John PHILLIPS

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PHILLIPS: John Johnston Phillips of Brandon passed away peacefully at his residence, Valleyview Personal Care Centre, on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the age of 91 years. John was born on May 23, 1920 at home. He went to school at Gourlay, one of the many one room schools in the area. At 14 years of age, he left school to help out on the family farm. He married Audrey Brownridge on July 14, 1943 and they were married for almost 69 years. John farmed with his brother Dave. He was also a Lot Attendant at Brandon Automobiles for 10 winters (1965-1975). John lived in Elton until 1990 when he moved to Brandon. In 2006 John moved to Valleyview Care Centre. John loved to watch baseball and curling (he even went to a few Briers). He especially liked competitive curling. He enjoyed playing cards and games until three years ago. John is survived by his wife Audrey, son Brian (Betty) Phillips, daughter Marilyn (George) Curtis. There are four grandchildren: Sean (Jackie) Phillips, Trisha (Dave) Paddock, Tracey (Daryl) Drozda and Sheri (Chris) Bryant. John had eight great grandchildren: Brayden and Rhiannan Phillips, Brett and Darrys Paddock, DJ and Darci Drozda, and Haylie and Alyssa Bryant. John was predeceased by his brother, Elmer, at two and a half years, parents George and Christian, brothers Louis (Nell), Horace (Annie) and Dave (Vera). A funeral service was held on April 25, 2012 at the Brockie Donovan Chapel with Rev. Barb Jardine officiating. Dave Hillis, a family friend was the soloist. The pallbearers were: Louis Phillips, Sean Phillips, Dave Paddock, Daryl Drozda, Chris Bryant, and George Curtis. Everyone in attendance was considered honorary pallbearers. A private family burial took place at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to a charity of choice.Just a Farmer“Just a farmer,” you saidAnd I laughed cause I knewAll the things that farmersmust be able to do.They must study the land,then watch the skyAnd figure just whenis the right time and why.To sow and to plantto buy and to sellTo go to the marketwith cattle and wellYou know the booksthat farmers must keepTo pay all those taxesand be able to sleep.And you know the fixin’that farmers must doWhen machines like madmonsters break a gasket or two.I guess when God needed folks to care for His earthHe chose “just farmers” cause He knew their true worth.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 05, 2012