Philip was born in Edmonton, Alberta September 18, 1945. He was the first of 3 sons born to Eileen and Ted Schubert. He and his 2 brothers - Leigh & Leslie grew up on a farm just outside Edmonton. Being chosen as Valedictorian for his graduating high school class, suggests that he already had the qualities of hard work, leadership and curiosity - which were to later define his work, fascination with travel, and desire to learn other languages.
He decided to study Engineering, and attended the University of Alberta, in Edmonton - where he met Beth in 1965, a new student there, from Jamaica. They dated for a couple of years, but on graduation they both went their separate ways and lived full and interesting lives until FATE, brought them back together again.
They met in Alberta, married in Jamaica and proceeded to Brussels - where Philip had found a job working for Westinghouse Europe. Much to his delight, he was offered the opportunity to train and work as a Start-up Engineer at Nuclear Power Stations in France and Spain. Seven eventful years living and working in Brussels, France and Spain would follow.
By this time, our family was comprised of 3 children - David, Lisa and Neil.The challenges of foreigners living overseas were met head on, with preparation, planning and good humor. Returning to Canada after 8 years, Philip found a job at CIDA in Ottawa, where work involved overseeing Aid projects in some poor countries in South America, Haiti and Afghanistan. His involvement was Professional and often Personal, as he made lasting friendships with some 'real' people of the country, which remain to this day.
In keeping with his curiosity and fascination with history, he became obsessed with exploring the wilds of Labrador. A co-worker at CIDA - Jerry Kenny - introduced him to a book - "The Lure of the Labrador Wild". He was hooked, and for several years after that, Summer vacations meant elaborate planning - solo or with company, as he defied the elements, black flies, bears, darkness and the constant threat of injury or death in the middle of nowhere. Eventually he gave up on those trips, and wrote a book instead - outlining his harrowing escapes and successes.
When both he and Beth retired, they settled for yearly cruises in exotic places. Their last cruise in 2019 was to Iceland and Greenland - with 3 granddaughters in tow!
Family was always special to Philip. He looked forward to visits from any of his children or grandchildren - who were always the smartest, best looking kids on the planet! We will miss you, Dad - unique and always proud husband, father, grandfather, constant supporter and friend! As they say in Jamaica, until we meet again - WALK GOOD!
Digital Guestbook
Fayez Malek
Kerry Max
My sincerest condolences for your loss. Philip was an amazing man and colleague and his work in Energy at CIDA had profound and long-lasting positive impacts both directly on the people who benefitted from the projects he supported and indirectly on how Canada and other donors took on board Philip's approach, insights and expertise. It was an honor to work with him. He will be sorely missed.
Nalini Lachance
My sincere condolences. Philip was an incredible asset as a colleague at CIDA and brought such positive energy and enthusiasm both professionally and personally to his workplace.
Daniel Arsenault
To Philip's family and friends, my deepest sympathies. Philip was a very kind and gentle man. He and I worked together at CIDA many years ago, and I always appreciated his great sense of humour, his approachability and willingness to help. He will be sorely missed.
Véronique Barnes
My sincere condolences to family and friends. I am grateful to have known, worked with and listen to Philips incredible solo journeys accounts. I was always impressed by his stories and near miss with bears out in the wild, his tent shredded. He was a true storyteller and adventurer, interested to paddle the many rivers and routes ancestors travelled through. May he rest in peace and may you be filled with the wonderful memories of the sound of his laugh, be driven by his enthusiasm for life and curiosity in the wonders of streams and forest alike.
Isabelle Roy
I have fond memories of Philip from CIDA days in South America during missions when he was planning Energy projects & I was planning Telecom projects in Peru and Bolivia. I am now posted in Jordan. Last Christmas in Wadi Rum, I met an Energy Advisor to the US administration who knew Philip. Without a doubt, Philip was a world class expert in this field. My sincere condolences to family and close friend. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Annick Amyot
Mes condoléances les plus sincères à toute la famille.
Au revoir très cher Philip !
Annick
Karl Hinds
I first Philip in the mid 80's. This fortunate meeting was in the context of a professional relationship with Philip representing the client in energy projects internationally. as a result, I had the opportunity over the years to make numerous extended joint on-site field trips to countries in East and West Africa, Central America and the Caribbean including Haiti. Over the years Joanne and I became good friends with Philip and family.
I developed a profound respect for Philip and count him among the memorable people I have met that have made a positive impact in my life. With unlimited energy and a fair-minded professional approach to problem solving, I was always impressed at Philip's grasp of any complicated situation. This made it easy to find solutions where none seemed possible at first. In our down tine on field trips, I was always intrigued and amazed by the stories of his experiences on his extended trips in the Canadian North.
Joanne and I were devastated when we first learned of Philip's illness and we were praying for a different outcome. We have lost a great gentleman and friend. Our condolences to Beth and family.
May Philip 'rest in peace'.
Thanh Phan and Long Nguyen
We both sorry for your loss one please accept our condolences to your family his
Soul will be Rest In Peace
Claude Beauséjour
My deepest condolences to Philip's family. I learned so much from him at former CIDA. His work, and the passion he put in it, made a real difference in the lives of so many people in several countries. He was humble in his approach, yet worshiped by energy specialists around the world. If he had such a big impact on work-related people, I can only imagine the magnitude of the loss for his family. Peace.
I knew Phil since 1984, when we worked together in the Energy Sector. Phil was a great person both on the personal as well as on the professional level. I admired and respected him a lot for his strong convictions and ultimate professionalism. I believe the world has lost a great man who is highly appreciated by those who knew him well. My sincere condolences for his family and friends. I feel saddened for this great loss as much as they all feel.