Phillip Earl Ellis

Born June 23rd, 1935 in Middleton, Nova Scotia, the youngest son and the 4th of 7 children to Odber & Elsie (Sheridan) Ellis. Phil grew up in Port George, Nova Scotia with his siblings, Carl (Lucille), Jack (Doreen), Delores (Gerry), Pat (Gordon), Madilyn (Jess), and Jane (Ron).

Phil eventually moved to Halifax and worked odd jobs including at the Dominion fruit department where he would meet the love of his life, Jean Pearl (Baker) Simpson in 1954.

Phil and Jean married in Halifax on October 5th, 1956 and shared an amazing 67 years together, raising 3 children, Bruce, Chris (Candace), and Susan (Terry), whom they loved dearly. They raised their family in Halifax where Phil would spend 25 years as a proud Firefighter from 1969-1994. Phil was posted at different stations throughout Halifax during his career before serving in Upper Stewiacke where he, Jean, and their children would spend what they recall as some of their fondest years (1975-1980) before returning back to Halifax to the Bayers Road Fire Station until his honourable retirement in 1994 while living on Roslyn Road. He and Jean then settled at Seabright, their beautiful home on the cove, that would become filled with love, laughter, and special memories to last a lifetime.

He was a loving Uncle to 32+ nieces and nephews and was considered the best Grampie ever to 6 lucky Grandchildren; Ryan (Kathryn), Danielle (James), Kyle, Ashley (Doug), Cody, and Josh. He was fortunate to be called Great Grampie by Everett, Anna, Allie Jean, Skylar, and Austin.

He was also a dear friend to many including to Diane and Barry Whiting, Marie Hubley, Paul Hubley, Dorothy and Darrell Williams, and Claudette MacNeil.

Phil loved Newfoundland music and loved playing with his buddies. Music brought his family together, it would always be playing throughout the house. He could play the accordion with the best of them. Phil was a fisherman and you could often find him up at the crack of dawn to get out on the water. He shared this passion that was passed down from his father and growing up in Port George with his children and grandchildren. He would teach them everything from how to fish, to how to drive a boat, to simply building up their confidence when they had “good sea legs”.

Phil loved playing cards, especially crib. He would beat the pants off anyone who played him and even beat Susan at their final game.

Phil was an animal lover and had many pets throughout his life. He even had a hobby farm in Upper Stewiacke. He loved watching all the different types of birds that would visit Seabright throughout the year and he never complained when his kids and grandkids would bring around all their dogs for him to love and snuggle.

If you asked anyone who knew him, they would tell you that Phil was one of the hardest working people you’d ever meet. A jack of all trades. The strong silent type with a heart of gold. He was beloved and will be missed by so many.

The family would like to thank Dr. Peggy Leighton and Dr. Peter Leighton for all of their kindness and care throughout the years. They would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Palliative Care unit at the Victoria General Hospital for the dignified care they provided Phil during his final days. A service to celebrate Phil will be held at JA Snow Funeral Home at 339 Lacewood Drive in Halifax on Monday, October 2nd at 2pm with a small reception/visitation after the service for all who would like to attend from 3pm-4:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia. The family will also have a table set up before the service to accept any non perishable food items or donations for the local food bank.