Name: Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home
Address: Toronto, ON

I was saddened to read of Br. Philip's passing.  I have very fond memories of my time at VCHS, and although it's been 37 years since graduation, I still dearly remember his puns especially during our senior year.  I am still moved to have received his Award for Reliability & Dependability - an award rarely given out and shared with a good friend, Brian.  It was an honour then to be so recognized by him & continues to be to this day.  He was a special and lovely man! God Bless and Rest in Peace.

Many fond memories of a soul who always had the time to care, you will be remembered and missed. Kim Mullin

RIP Brother Philip, you will be fondly remembered by many.

My fondest memories of Brother Philip was during our breaks, we'd see him standing there in the hallway in front of the gym with that mischievous grin and tell us his corny puns ..they always made us laugh. All these years later, I can still remember some of them. He was a great man. I hope he knows how much he meant to all of us.

It was a   sad   day  for   the    CANADIAN   PROVINCE   when  i   heard   that   BR.   PHILIP  has   gone   to   his   eternal   reward  rip .   I   knew   BR   PHILIP  as   he   was   my   principal    at   VERDUN   CATHOLIC   and  also  he  was   my   PROVINCIAL   .  He   was   a  man of    quick    wit   and   a   keen   mind   especially   in  maths  and   in English . HE  was   an   avid    fan   of    the    MONTREAL   CANADIENS   May    he   now    rest   in   peace   BR. BERNARD  .

I am deeply saddened to hear of Brother Philip's recent death. He and I worked for many years at Verdun Catholic High. Following our retirements we become “pen pals”.  How I loved to read Brother's  letters. The Presentation Brothers have lost a great man; I have lost a dear, life-long friend who gave so much and asked so little in return.

Rest in peace and God's embrace, Brother Philip. You taught a bunch of difficult kids at times (myself included). I remember your patience and humour - even the puns made us laugh. Thank you. Debra Paquin, Verdun Catholic High School 1969.

A wonderful mentor, principal, and over the years since graduating from VCCHS, friend.  Always quick with a terrific pun, Brother Phillip was a thoughtful, humble man who cared deeply about his calling.  He positively impacted many, many lives.

Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Bro. Philip.  He was a Brother Knight of Blessed Trinity Council, Toronto, Ontario.

Joe and Kitty Vaessen and Ignacio de Avila
Associates of the Presentation Brothers

A man of many talents and gifts.  Over the past few days we all have heard wonderful stories about Br. Philip and how he touched the lives of his Brothers, the students, staff, relatives and friends. I truly will miss our regular Sunday visits  at La Salle Manor.  Thank you for your many years of service, Br. Philip, to the Community and education.

I met Brother Philip as Principal of Verdun Catholic High School.
He was a very smart man and extremely devoted to his students. Since he had a great sense of humour, I would only speak to him in French. That's when he would chase me out of his office.
Brother! Now that you are up there with my father Maurice, find another Presentation brother to replace you. Merci!

Sympathy to all on the death of Br. Philip, a gentleman.  On visits to Toronto he was most welcoming, kind and had great wit.  Many a pun he cracked.  RIP.

Br. Patrick Fitzgibbon, Cork, Ireland.

Many of my fondest memories of Uncle Francis are associated with sports and other activities. Playing catch, competing on the tennis court and 
hunkering over his famous 'toc' board vying for bragging rights, are some that come to mind. He often shared stories from his youth and years as an educator. So, Uncle Francis, as I raise a mug root beer in your memory, I thank you for the good times and am grateful that you were a part of my life. Rest in peace.

I was a student at Verdun Catholic High School when Bro. Phillip was both principal and teacher. God help us all. He always had that little smile on his face which made me suspect he knew things he wasn't supposed to know and so he kept us on our toes. His wit was as sharp as his intellect but behind it all was a warm, loving heart that made you glad he was a part of our school and a part of our lives. I'm sure he has reserved a whole floor 'upstairs' and he will keep them on their toes. God Bless

Brother Philip - a fine gentleman and dedicated religious. He was my co-physics teacher, principal and good friend for many years. A major intellect combined with an almost child-like simplicity. About 5 years ago I met a now successful professional who attributed to Brother Philip the real inspiration for abandoning wayward ways for a fruitful and productive career. Such qualities enabled me to happily survive his groan-evoking puns. Bon Voyage Brother

I met Brother Phillip through Bob and Marie Sullivan who like many others admired his professionalism, brilliance and wit. He was Principal of a Catholic high school in Verdun (I believe) and I know as a physics teacher he was very much appreciated. Since his retirement and stay at De la Salle Manor in Toronto, I have visited him many times, bringing candies and books. Amazingly enough, he devoured these books (with the candies), without reading glasses. He was always very cheerful and he brought joy to me and to others who visited him. I'll miss very much my visits with him. A truly edifying person.

Dedicated, principled, faith-filled, direct and, of course, very "punny" -- only a few of the many qualities for which Br. Philip was known and through which he inspired me and the many students and fellow educators with whom he worked in Quebec. A joy, a privilege and a blessing to have known and worked with him. Well done good and faithful servant.

Eric Durocher (Montreal)

I was very saddened when I received the news  of Br. Philip's death. I regarded him as a personal friend and admired him greatly. He was a true Presentation Brother and always had the welfare of the Congregation at heart. A true stalwart of our Congregation has finally reached his true Home after a long lifetime of wonderful service in his native Canada. May he rest in peace. 

Br. Donatus Brazil, Cork

My uncle Francis will be sorely missed by the family.  His departure will certainly leave a hole in the Presentation Family.  Everyone I met in Ireland had genuine respect for him.  The puns...ah yes...his trademark.
Rest in Peace.
                                                                      Paul Gjiroux

Uncle Francis never failed to look for - nor could he resist - any opportunity to drop a joke or a pun during his visits to our family.  I can only imagine what this must have been like for all the Presentation Brothers living with him daily!  My sincere sympathies to the Presentation Brothers on such a loss to the community.

Br. Phillip was a man of warm hospitality and he had a welcoming presence in the Community in Cummer. He had a great trust in God's Providence and I felt the need of same when driving to Mass with him in the snow ! Thank you Phillip for showing us how to grow old gracefully.

Our deepest sympathy to the community, family and friends of Br. Philip. May he rest in peace. From the community in Glasthule and especially Br. Mark and Br. Bernard who served for many years with Br. Philip.

Br Philip was a great Presentation Brother, Whenever I went to Canada and I visited the Brothers he would always be of service to me. My last memory of Br Philip was on Canada Day 1st July, where he cracked joke and was his real self and stayed through the full celebration. May He rest in Peace.
        
Br Kevin Mascarenhas ( Mount Sion, Waterford)

I am privileged to have met with Br. Philip on visitation to Toronto in September 2012. He was a true 'Gentleman of the Presentation' and he contributed immensely to the development of the Province down the years. He accepted his ill health in later years with courage and humility. May he now enter the fullness of eternal life and everlasting peace!

I had the privilege of meeting Br. Philip twice when I visited Toronto. He came across to me as a very committed Presentation Brother who, despite the fact that he was in his ''wisdom' years, was as interested in what was happening in the Congregation as when he was younger. Some of the changes he applauded, others he did not approve but nevertheless remained loyal and positive about the future of the Congregation. May his gentle soul rest in peace, Amen.  Agoah, Francis Xavier, Tamale, Ghana.

I met him briefly during my Novitiate and only recently, 30 years later.  His humility, simplicity and gratitude for  brief visits speak of a man at peace with himself and with God.  Rest in peace Brother Philip, and may your life be an example for all of us in OLA Province.

My Uncle Francis was always fun to be around. He had a great sense of humor and always had us laughing. I will miss him.

My deepest sympathy to the Presentation Brothers who have lost a great man.  We played many great games of tennis all over Verdun, Quebec and at Verdun Catholic High, he helped me in soo many ways to pursue my education and to get my Teachers Degree.  He was a great influence in my life and to my two loving sons.  I will miss him dearly.  

God Bless and Rest in Peace my Friend,

Love,

Brendan Deegan, Brossard, Quebec

I will always remember Br. Philip for putting a smile on my face with his well timed puns. Rest in perfect peace

Br.Philip was a great Presentation Brother. He was a man of deep faith and Christian commitment. I have very lovely memories of my visits to him in recent years. He was very happy in La Salle Manor and appreciated the care, support and visits of the Brothers in Toronto. The celebration of his 75th anniversary of religious profession which took place in the Parkdale Community last year was indeed a special occasion. Thank God for such a wonderful Brother!
Br.Martin Kenneally
Congregation Leader, Presentation Brothers,  Cork, Ireland.

Sincere sympathy to the Presentation Brothers in the Our Lady of the Americas Province, and in particular to the Brothers in Toronto, on the loss of Brother Philip. May he rest in peace.

Our deepest sympathy to the community, family and friends of Br. Philip. May his soul Rest In Peace. His memory lives on in our hearts. 
From the Presentation Brothers community Killarney.

My Teacher, Principal, Colleague and Mentor. Thanks for the memories and for all that you imparted to me. Your patience was particularly admirable. Your reward is indeed great.We need some younger Presentation Brothers to assist us in our work for the marginalized. Intercede for us.

OBITUARY

John Francis "Brother Philip" Giroux

February 5, 1918 – July 29, 2013

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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