Chervyn Jude Philips

Chervyn, the eldest of five siblings, grew up in a loving home in Bhusawal, India. He attended St. Aloysius High School in Bhusawal and then Barnes High School Devlali, where he was good at his studies, excelled in field hockey and had a flair for the theatre. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in the humanities and began working for Wokhard Pharmaceuticals as a Medical Representative. A job that he was good at as it utilized his natural good looks and charm to effectively close sales. With the passing of his Father in 1982, an opportunity for a steady Railway job, with good benefits arose for Chervyn and he found himself in the rear caboose of a kilometer long freight train working as a Railway Guard/Conductor. Chervyn worked his way through the ranks to a Rail Traffic Controller at head office and thereafter, as a Rail Traffic Instructor. But if asked, perhaps his greatest achievement was wooing the love of his life, Maureen and promptly marrying her.

Chervyn enjoyed working hard and playing equally hard. He loved a good time and eating real spicy food at local “Dhabas." Rumor has it that he could handle the heat as his plumbing was all PVC, but this has never been verified. He was your go-to master of ceremonies for weddings and community events. A natural leader, he was pretty good at rallying folks towards a common cause. Be that in his professional life or his passion for charitable work and universal brotherhood of the Masonic Lodge - something that he took great pride in. Chervyn was that guy you could count on when things headed south.

Chervyn loved his two boys Craig and Mark and after defeating them in pillow fights for 11 years decided to have his daughter Chantelle. Chervyn was a great father and always found the time to play with his kids. He raised them to be independent thinkers and to march to the beat of their own drums. He always encouraged them to give it your all and it was better to complete the race – than to win. Although winning is good on the odd occasion.

He decided to move his family to Canada in 2007 to be closer to his sisters and better opportunities at the ripe age of 50. But being no stranger to difficult decisions – he was always up for the challenge and did so with grit and grace. Chervyn loved his family and would make a point to tell them that he was proud of them on every possible occasion he could.

Chervyn is survived by his wife Maureen, his eldest son Craig (daughter-in-law Carmen and grandson James). Second son Mark (daughter-in-law Paulina and grandsons Aleksander and Sebastian). Daughter Chantelle (son -in-law Hari) and his four legged domestic companion - Jax whose memories, adventures, dad jokes and tight hugs will forever hold special places in their hearts.

We love you, miss you and hope to see you when destiny and faith reunites us.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at Giffen-Mack Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 4115 Lawrence Ave. E., West Hill, on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima, 3216 Lawrence Ave E, West Hill, on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. With a burial to take place at Thornton Cemetery.