John Patrick Phillips

Surrounded by loved ones on Monday, December 18, 2023 at the age of 62, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. John was the beloved husband of Nelson Sab. Born on June 17, 1961 to his loving parents William and Barbara Phillips. They will dearly miss their son. John will be fondly remembered by his siblings, nephews, nieces, chosen family and all his family & friends.

John’s photography took him all around the world, extensively travelling. When he returned to Toronto, he began a new path of entrepreneurship, real estate, and

developing beautiful homes. John met the love of his life, Nelson. They married and created a beautiful life and home together.

John, the visionary photographer leaves behind a legacy that transcends his artistic contributions.

Private arrangements and cremation has taken place through Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home. A celebration of life to honour John will be held in the near future.

His images, featured in magazines, became a source of escapism and empowerment for a community facing stigma.

In an era shadowed by the pervasive threat of AIDS within the gay community, Phillips fearlessly pioneered a unique approach to photographing male nudes. His images, featured in magazines, became a source of escapism and empowerment for a community facing stigma. These evocative photographs not only showcased the aesthetic prowess of the male body but also celebrated homosexuality during a time of societal challenges.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, he founded the John Phillips Foundation, dedicated to preserving and sharing LGBTQ2+ photography for its historical significance. A former professional photographer himself, Phillips aimed to make this invaluable archive accessible to students and the public, ensuring the remembrance of LGBTQ2+ individuals' legacy.

The Foundation's commitment extends beyond preservation, as it annually awards a $15,000 scholarship to an LGBTQ2S+ homeless youth. This scholarship provides a fresh start, covering first/last month's rent and essential supplies. Moreover, the recipient receives a camera to document their journey, with their images exhibited to showcase the profound impact of the scholarship.

John P. Phillips' Foundation is more than a repository of memories; it's a beacon of support for those teetering on the edge, offering a helping hand and capturing the essence of hope through the lens of compassion. In the wake of Phillips' passing, his legacy lives on through the Foundation's mission to uplift and empower those in need.