Robbin Phillip Garvin

The family of Robbin Phillip Garvin sorrowfully announce his passing on June 5th, 2025. Phil, aka “Flying Phil”, and more fondly known by his family as “Grampster”, passed away peacefully at the Veterans Memorial Lodge in Victoria, BC.

Phil, the son of Alfred and Agnes Garvin, grew up in the small town of Craik, Saskatchewan with his nine siblings, tending to the family farm and where he developed his sense for adventure as well as his infamous sense of humour.

At the age of 17 Phil joined the Military where he spent 36 years stationed from coast to coast before finally retiring in Victoria, BC. His career began as a Fighter Control Operator (radar) before moving on to be in the first class of Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators in the RCAF, flying in the Tracker and Argus. He was part of the Canadian military contingent at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal and also spent time at sea on the HMCS Huron and HMCS Algonquin as flight crew on the Sea King helicopters. His final position was at the BC Air Cadets Training Division.

Phil was a kind hearted soul and liked by all that knew him, and his family was his greatest joy. Phil was predeceased by his wife Sharon who he devotedly cared for. Phil is survived by his three children, Hope (Rob) McConkey, Colleen Dane, and Scott Garvin (Catherine Barrette); five grandchildren, Karen (Mike) Barbadakis, Jason Astles (Jasmine Hart), Darren (Elisha) Astles, Mattie Garvin and Matéo Barrette-Garvin; and six great grandchildren, Dylan Mooney, Kaitlyn Keylor, Cameron Keylor, Meaghan Keylor, Kaden Astles and Cabria Astles. He is also survived by siblings, Pat Wylie, Eva Ketcheson, Dale Garvin (Claude) and Brian Garvin; and by sister in-law Joan Brown, brother in-law Terry (Judy) Finch, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his siblings Terry, Neil, Wes, Lyle and Mona.

Phil wore many hats in life; Air Force Wedge, flight helmet, hockey coach, cub leader, camp cook, handyman, master LEGO builder, woodworker, life of the party and last but not least, lifelong Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan.

Phil’s resilience in life was second to none and despite suffering a life altering illness in his later years he embraced the change and challenges, and his sense of humour never faltered. He loved to laugh and found joy in each day, helped along by his love for ice cream, chocolate and watching endless hours of sports and classic reruns, which may also have included the odd nap, while sitting in front of the TV in his comfortable chair.

In keeping with Phil’s wishes, a small celebration of life for his immediate family members will take place at a date yet to be determined.