WILLIAM JAMES (JAMIE) PHILLIPS

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• The loss of this amazing friend came as a great shock, even with the knowledge that he had been fighting cancer for several years. I expect I will look back in 30 years time and still feel the same sense of profound loss...that's how special Jamie was. Hilarious, genuine, kind, dedicated, honest and thoughtful, everyone who knew him would tell you the same. Our Fantasy Football League sends it's deepest condolences to Victoria, to Jamie's parents (who I'm sure played a major part in shaping his character), and to the rest of his family and friends. RIP brother, till we meet again. - Posted by: Marc (Friend, Colleague, Fantasy Football Co-Commish) on: Aug 07, 2024

• in winter it only sleeps and the morning opens the skies the hearts we don't deserve the bright lights that don't dull in the dark on nights of silence and a deeper silence, when the angels sing so sad the eternity of lost fire - Posted by: Rory Raymond McMaster (Friend, colleague, brother ) on: Jul 07, 2024

• It has taken me a long time to be able to read these messages as it is so hard to register that my son's life is really over. I so appreciate the comments and tributes to my wonderful son. We knew how amazing he was in so many ways, but to read what his colleagues wrote about him is just so beautiful. Thanks to everyone for the cards, calls and comments. Nina - Posted by: Nina Logan (Mother) on: Jul 03, 2024

• My previous message is a tiny glimmer of what an indelible mark Jamie had left on many of us in the military; it’s a small sample but a testament what a far reaching and enduring impact he had left on many uniformed members. As his military supervisor (April 2015-Sept 2016) you should known that Jamie worked on a team that saved many, many lives, many Canadians’ abroad wellbeing was salvaged because of Jamie’s direct input. I talked about our trip to UK and there were many office and training pranks which only years later helped me contextualize and synthetize our military ethos and our primary duty; his zest for life unequivocally helped me to deal with traumatic compounding occupational stress, because “you gotta live man” and “you gotta do what you do”. He saved not only many Canadians “abroad” but uniformed members at home as well. Thank you brother! - Posted by: Sgt Sasha Milenkovic (Friend ) on: Jun 28, 2024

• I’m deeply saddened. it is an enormous understatement to state that having known Jamie was amazing; he enriched my life. He created so many memorable moments and my best military memories (17 years now). He made me a better person; he’s the reason that I truly kept sanity (looking back now) and he’s the reason why I love what I do. We worked together for a couple of years in Ottawa while he was in the Military and even though we carried on our separate ways as god’s truth I always thought about where Jamie is. I am heartbroken for his family and wife. Jamie came into my professional life during very challenging, difficult professional circumstances when I was granted my first supervisory assignment amidst chaotic, complex dynamic mission. He was an unbelievably compassionate teammate, stellar, very special, sharp, witty, incredible professional with an exceptional ability to lift everyone’s spirit in the office. I’ll never forget the chats we had, how much he looked up to his wife, his travels and his time in Japan, the strings he pulled to get me out of office and to go play soccer with the office summer league during lunch. Months later only did I learn that there was a fee to participate and that he paid for it (for me). As Jamie would say, you got live man do what you do. He knew that soccer was part of my identity aside from military. We bounded over soccer and he sensed how much we were “grinding-it-out” at work. Later (summer 2016) Me, Jamie and another MIL member got to do our first international work trip to UK. I remember meeting at the Ottawa airport and waiting to board the plane with Jamie’s wife by his side and all of us giggling about the trip. For that trip we had an idea to catch a red-eye and upon landing Jamie immediately brought up an idea (pushing for it) to store out luggage and to catch the ‘tube’ for downtown London. Being his supervisor I remember this internal uncertainty but there was Jamie with classic: “ you got to live. Trust me. We got day-and-a-half. Trust me it’s London”. That was amazing! Next came 2 hr drive from Airport to destination late at night on the opposite side of the road and dozens of roundabouts with Jamie driving. On one of the round abouts with me sitting at the from, I remember breaking our chatter about Music bands to what the hell is that guy doing on the other side of the road coming towards us and look at that idiot! That turned into: "are our bags with office clothes OK, let’s take a breather" – while sitting outside of a car in the ditch. There’s Jamie again with classic: “We’re ok. We got 10+ hrs and only xx km left, lot’s of time to make it in time. You got a live” all while laughing out load!! I loved Jamie! Later our 3rd day during a 5 day work week, he comes to my room with another one: hey Sasha you gotta meet my Buddy XXXX let’s go to XXX I got buddy from before he’s there now (I think it was next town over). I passed, regrettably, being half-a-sleep and very tired and hadn’t stopped wondering have I lived enough because “you gotta live man”. I kept that trip and many instances I had with Jamie as a sanity check for so many years. I can not articular how much I loved those memories and how much he improved my life. I am so happy that he continued travelling! Please receive my deepest condolences. - Posted by: Sasha Milenkovic (CFS Leitrim) (colleague - friend) on: Jun 27, 2024

• Jamie and I met in our unclass back in 2011, we had a great bunch and Jamie took no time to stand out by making a funny comment which almost led to a parking lot after school fight, but Jamie diffused the situation, cool, calm and collected. Jamie and I grew a beautiful friendship around FIFA, world, Euro cups... the list goes on. Had the pleasure of meeting Victoria when they first started dating and you just knew they are meant for each other. My condolences' goes out to Jamie's family, close friends and spouse. Skol! Please feel free to reach out, I have no way to contact Victoria. - Posted by: Jean Luc (Comms Brother) on: Jun 25, 2024

• I worked with Jamie for few years. Very funny, very smart. He always made his teammates lough. Never saw him sad during those years that I worked with him. My condolences to his family. May God rest his soul after those 4 hard years He will be missed :*( - Posted by: Mike Van Heusen (Work collegue-Friend) on: Jun 24, 2024

• It was an honest shock to hear of Jamie's Passing. I had the esteem pleasure of having Jamie work for me when he came to Ottawa while in the military. I will always remember his stories of his well travelled life and on behalf of all the members of CFS Leitrim, we send our deepest condolences to his family. Fair winds and Following seas.... CPO1 Chris McBride - Posted by: CPO1 Chris McBride (Station Chief CFS Leitrim) on: Jun 24, 2024

• I had the privilege of serving alongside Jamie in the CAF, and I can wholeheartedly attest to his unwavering loyalty to his country, his friends, and his family. Jamie epitomized resilience and strength, displaying remarkable courage and unwavering determination, even in his most painful times. His presence was a beacon of inspiration to all who knew him. While we deeply mourn his loss, Jamie's memory will forever remain etched in our hearts and minds. His legacy of bravery and devotion will never fade. - Posted by: Michel Amour (Friend and brother in arms. ) on: Jun 22, 2024