Edwin John Phillips

Born in Yeovil Somerset (England) to Albert & Daisy, predeceased by wife Rosamund, siblings Hilda & William, and survived by his sister Pamela. He was adored by his family - daughter Vicki, son Simon (Kathy), grandsons Kellan & Brennan, and countless relatives in England & life-long friends in Canada.

Ed was a decorated WWII veteran and bravely served on the beaches of D-DAY (RAF SIGNALS, SECOND ARMY), where decisive actions ensured survival while pressing deep into Europe. He later immigrated to Canada in 1959 where he met his loving wife during classical guitar lessons.

He was a true renaissance man – lumberman, construction engineer, accomplished business leader, public speaker, administrator, serving the Vancouver Island & BC Construction Industries as President. Ed was bestowed Honorary Citizenship of Victoria BC in recognition of contribution to the city’s growth.

Ed’s greatest life-long passion was making music. He led a brass/big band, directed choir, and loved teaching at the Victoria Conservatory of Music (Craigdarroch Castle) on weekends. He was a skilled trumpet, classical guitar, and cello player, and enjoyed performing with the Civic and Hampton Orchestras.

He loved the outdoors and sports, keenly enjoyed golf, enough to acquire his own 9 hole golf course (Metchosin Golf & Country Club), as well as tennis, sailing, long competitive nights at the family ping pong table and long walks from the house on Weirs beach. He was always tinkering in the garden, and loved supporting the Incog’s cricket team at SMUS and Beacon Hill Park.

Ed was a brave and inspirational life-force who was always grateful to be living every day to the fullest and by his favorite motto: “OH BE JOYFUL!”

His kind and compassionate legacy, musical gifts and sports passions shared with family & friends, along with endless laughter, stories, anecdotes & corny jokes will never be forgotten.

Cheers always “to family unity”! Thanks for everything Dad.

Heartfelt thanks to VGH’s and Gorge Bridgeview’s amazing staff for their kind and compassionate care that went above and beyond the call of duty. You all were angels.

Celebration of life to be announced at a later date.