brother with scuffed Adidas tennis shoes, perhaps others will picture him at the University of London Student Union bar down Malet Street sipping the beer of the week. Quite a few will know him as loving father to our three: Peter, Eva, Esther, a dynamic volunteer sound technician, and others as City of Surrey transportation engineer. The newest of his friends will know him as the dedicated and tireless Executive Director of Engineering, here in Victoria. I also wanted to insert a word to describe his affable good humoredly-ness, but I don’t think that there’s a word that quite does it. I’m finding it hard to pick just the right words, something Phil was by far the better at of the both of us.
Whether it was brother, dad, friend, summer factory worker (with hair net!) or team leader, Philip always worked hard and gave us his all. He would have cringed at my “half arsed” attempt at an obituary, so please help us all out by jotting down some memories or uploading some photos to share so we can have a meaningful record to help us all remember him. Warning: some photos may go into the slide show for public consumption on June 20th!
Amanda

OBITUARIO

Philip James Dieu de Bellefontaine

11 octubre, 1965 – 12 mayo, 2025

First Memorial Funeral Services & Garden of Memories

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios