Philip Graham Henderson

Philip Graham Henderson age 84 of Halifax, passed away peacefully at the QE2 on December 15th, 2024. Born in Truro on April 15th, 1940, he was the fifth child to Donald Brenton Henderson and Marjorie Forbes Campbell of Brookfield, Nova Scotia. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 61 years, Judy (Jackson) of Truro; his three beloved children: Peter (Cathy), Halifax; Mark (Pam), Moncton; Jay, Halifax; and four grandchildren he put on a pedestal: Nathan, Dartmouth; Riley, Halifax; Allison and Eric of Moncton, New Brunswick. He is also survived by his brothers: Terry (Mary), Mike (Brenda) Brookfield; sister Judy Matheson (Hughie), Brookfield; as well as many nieces and nephews who he was equally proud of their accomplishments. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Robert, Turk and Ned and his close cousin Bobby Campbell who he considered a brother.

Phil loved most sports from a very young age. He excelled as a youth at hockey, soccer, and fastpitch. He was very passionate about these sports from his early days at South Colchester High and later at Mount Allison and Nova Scotia Technical College. His fierce competitive spirit surprised many as he was so nice when not competing. This competitiveness drove his success in sports and life as he hated losing. Playing in the MT&T ‘Gentlemen’s Hockey League’ he was always near the top of the scoring lead and penalty minutes. He had many sports accomplishments over his years in sports at all levels. Some of his proudest included: leading South Colchester High to a Provincial title in Soccer and being named MVP of his Mt. A soccer team, playing hockey alongside his brother Ned at Mount Allison and being an outfielder for the Brookfield Elks at the National Championships in 1971. In his later years and retirement, he enjoyed and did very well in golf (Oakfield and Grandview) and curling (Dartmouth). He recorded a hole-in-one in golf at Grandview in 2017 only a few weeks apart from his son Mark.

Phil was a graduate of South Colchester High, Mount Allison University and Nova Scotia Technical College (TUNS today). He graduated with Electrical Engineering despite being severely colour blind. He was adept at hiding this from his fellow students, Professors and co-workers unless he dressed himself in the morning without any help from Judy. Following graduation from University, Phil was hired by Maritime Telegraph and Telephone in 1963. He had a very successful 33-year career with MT&T with increasingly Senior roles – culminating with General Manager of Network Services. At work he was renowned for his approachability and patience and willingness to listen and give advice. He treated everyone equally and was considered a mentor by many co-workers. He made many lifelong friends at work including people from across the Country and in particular Atlantic Canada.

Phil had a very strong belief in giving back to the community. This included his time, energy and in many cases his wallet. He volunteered many hours outside raising his family and handling his commitments with work. He was very active and a valued member with the Rockingham United Church, a Past President of the Nova Scotia Special Olympics, Cub and Scout Leader, President for the Telephone Pioneers, coached Minor Hockey and Baseball, and was an early Treasurer for the Maskwa Aquatic and Canoeing Club.

Phil loved all music, but Country music was his favourite. He wasn’t musically inclined, but he never let that stop him from singing along to his favourite tunes or ‘dancing up a storm’. He lived in our family home in Rockingham for the past 57 years and loved looking after his gardens and yard. He kept current on world events and loved to keep his mind sharp by working on puzzles, crosswords and Sudoku. Phil and Judy had many great trips they both enjoyed over the years. They travelled throughout North America with Hawaii, Nassau, New Orleans, Nashville and San Francisco being some of his favorites.

He will be remembered most for his kindness, generosity, integrity and smile. This made him a friend to almost everyone he met and he impressed upon his kids/grandkids the need to treat everyone with dignity, respect and equality. His unselfishness was on display daily. A small example of this was his willingness as a Department Head at MT&T to take the bus to and from work for many years so his family would have a car at home.

He was so proud of all his grandkids. Never missing an important milestone for any of them, he was supportive to them all as they worked their way through High School, University and work. He made a point to be there for all of them and they knew he was available whenever they needed him to be whether it was as a cheerleader, chauffer, financer or life-coach. Like all of us they will miss him terribly.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the Cardio Care Unit team (6.4) on the 6th Floor of the QEII. Their care, patience and support over his final days was greatly appreciated! In lieu of flowers, we ask you to make donations to a charity of your choice. Phil was a generous man (almost to a fault) and nothing would make him happier or respect his memory more than a kind donation to a charitable organization on his behalf. Cremation has taken place, visitation for Phil will be held Friday, December 20th from 2:00-4:00pm and again from 6:00-8:00pm at J.A. Snow Funeral Home 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. Online condolences may be made at: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com