Obituary of Gordon Albert Phillips

PHILLIPS: Dad left us on the tenth day of this month after courageously battling diabetes and kidney disease. When it became obvious that the Lord wanted him, Dad in typical fashion told us he was prepared to go. Gordon Albert Phillips was born in Toronto on November 8, 1921. He was the youngest of four boys born to Violet and Charles Phillips - a family that could trace their origins to the United Empire Loyalists. He grew up in Toronto, becoming a popular student and athlete and at the age of sixteen met the first love of his life, Agnes McMahon. Four years later Gordon would marry Agnes and set off to serve his country with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Gordon served with distinction in the Mediterranean theatre, flying Wellington bombers in North Africa and during the tumultuous siege of the Malta. He was saved from deployment to the Asian theatre by Truman's decision to drop the Atomic bomb and ended his military career with rank of Flight Lieutenant. Back in Canada, Gordon would complete an agronomist course and in 1946 set off for Brandon to become a seed analyst and commercial salesman for McKenzie Seeds -a position he would hold until 1966 when he changed careers to become an insurance agent and broker. He remained an active broker at Phillips Insurance agency right up until his final illness in August 2010. It was in 1965 that Gordon began his long association with the Kiwanis Club of Brandon, which for 45 years proved to be a great source of companionship and community spirit. Dad was a tremendous athlete playing semipro lacrosse in the 1930's and excelling in basketball when he became an active member of the Brandon YMCA. He joined the Badminton club and was a vigorous player well into his sixties. In his latter years, he became an active golfer, a game that he especially enjoyed for the companionship, which he found with his fellow players. He also remained a devoted fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. Dad lost his beloved Agnes, the mother of his three sons, on February 28, 1974. Dad was not prepared to accept a bachelor's life and entered a second wonderful marriage to Dawna Kelleher, which lasted until her premature death in 2000. During their time together, Gordon and Dawna travelled throughout the globe. Memories of these travels gave Dad a great sense of fulfillment in his final years. Dad will be remembered fondly by his three sons; Larry of Fort Frances, ON, Brian of Sussex, NB, and Don of Brandon; his daughter-in-law Elizabeth; his cherished grandchildren, Joseph, Patrick, Colin, Michael and Mary Kate; as well as all surviving members of the Phillips, Kelleher, McMahon families and special niece, Elizabeth Brand and her children. Dad's remarkable personality and love of people left a great impression on his clients and inspired his devoted staff. The good humour and companionship that he found in his work carried Dad throughout his tremendously long business career .The sense of good will created at his workplace along with the love of his family and faith in his church ensured that Gordon Phillips passed away confident that he lived a good and full life. Cremation has taken place. A service was held at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church on October 15, 2010. We ask that any donations be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 727B-10th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4G7 or to a charity of your choice.