William Joseph Phillips

Survived by sons Donald (Marie) and Spencer (Sue) Phillips, grandchildren Kenzie (Lesley), Leah (Matt) and Connor (Kaitlin) Phillips, god-daughters Nancy Giovanetti and Dale Mackie, sisters Elizabeth MacDonald and Joan Stewart, step-brother Alan Baillie, as well as his extended family on Ferguson Lane where he was "Uncle Bill" to those both related and not. Predeceased by wife Edith (nee Ferguson), brothers Charles, Allister and Stewart Phillips, sister Olive Hill and step-brother Bill Baillie.

Bill's mother died young, and he and siblings were raised back on the family farm in Mira Gut by his beloved aunt Irene Lloyd. While still a young boy, he milked the cows and then made the fire in the wood stove at the one-room school every morning before his classmates and teacher arrived. Farming, fishing and driving road construction machinery ensued before he started a long career with Devco, all the while still dabbling in farming, logging and milling lumber. Retiring in his late 50's as Production Coordinator at the Central Shops complex in Glace Bay.

Hobbies over the years were many; fishing, hunting, hockey, bowling, and after retirement he took up golf, and was proud to have been able to play into his late 80's. A collection of four gold putters from holes-in-one at Lingan Golf & Country Club adorned his hearth.

His involvement in the community was a huge part of his life; volunteering his time with many organizations, including the Port Morien Development Association, Scouts Canada and the Morien County Fair. He was a man of great faith, an elder in St John's United Church, where he took care of the Black Brook cemetery for the better part of thirty years. Up until only a few weeks ago, still mowing the eight acres of his own on Ferguson Lane, his walker in a cart on the back of his ride-on.

Bill was a hard-working man, never still from morning to night and as strong as an ox. He could turn his hand to anything and was always the first one out plowing snow for his much younger neighbours. He loved a cup of tea and a tin full of homemade cookies. He knew the genealogy of everyone within a hundred-mile radius, and loved to regale stories of his past.

And he was kind. A fella who would do anything for you. Nothing was too much trouble. His big laugh matched his big heart. Everyone who knew him will miss him dearly.

Cremation has taken place, and Bill will be laid to rest at the St John's Cemetery in Black Brook, beside his beloved Edie, on her birthday, May 21, 2022. Details TBA. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.pattenfuneral.com.