Philip E Major

Philip Edward Major (89) passed away April 22, 2015. He was born February 6, 1926, in Leamington, Ontario, Canada, to Cecily (Burrows) and Francis Major. He was one of eight children. He had a strong work ethic, getting his first job delivering papers when he was 6, but finding a number of other odd jobs as he grew up. Upon Canada's entry into WWII and the earliest date he was able, he joined the Canadian Merchant Navy (Merchant Marines) at the age of 17. He met Norine Burgess after the war and married her July 20, 1949. He worked a variety of jobs those first years while earning his engineer's papers. Then Phil worked for Detroit Diesel in London, Canada, until the family immigrated to Arizona in 1960. While in London, he was instrumental in streamlining the company's production line of railroad engines by developing the company's first computerized system (using punch cards). Then in Arizona Phil worked for Neil's Detroit Diesel and Automotive Sales Company in Heavy Machinery Sales, taking a variety of positions throughout the years. Ultimately he ended up in management, but continued to keep his hand in to make the company more proficient. He made the decision to move here because of Norine's health, despite the fact that his engineer's papers were not valid in the U.S. But he always believed that leaving all the family back home and moving so far was worth the sacrifice for it gave Norine many years of good health, allowing them to live a full and rich life. He and Norine had two children, Sheryl and William. Norine passed away in 2000 after 51 years of marriage. Phil married Lila Higgs Addie Freitag April 26, 2003. They were married until his death. Phil was an avid model railroad collector, photographer, gardener and cabinet maker. He was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Glendale, and was active in its renovation in early 2000. He often volunteered for a number of things there as well as having been elected to the vestry. Due to his rare blood type, he fervently supported United Blood Services, having donated more than 25 gallons of blood. He loved to travel and had been to all fifty U.S. states and all ten Canadian provinces. Phil is survived by his children, Sheryl Major and William, grandchildren Michael Voogd (Sharon), Sean Voogd, Jennifer Major, eleven great grandchildren, and three of his siblings, Frances (Doyle), Paul and David. His sister Margaret (Kearney), three brothers, Felix, Mark, and Peter, and his granddaughter Lynnette Major preceded him in death. Lila's children David (Carolyn) Addie, Jolynn (Steve) Clarke, Judy Addie and Dennis Addie were privileged to have known and loved him. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to United Blood Services or to Ironwood Cancer and Research Center, c/o Truth, Love and Change Foundation of Gilbert, Arizona.