Uncle Phil was a very jolly,outgoing,funny person to me.I remember when he would come to visit us and other family members and tell jokes and talk about something strong to drink and eat.Besides that, he loved everyone dearly.You would truly be missed but God knows what's best.May your soul rest in peace till we meet again on that glorious day when King Jesus returns.

Obviously the dude in the family, Phillip cherished, mastered and maintained the title. From his vantage position, he could observe, consider, formulate or simply reject what was displayed by the lot who came before him, and believe me it was a " lot". From very early Phillip seemed to know what he wanted out of life and made every effort to achieve it. He surely attained much. Shortly after college he  went to the city, worked for a while and thereafter migrated to the USA.  However, he nevet forgot his hometown, Rio Claro. I admire Phillip for his achievements, his warm affection and that big smile. He never forgot my birthday. We shared the same month. He would always call and say " aye Bobsquee, what going on boy?" I always loved him as my youngest brother. I look forward to seeing him again. RIP Bro.

My deepest sympathies go to Phillip's children, his brothers, sisters and extended family. Phillip was fun to around. He had an infectious laugh and a deep sense of humor.  He will be missed. But keep trusting in God,  one day death will end and we live in a world without sin.  Melvin Pascall. 

Firstly let me extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family and extended members and relatives of the said  family. My dear uncle Phillip was both an uncle and elder brother to me as i spent some of my early pre teen years at my maternal grandparents home , amongst the last three brothers in particular Vinton Justin(deceased) and Phillip, all of whom I never had the need to call uncle.When I came of age sixteen plus,he and I would go roaming all over Trinidad in his white ford escort.A cheeky lad was i and a cheeky chap was he.the last time we had physical contact was at my grand mom’s funeral back in 2011 after which we went roaming around Trinidad  as we used to  visiting old friends and relatives. I have always  cherished  the uncle/brother/nephew  times we’ve had  Uncle Phillip may have been physically small but a giant in stature to me and I am sure to the many people who he  interacted with.I wish you Godspeed  on your heavenly journey.

I am very saddened by the sudden passing of my Uncle Phil. He was so loved by our entire household. The room would light up by his very presence not to mention his patented smile and laughter. I remember the last conversation we had with talks of  "making a move as soon as there's a break in this covid restrictions" the only thing being is if he should hit Toronto first or on the way back from Trinidad. Still struggling with the fact that we won't see him again  "this side of Glory!" Rest in Peace my Beloved Uncle and thanks for all the very fond memories. You will be dearly missed but the Love never ends!

Uncle Philip always called me Robink ever I knew him, I always thought it was a cute little nickname and it was something special between the both of us,  this uncle who always greeted me with a hug and kisses always did so even on our very last meeting and he always greeted you as if it was the very first time he was meeting you,  for me it would have been a reassuring that it was really me because I had transformed a whole lot from the little Robink that he was seeing now lol and he never mentioned it to me what he did was multiplied the hugs and kisses to suit with was new, I appreciated that.  He was a man of  style, Mr Boogie always on the beat , uncle Philip will pop up and before you knew it he was popping out, he was always ready for a lime and his trunk was always prepared " just pop the trunk he would say;  we had a really good time when I saw him last and I didn't even know he was saying goodbye to us in his way,  and if he had known I don't believe we would have enjoyed the lime as much as we did,  he did it his way his style,  I didn't even get to accept the idea of him being unwell and he was gone, I will always remember him because he was just a unique person and will ever remain in my heart my sweet darling uncle. "Robink.

I will say Rupert because I never called him Phillip and he never called me Susan, he called me Zin.  
Everytime he came to Trinidad he,would visit me, so in 2019 he visited for two weeks as he told me. 
I  told him when he returned to the US, he can ask anyone who wants to come home and wanted a house to buy, mine is up for sale..He said ok.  
About 3 days after he called me, I told him I couldn't talk then and I will call him back. Was on my way to church. He said ok and called me back either the night or the following day. He told me he was in the bathroom showering and he heard a voice saying, "why don't you buy it." Said he heard the voice again, and he called me. From that time he began the process by planning, went up and returned with his first down payment. We were always close from children, all up to secondary school., even when he lived in Belmont and all the way in NY.  He made me laugh  a lot with his short sentences which made you think, and then laughed out loud. So sorry I didn't see  him after he went back to the US. God's will is always done. 

To the man the legend the myth.... I have known Phillip for most of my childhood life before he departed to the US... he was like another father and big brother to me cause I was the eldest of the boys in my family of four sister being the first. Every time phil visited Trinidad he always hit me up or even check up on me and I mean everytime he touch down... Phil was always charismatic and always give me an audience when I'm in need or anything heavy on my mind, he seems to know when something not right and I love him for that... in the later part of my life when he visited and he check on me, Phil always ask how I'm I going when I told him I left my job and gone on my own I had his full support and always inspiring me... Phil was very private all the talk we shared when asked about him... his answer was I'm good. Rest in peace to my second dad 🙏🏽

The Stephen family is one that I have known from childhood growing up in Clearwater ,Rio Claro. My sister recall being in the infants department with Philo. It was natural then that Philo (that’s how I usually call him )and I continued our brotherhood for 31years while we lived in the USA.We had almost daily conversations during this time. So many times we leaned on each other for support and encouragement as we faced many obstacles in our journey in the USA. He was a man with unshakable belief in God and at the top of his head quote a scriptural text to explain any conditions in life. I can go on and on but for time and space. I was fortunate to have been ,most likely, one of the last friend he visited before he left us. The week of July 6th Philo visited me in Texas.Together with Glen,Bertrand and Avalon we had a great time together(he also had  a very comical side).That was his way of saying goodbye to us. He never said a word about his illness. I have  shed many tears for you my brother so farewell dear Philo until. 

My condolences goes out to the entire family and to all Phillips friends. I’ve known you for many years through my uncle Calvin and you’ve helped shape the person I am today I would miss you R.I.P my friend

I can write or say nothing that can adequately express the depth of feelings and sadness.  I will miss Phillip...Our long history and bond and limes  treasured memories. His words of advice and sense of humour...His different way of looking at life.  His laugh.......Rest in Peace Cuz....We lean not on our own understanding Father God for only you know ...

My fondest memories of uncle Phil includes his charming but mischievous laughter. His audacious sense of humor and his unique spin on life's philosophy was very much a part of who he was. 
I know, no life is lived without it's tests and testimony. But to me uncle Phil will always be remembered as the perfect example of "live life to the fullest."
Thank you uncle Phil for touching my life with your joy.
Rest well, a job well done!!!💕


About 3 months ago, Phill reminded me of an event that I had almost forgotten. He said that I had rented a room for him to live in Belmont, so he could go to school in Port of Spain. That I had done. And when he graduated from John S Donaldson Technical Institute, and had secured himself a job, he asked if I would continue paying for his room. I refused. I informed him that the first thing a working man does is to pay for a safe place to live.
Fast forward, he was planning to bring his children to the US. He consulted me about buying a house in Syracuse N Y.  He was successful. We talked about his job at Bristol Myers, about completing his education in electrical engineering. Phill was ever learning. It was a great day when he completed his training and graduated! "I CAN WORK ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD NOW!" He exhaled one day, "I'm a Journeyman." I shared his pride.
Now back to Trinidad. " Hear this Doo doo," he called, This person " keeps asking me to help her find someone to buy her house. Do you think I should buy it?" I didn't see why not. "She's been trying to move to the country forever. Help her if you can." I offered. Last September, I obtained a receipt for Phillip. It reads:" Balance ZERO. PAID in Full." And signed by the seller. I think back smiling; "I refused to pay his rent, he learnt to buy houses for his children to inherit.
As a little boy, Phill would hug an kiss his way out of any event that would cause him pain. He didn't like licks! On or about July 18, came the final BIG CALL!  It was Big to me. "Hey Doo doo ....I knew he could not kiss his way out of this one.  He was sure he was coming to Trinidad. Instead . .. He received that KISS...on September 16, at which time, all of his thoughts, wishes, desires, ambitions perished.
I felt like a big sister to Phill. He shared some of his major events with me. He took my advice!  Wish I was more to him! Amen!
So long, little brother. See you in the morning
Merlin Frances Stephen Oliver

My loving Uncle...I love him dearly and will surely miss his visits to my home.  He would call before hand...what u cooking...I want dumpling and chicken or dumpling and dasheen Bush and I walking with my scotch and coconut water.   Always has a glass with scotch wherever he goes.  Gone to soon...RIP

OBITUARY

Phillip James Stephen

May 1, 1955 – September 16, 2021

Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens

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