Obituary of John Phillips

Obituary In Loving Memory of John "Jack" Phillips. Born August 24, 1938 Ottawa Ontario. Husband, Father, Grandfather Brother, you may not be here but you are with us always. Honorary Memorial Service 2:00 pm. Sunday, September 22, 2013 at the S/S Ranch in Charlie Lake. Jack was born and raised in the Ottawa area. It was during his high school years he was lured to the West.---Jasper where he was employed as a golf caddy, table waiter and mine worker. He attended Carleton University in Ottawa, University of BC and University of Saskatchewan. He was very involved in hockey. For a time, Jack made a living at being a pro hockey player being hired on as their star Forward in various cities across Canada. Eventually his hockey and adventurous spirit ventured him to Yellowknife, NWT where he met his future wife, Rosemary Nowosad who was of kindred spirit. They skated, they skied, they hiked, they danced and then they married. They married in Prince George and there their 3 Children were born, Karree, Shawna-Marie and Monte. But the Peace River lured them and they settled in the Charlie Lake area following their dream to ranch. They proceeded to lease and purchase land at Mile 68 Alaska Highway for the next 40 years---heartaches and rock fests and pioneering, but they persevered and diversified into Certified Organic farming. Jack was a Journeyman pipe fitter specializing in instrumentation. Jack's need for adventure continued to call him while supplementing his income he continued his ranching and traveled to various places. With his movie star good looks heads would turn when he walked down the street. As he aged, gracefully with his Grey hair, many said how he looked like actor Sam Elliot. Jack loved a good gathering and with Rosemary they would tear up the dance floor. All heartaches were mended. Dad was a feisty, colorful, strong willed character and many remember him clearing Mile 68...especially Forestry. It took Dad a few years to learn that good fences make good neighbors. Dad had a passion for collecting, getting distracted at Auctions was not uncommon. Jack enjoyed community gatherings and was involved with hockey, coaching and refereeing Jack had an insatiable desire for knowledge "drilled" for information, meticulate with words, writing in journals, and an avid reader - leaving his comments and underlining in books whether you wanted them there or not. If he had an opinion he was sure to share it, clear, direct and to the point. If you disagreed he was up for the battle. If you were able to go toe-to-toe, Jack would not be above backing down. Either way, drill and debate fueled his desire for knowledge. His intelligence was motivating and inspiring. He left us September 13, 2013 after battling Colon Cancer. Jack is survived by his wife Rosemary Phillips, eldest daughter Karree Phillips Brannen (and husband Doug Brannen, daughter Savannah-Rose ), middle daughter Shawna Phillips Lock (and husband Troy Lock, Sawyer, Kashton, Tyne, Tiana, Macey) and son Monte Phillips (and wife Kristen Phillips, Destin (great grandson Michah) Kylund and Kalem). Sisters Sheila and Gladys Sisters and Brother-In-Laws Don &Helen Small, Irene Nowosad, Jeanette&Brian Merrifield and Donald Nowosad. Cousin Harold and Bobbie Cambell. His adventurous spirit will live on ... along his side his kindred spirit , in a Helicopter ride, to spread his ashes... Dear God, Please bless my husband - in my own way, Jack, you were my life, you were my love, ... For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 In Lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy can be made to the Fort St. John Child Development Center. Services