Ray Phillips

December 8,1941 - November 1, 2023

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ray Phillips on November 1, 2023 after a brief illness. Left to mourn are his wife of 58 years, the love of his life April Lynne, his brother Ross Phillips (Karen), nieces and nephew Kristin Phillips, Wendy Havens (Simon), Greg Phillips (Julie) and sister in-law Gail Kirbyson (Kerry), nieces and nephews Laura Kirbyson (Troy), Gordon Kirbyson (Rose), Robert Kirbyson (Catherine), Christine Groll (Calvin), Lois Phillips, and all his extended family and friends.

It is always hard to lose someone we love, and that is especially true when it is someone like Ray who was such a shining light and whose absence will be deeply felt by all those who loved him. Although his light has been extinguished, he will never be forgotten. He left his mark and will live on in our memories and in our hearts.

When we think of Ray, we will remember a kind, gentle, caring man who gave of himself and was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand or provide support whenever and wherever it was needed. We will remember his strength of character and the way he faced adversity with courage and perseverance. We will remember his wonderful sense of humour, his zest for life, his upbeat, good­ natured, easy-going personality. He was calm, steady, a port in a storm. Although even-tempered and not given to anger, he was fiercely loyal and very protective of those he loved and quick to come to their defence when the situation called for it. His love was absolute and unconditional. He had a strong moral compass and whatever flaws he may have had were far outweighed by the excellent qualities that defined him. He was a very good man.

Ray loved life and savoured every moment of it, especially when it came to sports. He was naturally gifted and seemed to excel at whatever sport he took up. In his early years he played baseball and was a star pitcher. He was also a top-notch curler and an excellent skip. He loved a challenge and was great under pressure, so curling was a perfect fit. Having to make that clutch shot to win the game was right up his alley. It was a sad day when he had to give up a sport he loved, but rather than lamenting the loss, he quickly found a substitute in cross-country skiing. He started off with classic-style skiing and then switched to skate skiing because he found it more challenging and therefore more enjoyable. Another sport he excelled at was judo, and obtaining his black belt was an achievement he was particularly proud of.

Although sports played a big role in Ray's life, so too did his friends. He saw them as the gift that keeps on giving, and what he received he gave back in equal measure. He made friends easily, and the friends he made stayed, some of them going all the way back to his early childhood. There was nothing he wouldn't do for a friend, and opportunities to get together with them were always joyful occasions. Regular trips to the Okanagan and Vancouver Island provided opportunities to stay in touch with his friends out west. And there were also good times with friends at the cottage at Falcon Lake, a place for relaxation and oftentimes inspiration.

While Ray will be remembered for many things, his talent and artwork will always stand out. He received his formal art training at the University of Manitoba School of Fine Art and began his career as a commercial artist, first working at his father's commercial art studio, Phillips Gutkin and Associates, and later at Brigdens. In 1969, he and his father started their own company, Phillips Advertising Production Ltd., and he began expanding and honing his artistic skills. He mastered the airbrush technique and became a phenomenal photographic retoucher. He also took up photography, at which he excelled, and began doing technical illustrations and other aspects of advertising for local agencies and major corporations such as Sony. He loved tackling difficult projects and also the challenge of working under pressure to meet tight deadlines. Despite the demands of a thriving commercial art business, he always made time for his own creative work, eventually turning his full attention to painting and producing limited edition prints. He claimed he never worked a day in his life, such was the joy he derived from his commercial art career and his painting.

In recent years, Ray's life changed dramatically as he faced a host of health problems, problems he endured with grace and incredible inner strength. Never one to complain or wallow in self-pity, he focused instead on how lucky he was to have wonderful friends and a supportive family. His sense of humour served him well during these difficult times because no matter how dire the situation he could always find some aspect of it that was amusing.

Ray will be remembered for his exceptional talent and his artwork, his kind heart, his resilience and unfailing positive mindset in the face of ongoing adversity, and of course his sense of humour. He will be sorely missed by all those who loved him, and there were many. But there is comfort in knowing he is now at peace and free from pain and suffering. He led an exemplary life, and that is a fitting tribute to a wonderful man.

In keeping with Ray's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023, at St. Peter's Anglican Church, 755 Elm Street, Winnipeg.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Canadian Lung Association or to a charity of your choice.

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness; but still will keep a bower quiet for us; and a sleep full of sweet dreams and health and quiet breathing. (John Keats)