Philip Gerald Craig

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Philip Gerald Craig age 69, on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Science Centre in Halifax, N.S. Born in 1954, he was raised in Dartmouth, the youngest son of Helen (née Pyke) Craig the late John Craig. Aside from his father, Philip is predeceased by his brother John (Ann), his sister-in-law Alcida (Jean) and Jean-Roland (Thérèse) who was a surrogate grandfather to his two sons.

He is survived by his loving soulmate and wife of 40 years, Marthe (née LeBlanc) Craig, his beloved sons Mathieu (Gordon) and Patrick (Stéphanie), his mother Helen, his brother Charlie (Donna), his sisters Carol (Robert d) and Joan (Tommy), his mother-in-law Elizabeth, his sister-in-law Réjeanne (Liz), his brother and sister-in-law and friends Zoël and Vivian, their three children Zachary, Kristien and Stéfan as wells as his other nieces, nephews and many other extended family members.

A proud member of U.A. Local 56, he worked as a plumber and pipefitter for Western Plumbing and Heating Ltd and later, Black and Macdonald for over 35 years. Phil, as he was known to those who were close to him, was a dedicated employee and loved working with his hands, enjoying many hours in his carpentry workshop or building model ships.

Phil loved the great outdoors, whether hunting in the Cape Breton Highlands or fishing in the lakes around Dartmouth he found peace in the quiet of nature. He also spent many, not so quiet, hours in the woods looking for a golf ball. A lifelong lover of hockey and a Leafs fan, Phil delighted in being the odd one out in a family of Habs supporters. He was also a strong advocate for minor league hockey, serving as a coach for over 15 years in the Sackville Minor Hockey Association.

Phil was proud of his Scottish roots and was an active member and one-time president of the Halifax Burns Club. He relished in the outreach work the club provided to senior citizens and other members of his community. He wore his kilt with pride at all of life’s important events.

Travelling was one of Phil and Marthe’s great pleasures in life. Whether it was RVing through western Canada, biking through Germany, backpacking through Italy or laying on a beach in the Caribbean, he was at his best while enjoying the sights and sounds of foreign places. He will be sorely missed by their travel buddies Zoël and Vivian.

Above all else, he was a proud and loving husband and father and expressed no greater joy than when he was surrounded by his wife, sons and their partners for a stiff whiskey and a funny story. His absence leaves an immeasurable void in their lives. Phil is remembered by all for his sense of humour and positive outlook on life which carried him through all the challenges he faced, especially in his last years.

Phil’s family want to thank the doctors and nurses at the Hematology Unit at the QEII for their dedication to his wellbeing. In particular to the work of Dr. Shivakumar and Clinical Nurse Kaitlyn McPhee.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 25th at 10:00 am at JA Snow Funeral Home (339 Lacewood Dr, Halifax) with a visitation from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday the 24th. The Celebration of Life will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. The interment will be held at a later date for close family members only.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phil’s name to the Ride for Cancer organized by the QEII Health Sciences Centre or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.