Philip John Calderbank

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Philip Calderbank, who died peacefully on May 25, 2025, at the age of 72. Phil, as he was known to many, was a vibrant, generous spirit who met life with humour, heart, and an unshakeable devotion to family and friends.

He passed away at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Hospital in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by family, after bravely facing an 18-month battle with acute myeloid leukaemia.

Phil is survived by his beloved wife and life partner of 52 years, Elaine; their three sons —Paul (and his wife Nicole), Sean (and Michelle), Michael (and his wife Solvig); and five cherished grandchildren—Skye, Sophia, Declan, Helena, and Julian—who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his remarkable mother, Edith Calderbank, now 102 years old, brothers-in-law David and Alan, sisters-in-law Christine and Joanne, and was preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” Calderbank, and sister, Barbara McAngus.

Born in Manchester, England, on April 30, 1953, Phil attended Radcliffe High School. There, he ran track, played trumpet in Bessie’s Boys Brass Band, and forged a lifelong friendship with his best man and dear friend, Gary Zabel.

At 16, Phil met the love of his life, Elaine. They married four years later at Our Lady of Grace Church in Prestwich, Manchester, in 1973, beginning a love story that would span more than five decades.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and son, Phil’s family was the center of his world. He shared his passions—travel, hiking, camping, golf, and football (Manchester City, of course)—with his sons, and never missed a chance to take his mum to the seaside to hear the waves crash.

Phil was also a pioneering force in the world of retail technology. His entrepreneurial spirit and sharp mind led him into sales and marketing, where he played a key role in the advancement of RFID technology. His career took him around the globe—from England to America, and then to China. In his later years, Phil focused his energy on mentoring and supporting future leaders from disadvantaged backgrounds in Costa Rica and advocated for resources for schools in South Africa, helping to build programs that gave young people a future filled with possibility.

To Phil, friends were cherished dearly. He gave his time and talents through the British Junior Chamber, the Colorado Mountain Club, Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch, and the Littleton Retired Men’s Club, among others. His deep sense of community, loyalty, and infectious enthusiasm left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Aside from his family and friends, nothing brought Phil more joy than his beloved Manchester City Football Club. After a lifetime of loyalty, he lived to see the team’s historic 2023 treble —winning the English Premier League, FA Cup, and European Champions League—which, to his family’s great delight, made him quite possibly the happiest man in the world.

Whether hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, caravaning through Scotland, flying to the Far East, or visiting loved ones back in England, Phil was always planning his next adventure. His heart was global, but it was rooted in family, friendship, and love.

Phil leaves behind a legacy of courage, curiosity, kindness, and joy. He lived his life fully, with strong convictions and a heart that never stopped giving. We take comfort in knowing that his final destination is a peaceful one—resting now, after a journey well-travelled, in a place worthy of the extraordinary man he was.