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
Hartwig von Schubert
Felix von Schubert
We will miss you Philip! It was so wonderful seeing you and all the ‘Canadian Schuberts’ on the rare trips to Canada and your visits to Europe - and then seeing you in Kabul in 2016!
For you the wider family was always important- we will aim to keep going in the next generations and across countries and continents. Felix & Katharine (London)
Kevin Lawrence
Rest in peace Uncle Phil
Valerie Rowe
My condolences to Beth and family.
May you all find comfort in knowing that Phillip touched many hearts.
Valerie
Paul Martins
I was very saddened and surprised by the news of Philip's passing. Saddened, because he was such a pleasant, kind, good-natured, human being and a supportive colleague during our years together at CIDA; surprised, at how someone so physically fit, active and young-at-heart could suddenly leave us!
At work, Philip was usually busy, upbeat and enthusiastic about whatever new and exciting challenge or pursuit he was involved in. I appreciated that he also often tried to share his enthusiasm with us.
Despite being busy, he kept an open door and made time for friendly chats or interesting discussions. Always smiling, patient, and with a good sense of humour, Philip was at the same time a very serious, committed and competent professional dedicated to international development and poverty reduction. He was confident and very well-respected and did not shy away from putting forward new ideas or defending and supporting the concerns of colleagues.
As a forester, I could relate to Philip's love for the wilds of northern Canada and appreciate also the insights that periods of solitude can afford.
I have only fond memories of Philip and want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends.
May his soul continue in peace like a canoe gliding quietly and effortlessly over the calm, mirrored waters of a northern lake towards its final resting place.
Paul Martins
I was very saddened and surprised by the news of Philip's passing. Saddened, because he was such a pleasant, kind, good-natured, human being and a supportive colleague during our years together at CIDA; surprised, at how someone so physically fit, active and young-at-heart could suddenly leave us!
At work, Philip was usually busy, upbeat and enthusiastic about whatever new and exciting challenge or pursuit he was involved in. I appreciated that he also often tried to share his enthusiasm with us.
Despite being busy, he kept an open door and made time for friendly chats or interesting discussions. Always smiling, patient, and with a good sense of humour, Philip was at the same time a very serious, committed and competent professional dedicated to international development and poverty reduction. He was confident and very well-respected and did not shy away from putting forward new ideas or defending and supporting the concerns of colleagues.
As a forester, I could relate to Philip's love for the wilds of northern Canada and appreciate also the insights that periods of solitude can afford.
I have only fond memories of Philip and want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends.
May his soul continue in peace like a canoe gliding quietly and effortlessly over the calm, mirrored waters of a northern lake towards its final resting place.
Marion Devries
I worked with Philip at CIDA. I enjoyed listening to his travel adventures. My deepest sympathies.
Stan Moore
My condolences to Philip's family. I was always struck that when Philip was in the room, he had a positive effect on those around him. His upbeat attitude was infectious. His keen curiosity, fascination and sense of adventure were hallmarks of his character. His was a life worth living.
Faiz Mohammad Fayyaz
I offer my most sincere condolences to Philip's respected family, he was a great man and a good friend, he was my colleague in Afghanistan and we work together to support Afghanistan's energy sector, we just arrived in Ottawa to resettle and I was trying to reach out for help, however, I saw this sad news about him, he will be remembered in our memories R.I.P.
Mai Joe
My condolences to you and family, Beth. I'm sorry I never had a chance to meet Philip, but have heard of his many adventures and stories.
Dear Beth and family, to me Phil was the closest of my cousins, I am happy and grateful, he was there and I will miss him. Thus I am especially happy to have Lisa, Naomi and Maya over here in Europe. Let's keep our families together. Hartwig