Louis Walton McPhie

French Legion Medal of Honour

May 25, 1923 – Jan. 7, 2018

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lou McPhie. He was born in Vancouver, BC to Angus and Elisabeth McPhie. Lou was predeceased by his first wife Marie McPhie on January 22, 1960, and by his second wife Eileen Vida McPhie on December 5, 2017, to whom he was married for 56 years. Lou was also predeceased by; brother James, and sisters, Verna, Jeanette and Anne.

P/O McPhie, was stationed in England from 1943 – 1944, where he flew with the 424 “Tiger” Squadron, flying 32 successful missions over occupied Europe, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also was awarded the French Legion Medal of Honour for his participation in the D-Day invasion.

He was a true self-made man, who after starting his career as a street car driver, worked his way via supervisory positions with BC Electric to finish as personnel manager of Western Canada with Labatt’s Breweries.

Patriarch of our blended family, he worked hard to support the family he loved so much. His devotion, integrity, honesty, patience, honour, kindness and humour, was recognized and appreciated by all who knew him. No problem was too big or too small; he had an answer for them all.

He loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, gardening, travelling, was an avid woodcarver; he especially enjoyed socializing with family and friends. He was the host with the most.

Lou was the cherished father of daughters, Janet Stope (Hans), and Karen Sroka (Ralph), Bonnie Arnett (Tony), and Roberta Rylands (John); and of sons, Ron McPhie (Evelyn), and Kim McPhie (Mary); Grandchildren Mark, Amber, Cameron, Jeff, Mac, Sean, Kelli and Kristi; great-grandchildren Alex, Sofia, Carsyn, Charlotte, Adalyn, and Leah; and by many relatives and friends whose lives he touched.

On March 10, 2018, a joint Celebration of Life for Lou & Eileen will be held at 1:00 p.m. at First Memorial Fraser Heights Chapel, 14835 Fraser Highway, Surrey, BC.

It’s so hard to lose the ones you love.

“Your absence has gone through us like thread through a needle.

Everything we do is stitched with its colour” – W.S. Merwin

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.