John Phillips

John was born in London in 1930 (Worcester Park) England to Thomas William and Mary Ellen Phillips (nee Houghton).

John married Frances (nee Martin) in 1956 and they emigrated to Canada shortly after. They had several happy years in Edmonton, where John and Frances both worked for the Government of Alberta. John was an avid long distance runner and ran several marathons and half marathons. He was a team member of the “Over the Hill Gang” a group of dedicated and tenacious runners over age 50 who successfully competed and medaled in the Jasper Banff Relay. In 1992, John and Frances retired to their newly built house in Sooke, British Columbia where they had 10 happy years together before Frances’ passing in 2002. John resided at this original residence until 2012 when he moved to Berwick House Royal Oak in Victoria. John relished recounting stories of his youth and time in England. He loved reading and a good political debate. He was a world traveler well into his 80’s across Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia and enjoyed spending time with his two daughters and eight grandchildren which spanned two continents. He was a religious letter writer and his thoughtful and amusing letters were much cherished by friends and family alike. He was predeceased by his father Thomas William (June 9, 1984) his mother Mary Ellen (September 17, 1963) and the love of his life Frances (March 5, 2002).

John will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by family and friends and in particular his two daughters Sharon Anne Phillips of Edmonton, Alberta and Dr. Elizabeth Jane Phillips of Franklin, Tennessee; sons-in-law Bill Doucette and Dr. Simon Mallal and eight grandchildren: Jacob, Cassandra, Mackenzie, Taylor, Olivia, Benjamin, Natalie and Emily and cousin Michael Wright of Nanaimo.

Thanks in particular to Ken Noble and to all the doctors, nurses and medical staff from Victoria General Hospital and the Royal Jubilee Hospital who cared for Dad over the last few months.