Born in New Glasgow NS in October 1932 to George and Helen (Fraser), Phil died peacefully at home on Friday, 13 March 2020, in his 87th year. He was the eldest of four brothers: Donald (Claire); the late Robert (Lena); and George (Evelyn). He was the very caring husband of his loving wife Joyce (nee Mirams) of London England – they were married for 63 ½ wonderful years. Phil is survived by Joyce, their sons Keith (Lorna) and Brian (Kim), and their grandchildren Glenn, Evan and Morgan. Phil was a deeply committed family man and will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends and colleagues.
He enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in the Canadian Armed Forces, joining in 1951 and retiring in 1989. He was first commissioned into the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and re-badged to Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in 1968. His service took him to postings across Canada and United States, and several times to Europe, where he and Joyce enjoyed many adventures. He was particularly proud to have commanded the 3rd Battalion, PPCLI, in Work Point Barracks, Victoria BC, from 1971 to 1973. He was also the Canadian Defence Attaché in the Canadian Embassy in Moscow from 1980 to 1983, accredited to the USSR and also to Finland.
Visitation and Funeral Service will take place at Beechwood National Cemetery, with Internment to follow in the Beechwood National Military Cemetery. In view of the restrictions in place as a result of COVID-19, a date cannot be confirmed now, but it is hoped that it will be in mid-April. It is requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or to a charity of your choice.
Livre de visiteurs
Albert Were
Rob Roy
My condolences!! My families thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Reid and Judy Hodgins
Sincere condolences Brian, Kim and Morgan
Peggy Seely
Please accept my condolences. Keith and Brian, your Dad was an amazing man. I am forever grateful for the experience I was so graciously given in sharing your family vacation to a far off land.
Thinking of you all
Barry Ashton
Carol and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Joyce and family. Phil was a person of great integrity, a fine example to those of us who served with him in the QOR of C and PPCLI. May he rest in peace.
Lewis MacKenzie
Fond memories of a real gentleman commander - proof that the two can exist together
Christopher B Snider
I was a former colleague of Phil, and we served together in numerous venues. A great Man and well respected. A friend.
Michael Loewen
“An officer and a gentleman” never rang more true than it does for this fine man. I was so proud to serve with him in 3 PPCLI. He was ecstatic when my platoon won the Forced March competition at Wainwright beating out every other combat arms unit in the Army of the West and putting full stop to the label of the soft battalion. My sincere condolences to Joyce and family.
The Csirik’s
Our Condolences for your loss, clearly a well respected Man. Our hearts go out to your families and your Mom.
Hugh MacIsaac
My first CO with the 3rd Bn in Victoria, as fine an officer you could ever hope to serve with.
Our Condolences to George and the entire the Roy family.