Phillip Tegelberg DaSilva

Phil DaSilva passed away peacefully at the Dulcina Hospice at St. Marguerite Manor in Calgary, Alberta on November 7, 2024, at the age of 75. He was born on November 22, 1948, aboard the M.S. Tegelberg in Singapore Harbour to Eduardo & Alzira DaSilva. At the age of 8, he immigrated to Canada with his parents and younger brother Mike, where they established themselves in Swift Current, Saskatchewan and soon welcomed his sister Angela.

Phil attended school in Swift Current, then adventured from home to attend St. Thomas College in North Battleford before he returned to Swift Current to finish high school. After graduating, he drove his '55 Chevy to Winnipeg to study architecture. This was followed by Saskatoon for engineering, and eventually made his way in his ‘62 Chevy to pursue fine arts in Calgary – which became home.

One of his earliest jobs took him to the Northwest Territories and the Yukon as a surveyor, where he was captivated by helicopters used to deliver supplies. His career continued in graphic design at the architectural firm Cohos Evamy, where he also served as the social convener. It was here that he fostered his passion for socializing, networking, and planning events – experiences that would lead to lifelong friendships and shape his career moving forward.

Phil’s career path took him through several stages, from printing to sales and marketing across various industries. Along the way, he remained an active volunteer, contributing his time to the YMCA, the Killarney Pool, the Calgary Stampede, golf tournaments, and countless local fundraisers, always supporting his wide circle of friends and family.

One event Phil eagerly anticipated each year was the Calgary Stampede, a time to reconnect with old friends and enjoy the festivities. He was a lifelong learner, always exploring new ideas through books, audiobooks, and podcasts, which fueled his diverse interests and made for intriguing conversations.

Phil was passionate about anything with a motor, whether airborne or on the road. He jumped at any opportunity to meet friends over coffee, share a good meal, or play a hand of poker. He loved all kinds of music and created humorous parodies any chance he could. Always up for adventure, he embraced activities like biking, hiking, skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, and even white-water rafting.

He will be lovingly remembered by his "older" brother Mike, his sister Angela, and his wives, Brenda and Jill. He will also be cherished by his children and their families: Lisa & Derek, Chris & Felicity, and his grandchildren Jack, Cole, and Ben. His memory will be held close by his extended family and friends, whose lives he touched with his warmth, humour, positivity, and generosity.

Phil was predeceased by his sister Dinny, his father Eduardo, and his mother Alzira. In accordance with his wishes, his remains will be interred at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens, where he will be reunited with his family.

To celebrate Phil, friends and family are invited to an open house Celebration of Life at Gasoline Alley Mezzanine in Heritage Park on Thursday, November 21, between 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (1900 Heritage Dr S.W., Calgary, AB).

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Covenant Foundation in memory of Phil would be appreciated to support the dedicated team at St. Marguerite Manor – Dulcina Hospice, where Phil and his family received unmatched care, comfort, and compassion. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/97035