John PHILLIPS

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PHILLIPS: With sadness we announce the passing of John Harold Phillips on December 11, 2015. John was born on October 21, 1918 on the family farm, SE 22-12-19 RM of Elton to Jack and Laura Phillips. He passed away at the Rest Haven Personal Care home in Steinbach, MB, December 11, 2015 at 97 years of age. John is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Margaret (nee Burch), children Floyd (Sandra), Velma Perry (Dave), Wanda Waldner (Moses), Rheta White (Reid), and Murray (Pam); grandchildren Kirk, Lori, Robyn, John, Susan, Nathan, Shandee, Ladonna, Wesley, Jaime, Scott, Christine, Michael, Lance, Ryan; 14 great- grandchildren; sister Rena Cornish and numerous extended family. John grew up on the family farm, went to school at Mount Vernon, starting at 4 years of age and quitting after Grade 9. Dad was an excellent reader and won numerous spelling bees. He then worked on the family farm, his father’s threshing gang, and neighbouring farms. He volunteered with the Canadian Army in Feb of 1942 (1st Canadian Army, 2nd Canadian Corp, 23rd Field Regiment, 4th Armoured Division, self-propelled). Throughout the war John was sustained by his faith in God and attributed his survival, while in combat, to God’s protection. He returned to Canada December 31, 1945, and was married January 16, 1946. He was discharged February, 1946. John purchased a family farm in Elton Municipality and farmed with Margaret until he moved to Brandon in 2010. In 2013, he moved to Steinbach to be in personal care and to be close to his daughter. Dad drove school bus for the Rolling River SD for 13 years forming many strong relationships with the students he transported. John was a strong Christian who served as an elder, usher and Sunday School teacher for many years. John was always willing to lend a hand to anyone and saw the potential in everyone. He was predeceased by his parents Jack and Laura (nee Lobb), brothers Robert and Gilbert, sisters Mabel Lang and Pearl Shelvey, and one granddaughter Laura Perry. The Ceremony to Celebrate John's Life took place at Memories Chapel on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. Pastor Len Smith, of Bethel Christian Assembly, officiated. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of John may be made to ERDO, 2450 Milltower Court, Mississauga, ON L5N 5Z6. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 19, 2015