William James McKeen Phillips P. Eng.

Son of Levi and Annie (Smith). Bill was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Doris (Zwicker), sisters Ruth (Guy), Mary (Betty Redmond) and brother John. Survived by sons Dave and Peter and his grand and great-grandchildren.

Educated at LeMarchant St. School from where Bill watched the Hindenburg fly over in 1936; his time there included two years of classes in “the shack”. High School years were at Atlantic Academy.

The Second World War saw Bill employed at the Halifax Shipyard; always up the mast in the freezing cold or down in the hold in the stifling heat. Degaussing was an important job concluding with a short ceremony. Food left unattended in the officer’s mess was considered fair game.

Dad's working carreer started at Phillips Sales Company on Argyle Street and later on Saturdays at Rubins Mensware on Gottingen Street. Bill also worked as and announcer at CHNS.

Post War education continued. Three years at St. Mary’s University under careful eyes including those of Father Burke-Gaffney. Here Bill was able to seek the knowledge he thirsted for adding to his many practical skills previously acquired. He built furniture, an architectural model of his future home and an amazing hockey game with all his Leaf players favorite players. They skated down the ice operated by magnets! Did I mention painting and stamp collecting. Dad was also known for his beautiful writing skills.

1949 saw him attending N.S. Tech where he chose his final calling; Electrical Engineering!

Upon graduation in 1951 Bill worked for Nova Scotia Light and Power and in a few years was in charge of projects such as constructing Maple St. Substation (Dartmouth), electrical service to the Halifax Shopping Center, Tufts Cove I and Lequille Hydro in 1967 (the N. S. L. and P’s Centennial Project).

Then on to Annapolis Royal Generating Station, the world’s second largest tidal power project.

During his career Bill travelled Canada, Britain, France and Italy contracting suppliers and purchasing equipment.

Bill also found time to marry Doris Elizabeth in 1952 and start a family. 1958 saw them and them 38 other families start Towerview Co. Ltd. and develop Towerview Subdivision, including their own water supply.

Dad and four engineer buddies bought five adjoining lots and drew straws on the lots, Dad getting Lot 23; the one he wanted; #9. The rest is history; Bill was the longest surviving original resident. In 1983 “Towerview Inferno” was held, a day of community celebration ending with the burning of many paid off mortgage documents.

Bill retired in 1983 to spend time with Doris. Travel, including the yearly pilgrimage to PEI, Dad’s ancestral home, also England, always a favorite! Car trips to the USA visiting relatives.

Always active, Doris and Bill loved walking, bird watching and cross country skiing.

Bill always found time for Community Service. Cubs, Bethany United Church Board of Managers where Dad was a long time member, or Professional Associations such as APENS, IES or the Northwest Arm Heritage Association all benefitted from his involvement.

Dad’s list of regular correspondents included such names as Sobey, Black, and Irving. Bill fired off many missives to civic leaders and authorities; suggesting, cajoling and sometimes demanding.

Bill’s Love and Devotion to Doris was proven during the last decade of her life. Offering his care, advocating on her behalf and visiting daily. This care he selflessly extended to his sister Betty as she became unable to manage her own affairs.

Hanging up the car keys at 100, still owning three cars, Dad found his world closing in on him. He found this very hard but kept up many of his interests to the very end; wits sharp as ever.

Predeceased by wife Doris, sisters Ruth (Guy), Mary (Betty Redmond) and brother John. Bill is survived by his sons, David (Sarah), Peter (Laura), grandchildren Jemima and Ann, Jaclyn and Andrew and great grandchildren Kenyon and Aviana.

Bill’s wish was to be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be announced. Memories can be shared and donations made to any of Bill’s favorite charities: Heart and Stroke, IWK, SPCA. Interment in Camp Hill Cemetery; family plot.

A Life well well lived, free from disease and pain! AMAZING! REJOICE!