I remeber John from when he first opened his auto spare shop in Mitcham Surrey, England. 

I was a regular customer, probably because of the old cars I kept on buying. John  always had a smile on his face and, always friendly.

I moved from Mitcham in 1980s. Found out about John on mitcham memories facebook site.

God bless you John 






Oh wow, what a shock, I have only just found out about John's passing, I have supported Chelsea since 1971, from the age of 13, John was my favourite player and I felt that he was underestimated and undervalued during his time at Chelsea. He was always very appreciative of his fans and always appreciated the Christmas and birthday presents we sent to him at Stamford Bridge, I will always remember one Christmas we bought him the Diana Ross anthology album and as our school was very close to Stamford Bridge, I decided in my wisdom to go to the bridge in my dinner break and deliver the said album in person, he was thankful, but, I got back to school very late...and ended up in detention, John, you were worth it.  I kept in contact after he left Chelsea, or rather my husband did, as a first year wedding anniversary present, he arranged with John to come to dinner with us, we went to an Italian restaurant in the Kings Road. There are many more stories that I have to share about the loyalty of this man as I said before, he truly appreciated his fans. John, if there are goal posts in heaven, you will be the master of them, RIP Sticks, a legend that will never be forgotten, a true gentleman 

We found this site by chance and loved to read all the wonderful memories shared about John. It is hard but comforting at the same time to see his friendly face. This is how we will remember him, sitting on our patio enjoying a nice dinner and a vigorous conversation. And when I brought him his Marzipan Stollen from Germany at Christmastime I will always remember the pleasure on John´s face taking the first bite. 
Traveling to Florida will never be the same, he won´t be there....
We will miss you greatly John, Heike & Eckhard

What made John so special to me was how captivated I was in his company. Long before I even understood his career as a footballer, John always had my undivided attention. When I think about the person I am today, I owe such a huge amount to the effort John would put in to educating us grandchildren and how effortless he made it feel. Whether it was how to revolutionise English football or the best way to open a carton of apple juice - he always knew best.
 
Now he never needed to tell me that. Nor did he. But when I reflect on the time we spent together, I can count the uncountable times we were deep in conversation and I came away having not just learnt something new but had a completely different way of thinking about it.  A man capable of marrying the authoritative manner of a mentor with the affection of the kindest nurturer. 
Not just spending his time talking to us, John also spent a lot of time talking about us. Along with Nan, they were always reminiscing the cherished moments from our childhoods. It truly is so heartwarming to think about how proud he was as our grandparent, he used to worry about boring us by retelling the same old stories but we never tired of them.
 
He wasn't completely perfect, mind you. His rendition of Roxanne was his downfall. Although his ability to add two completely different songs into one complete number was impressive. But in all seriousness, I couldn't thank him enough for what he's given me as a person and what Nan will continue to give. He was so bloody humble I don't know if he ever truly realised just how much of an important person he was. 
 
One thing is for sure: He knew how much I loved him.
 
How much we all loved him.


Poignant. Eloquent. Hilarious. Loving. Caring. Wise. Respectful. Skillful. Patient. The list is endless...

John, you have always been such an excellent role model. Your sense of humour, genius wit, technical mind and calming patience empowered me as a young boy (after a few years of tantrums). There was not a single dull day in your company, and I am so sad that I will never have that again. However, I will always have the amazing memories that you blessed me with and the knowledge that you had such a profound and meaningful effect on, not only mine but so many people's lives. You are a credit to Humanity John Phillips, and I, along with many many people, will miss you dearly. 
All my love to you, Nan and all my love to Nanny John x

Sue and Family,
It is with profound sadness that we learned of John's passing as we were on our drive home to Nova Scotia after spending four wonderful months at Venetian. 
His dry wit, friendly personality and knowledge made conversation with John a JOY!!
We will always remember John as a caring, thoughtful and kind person with that wonderful smile for everyone. Sue, may many treasured memories help ease the pain. When The Lord called your John's name, He took one of the best.
One so special can be taken from your life but never from your heart. Love and remembrance last forever.
Special thoughts are with you and the family.
Eugene and Dale Balcom, Halifax, NS Canada

We know God's side will be giving up fewer goals now that you're in net. You left us way too soon, but fortunately memories last forever.  Steve and Cheryl

I met John years ago when I was living with Maggie and the children as a french au-pair. He was great, always smiling away and joking. He was always teasing me with my french accent and he loved to imitate me! He was very kind, asking me questions about my family, my country. He will be deeply missed...All my thoughts to Sue and the family. I will go to the Cathedral to light a candle for him. XXX Véronique

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sue and the family.
Mark and Sue Donovan 

John always had a wonderful smile, a story and a joke to share whenever Jim and I met him.  He will be deeply missed.  
Our sincere sympathy to Sue and the Phillips family
Mary Lynn and Jim Beaven


We first met John when we rented John and Sue's property in Venetian nine years ago.  We can remember the first day we met this very friendly, happy and enthusiastic person with an English accent . We felt like we had just met someone who loved his life.
Each year we would arrive from Canada and looked forward to his lively personality and his great sense of humour. In many ways, John was a positive influence on us returning each year and eventually deciding to purchase a property here. We continued to maintain contact with John, whether it was a quick conversation from his Property Maintenance / alternate use golf cart or at social get togethers. We often asked for his recommendations and other times we had  conversations with him where he often used his unique style of delivering an impromptu, comment or wisecrack, which always made us smile! John's sense of humour was very unique, and we loved it. 
Sue, and family, we very sorry John was taken far too soon. We miss him very much. 
Paula and Gordon Hiltz


Gerald and Barbara are so saddened to hear of Johns passing. He touched our lives and we spent many good times together in Florida and back here in the UK. He was a very generous and kind man and will be missed by all his friends and family. Our heart goes out to Susan Emma Gary and all the family..xx

May you rest in peace thanks for your time at Chelsea F.C. Lovely chap and top goalkeeper. Condolences to the family .From John Naughton Chelsea FC supporter

Thank you for your service to Chelsea FC. Chelsea Supporters Club.

R.I.P. John,a true gentleman,& totally Professional Goalkeeper,condolences to the family,from Steve Moss..Chelsea F.C. supporter 

You were not just a Grandfather to my children; you were a father figure and the love, guidance and great memories that you gave to them will be forever in their hearts. My thanks to you also for your friendship, support in difficult times and most of all for just always being there for my children. You were one of the decent, hard working and kind men; I truly hope that my son will follow suit, that is my wish. RIP John and God Bless. Mags x

We have known John only as a neighbour and casual friend, but his positive influence will remain with us forever.
Our lives and characters are mostly shaped by events and the influence of people.
Our parents, teachers, world leaders, athletes, entertainers and yes, even a neighbour can help shape, if not who we are, at least who we aspire to be.
John was and will continue to be one our heroes......our reference or model of an ordinary person who demonstrated total dedication to family, work, play and a strong desire to be better at everything he did.
The way he confronted, battled and finally accepted his illness will always be a great example of bravery for us.
To Sue and family: Be proud of your husband, father and grandfather.
To John:  You will continue to be a positive reference on how to live one's life.

Mario & Betty


John first got in touch with me on a Sunny day in June 2011. I did not know him and I really found strange that someone from America would contact me to seek help on his business in UK. From temporarily assisting while he would find someone permanent (my original idea), I actually ended up staying on a permanent basis which allow me to get to John a bit better.  The words I used the most were "John you are a star"; "Thank you Mr", "Thank you as always". In fact those words I can use to best to describe him and his impact in my life.  Never had the opportunity to meet him personally (face-to-face) but the feeling I have is that I always worked with him and I knew him quite well. It was a delight getting to know him and Sue. We joked so many times and he was always there to support me. He was a star of a boss and a friend too.  I am very thankful that he made contact on that Sunny day in June 2011. I am very sadness by news and my thoughts are with all the family.  "John you were a star that brightened my life and and I am very thankful for all our support throughtout!". You will never be forgotten. Xxx Thank you Mr!

John was a very special friend who we will greatly miss and never forget!

It feels so wrong to be writing a tribute to a man  taken so young - whose only vice was nougat and vimto. But he was a man who I am fortunate enough to have known and cared about a great deal. 
John you were incredibly loving and caring and you enriched the lives of those around you. 
I will never forget how supportive you were to me throughout my childhood and teenage years. 
You were a fantastic role model to us all. A realist with such zest for life and a wicked sense of humour. You taught us that if we wanted nice things in life, we needed to work hard for them - as you had done. 
You will be so sorely missed. Sending love and strength to your soul mate.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

You have had such an important influence on my life. I will never be able to thank you enough for the opportunities you were able to give me growing up. Including aiding me through university, giving me driving lessons in your golf buggy and giving me my first curry are just a few! 
I have so many amazing memories that we were able to build together. I will never again go down a country lane without thinking of the wiggly road! We loved our weekends with you when we were younger and our amazing holidays out in florida as we got older. You were able to give us amazing experiences and we are truly grateful.
You are a real inspiration in all that you've done, you've always worked hard to get what you want and a perfect role model for us. I love you so much and will never have a day go by that I don't think of you. 
You and Nan have always been there for us all and we truly appreciate it all. You've always been there to help make wise decisions and guide me down the best paths possible. I couldn't have wished for a better grandad and will make sure Scarlett knows how amazing you are. I just hope I can help guide her as well as you've done for us.
Love always 
Leona

Dear Sue - what a super photograph of John.  We shall remember him like this for always, and we shall miss him in our lives so much.   Much love Susie and Andrew

To Sue, Emma, Linda and Gary,
Holding you all in my heart.
To John,
How I will miss your unique sense of humor, wackiness and even the teasing!
Love, Lillibet

Dear Susan
We are deeply sorry to hear of John' passing, our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult times.
Although I haven't been in regular contact with John I thought of him often and I am sorry to learn that he had been ill for some time.
I haven't met you before but just to explain I came to England to look after Emma as an au pair, speaking hardly any English, John was so patient and kind, speaking very slowly and clearly, explaining things the easy way and he helped me enormously, but he was that sort of person kind and patient.
Now I have come to realise that I should have kept in touch which I regret. Please pass on my condolences to Emma even though she will not remember me.
With love Mercedes and Nick


Dear Sue & Family.
Thinking of you all at this very sad time, I had the pleasure of working with John my Boss for many years, I have great memories of him that I will never ever forget, You will be sadly missed John.
God Bless love Karen & Family.


John and Sue have been such special friends of ours for 30+ years. Can't believe we won't see that brilliant smile again. Lots of love to you Sue xx

I'm very sad about the loss of my grandad, he was such a wonderful person that I'm so very happy was apart of my life since I was young, I never thought of him as my step-grandad, he was my grandad, I was told that he was very attached to me and would always offer to look after me when I was younger, I had this white suit that I wore in the winter and he said that I looked like a snowball so he called me snowball. We've had a lot wonderful memories that I will cherish forever, I remember before my Nan and Grandad moved to Florida, me and my brother would visit in the old house and I had a white bunny there for me whenever I came to visit and I still have that white bunny today at home, I love him very much, I was very attached to him as I've grown up, he'd always help me with subjects and things that I'd struggle with. Thankyou grandad, I appreciate it so much, I am now better than I was at my maths and still progressing. Me, Ryan, Leona and Brad would all call him Nanny John, looking on old memories and joking about them, such as when I was little I couldn't say knife and fork and we would always look back on that and laugh about it. Me, Nan, Ryan and Nanny John would always sit at the table after we had dinner and play UNO, one of John's favourite card games that we'd always play with him. We used to go golfing with him and I tried driving the golf cart once. So many wonderful memories to look back on and I'm very sad that you're no longer with us but you are with me in my heart forever, you will be greatly missed, I love you and thankyou for everything you've done for me, I will never forget any of them. I will always think of you and remember all the wonderful times we've spent with you and Nanny Sue. I love you Nan and I'm very sorry, thinking of you always too and miss you so very much. Rest in peace Grandad 

You will be greatly missed, I love you grandad 

From the UK, all Chelsea fans of a certain age are saddened to hear of John's passing. He was part of our youth and part of the Chelsea family, he will be missed.

John's friendship & beautiful smile will be missed by so many! He loved being around people & helping in any situation while making you laugh with his stories. I'll miss you John! See you again to hear the next episode Love Sharon 

OBITUARY

Thomas John Seymour Phillips

July 7, 1951 – March 30, 2017

Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

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