Peacefully, after a lengthy illness, John Phillips died at his residence on January 15, 2017 at the age of 71 years.

 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Lydia (nee Kasudluak); sons David Phillips and John Phillips (Ruth); grandchildren Isaiah and Elisha; sister Margaret Docherty and aunt Nan Ferguson.

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John was born July 12th 1945 in Rutherglen Scotland. Growing up he did the everyday things that boys do. He grew up during the final years of the steam engines. Like most boys during that time, he loved trainspotting. Keeping a notepad he kept track of the steam engines that passed by. He also enjoyed football. He loved the Glasgow Rangers.

 

He left school at 15 to join the telegram service for the Royal Post. He would spend 5 years there.

He got the urge to try something new and The Hudson Bay Co. were recruiting to explore Canada. He would sign up and go. He would soon be shipped to Montreal for a few days while the Bay got his paperwork ready. He would be sent to Port Harrison (Inukjuak as it is known today). That is where he met Lydia Kasudluak. Within a year they would be married. They would go back to Scotland for a short time but soon made their way back to Canada where they would call Toronto home. They would spend several years there. He spent time as an Elevator Mechanic. There were layoffs after the big strike in the seventies and he was unfortunately one of the last ones to be let go. 

 

There was an offer for him to Join Federated Co-operatives of Northern Quebec due to his time with the Bay. It would be a lot of traveling and a move to Montreal.

 

He would spend 15 years with FCNQ where over the years he and Lydia would help out families from the north to adjust to living down south in a city of that size. Did not matter how small it seemed any help was given. Be it advice or a place to sleep the door was always open. 

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After 15 years Arctic Co-operatives came calling. At first they attempted several times to bring him over. It meant changes and a move. It took several offers until it was one he could not refuse. He would have to start all over again but they knew he had a reputation of getting the job done. He never shied away from any challenges. Once again if there was any questions he would always help as best as he could. He never shied away from calling a spade a spade. He spoke openly and honestly. If there was a language barrier he always seem to find a way to overcome that.He had a reputation that he would help out no matter what if it helped the person in question. He was a man who got the job done. Needed results he got them. 

 

He was a friend to those who needed it. No judgement was ever given. A family man who made sacrifices to help others. Family is first and foremost was the most important thing. 

 

He was a loving husband. A caring brother. A father figure to those who needed it. He was more than a father, he was a friend and mentor who helped shape his two sons to who they are today. He was a man who loved his grandchildren dearly. He was a man who listened when only listening was needed. John gave advice when it was the right time to give it. He left big shoes to fill.

 

John had a tremendous heart. He was a man who left an impression to those who met him. 

 

There are so many more stories that can be shared. Please, if you can please do so, prayers and condolences are appreciated by the family. 

 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017 in the Westwood Presbyterian Church, 197 Browning Blvd at Westwood Drive, with the Reverend Peter Bush officiating.

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Always in our hearts and in our prayers. You will be missed.

 

The wee fellah... aka Junior