ARTHUR GEORGE BERNARD PHILLIPS

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ARTHUR GEORGE BERNARD PHILLIPS October 23, 1928 - East Kildonan, Manitoba May 10, 2018 - Calgary, Alberta It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our Dad, George Phillips, on Thursday, May 10, 7:15 a.m., at his place of residence, Seton Age Care, Calgary, Alberta. Dad was born on October 23, 1928, in East Kildonan, Manitoba, to Alfred and Nora Phillips (nee Kennedy-Wright), the fourth of four children. He married Bea (nee Downey) on September 16, 1950 and enjoyed 58 years together until Mom's passing on September 13, 2008. George and Bea were blessed with two children, Deborah (Dean Hitchcock) and Blaine (Tracy Stephensen); along with three grandchildren, Amy (Mike), Erin (Kelsey) and Dean. Dad began his career with the Canadian National Railway in 1942 and spent 46 years there until he retired in June 1988. He enjoyed so many great years at CN making numerous life-long friends both in Canada and the United States through his many years in CN's Claims and Prevention Department. Dad's affiliation with the Association of American Railroads was critical, as he developed a network of relationships throughout railroads in North America. Dad was the type of person who, although was "the boss", always made teamwork a part of his career. He was such a people person and a great communicator and he loved what he did for so many years, whether it was managing a derailment site in the middle of January at the most remote location or having a cold beer with family and friends at the beach. For all who knew Dad, his kindness, gentle nature and remarkable sense of humour will be remembered forever. Dad was a great teacher, mentor and perfect role model for Deb and Blaine. He passed on so many great qualities to Deb and Blaine, as well as his three grandchildren, Amy, Erin and Dean. When it came to family, nothing else mattered to Dad. As Dad's health began to fail, and ultimately became too overwhelming, he still wanted to make sure family was alright. Dean Hitchcock, Dad's son-in-law, has always been one of the most important people in Dad's and Mom's life. Dean always put their needs ahead of his own and he was always there to support them every step of the way. When Tracy came into Dad and Mom's life, there was never a moment they didn't do everything they could to make her feel loved and part of the family. Dad's grandchildren always made him smile - they will always make him so very proud. Dad and Mom bought their cabin at Grand Beach in the Fall of 1963. As the years passed, the cabin became not just their weekend and vacation getaway, but a place where family gathered to share meals, laughter and love. It was, and always will be, a "drop in centre" for the many friends and family at Grand Beach. Whether it was to stop in and share stories, or to drop in and check up on Dad, our cabin is so much more than four walls. It's the "Center Point" of so much in all our lives. Dad lived at Seton Age Care for the past two and one half years. While there, he received the finest care one could image. There are far too many staff to mention. Suffice to say each and every person cared for Dad as if he were their own father. We cannot thank the staff enough for how they made our Dad feel important, safe and dignified. We are forever in their debt for absolutely everything they did for Dad. George leaves behind his two children and their spouses; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife and best friend, Bea; his father and mother Alfred and Nora; sister and brother-in-law Grace and Harold, sister and brother-in-law Olive and Frank, and brother and sister-in-law Alf and Doreen; and a premature baby girl (Mary), in 1966. No funeral services are planned at this time. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119-14th St. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200-325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email: donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. In living memory of George Phillips, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E., Calgary, AB T2A 3V9 Telephone: 403- 248-8585

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 23, 2018