Philip Desmond Pacey

Born in Brandon, Manitoba on October 8, 1941, he was the first of seven children of the late WC Desmond and Mary (Carson) Pacey. Phil was predeceased by his parents and sister Patricia Bird.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Elizabeth (Young) Pacey, and siblings Mary Ann Johnson (David), Peter (Kim), Margaret (Gilles), Michael (Karen), Penelope, and many nieces and nephews.

Phil grew up in Fredericton where his father was a faculty member at UNB and his mother an accomplished artist. He graduated from Fredericton High School with the highest matriculation marks in the province then travelled to Montreal for his BSc (Honours) at McGill. Next he completed his PhD under the supervision of John Polanyi at the University of Toronto. After pursuing post doctoral studies in physical chemistry in the UK, he joined the faculty of Dalhousie University where he conducted research and taught chemistry for more than 30 years.

After Phil and Elizabeth moved to Halifax in1971 they became increasingly involved in the struggle to preserve the city’s historic architecture, an activity which Phil pursued full time upon his retirement. He served as Chair of the Municipal Planning Advisory Committee. For Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia, he served as President, Chair of the HRM Committee, and was currently serving as Chair of the Buildings at Risk Committee.

Phil was involved in many heritage projects and issues. He calculated the visual impact of developments in downtown Halifax. He organized the restoration of the steeple of historic Fort Massey Church which included a continent-wide search for the special matching golden-hued bricks. The bricks were discovered and transported from Nebraska. He spearheaded and coordinated the move of historic Morris House through downtown Halifax from its south end neighbourhood to its new north end location. The Georgian house, built in 1764, was especially heavy due to its brick nogging (insulation) so that its dramatic ride up steep streets and along major thoroughfares occurred slowly during two bitterly cold January nights.

Phil was highly respected for his intellect and his generous spirit. He will be remembered by the academic community as an avid researcher and a dedicated and caring teacher. He was a local leader and Canadian icon for those who were committed to preserving architectural heritage and his passion and tireless devotion to the Halifax cityscape will be sorely missed. Phil will be forever remembered by friends, family and especially his wife, Elizabeth for his humour, his honesty and his kind heart.

A funeral and committal service will be held for the family then a public reception will take place at Fort Massey Church (corner of Queen and Tobin, 5303 Tobin Street, Halifax) on November 8th from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM (remarks at 3:00 PM).

For those who wish, sympathy may be expressed through donations to Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia.