Gayle Phillips

Gayle “Red” Harrison Phillips

With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Gayle “Red” Harrison Phillips on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 91.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Hazel; children Brian, Danny and Heather and granddaughter Sheri Gowler.  Red will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Bonita (Bob) Leader of Portage la Prairie and grandchildren Christine and Robert Leader; daughter Shannon (Frank) Hannah of Poplar Point and granddaughters Roxy Lemoine and Erin Hannah; son Darrell (Jacqui) Phillips of Broadview, Saskatchewan and grandsons Jordan, Jarred and Nathan Phillips and their mother Charmaine Phillips; son-in-law Frank Gowler of Portage la Prairie and grandchildren Tracey Langner, Shirley Gowler and Robert Gowler; 8 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. Red will also be missed by his sisters-in-law Irene Phillips of Cranbrook, BC and Bev (Harold) Campbell of Kelowna, BC; brothers-in-law Clark (Jean) Tryhurn of Kelowna, BC and Harvey Houck of Hamiota, MB and many nieces and nephews.

Red was born in Semens, Saskatchewan, one of eleven children and was raised on the farm.  He enlisted in the army as soon as he was old enough and served in France, England, Holland and Germany in WWII.  Returning to Canada with his two older brothers, the three vets purchased adjoining farms east of Portage through VLA.  He remained on the farm the rest of his life.  Besides farming he worked at MacDonald and Southport bases, ending his career as Grounds Supervisor and retired at the age of 59.  He was a member of both ANAF and the Legion.

Dad had a good sense of humour but could be stubborn .  He was intelligent and interested in a broad spectrum of literature, music and history.  His memory was astounding.   Mom and Dad fished from early spring until the snow flew, travelling in the “pink” camper and then the 5 ^th wheel.  Dad enjoyed all sports on TV.   Watching son Darrell and then grandsons Jordan, Jarred and Nathan play hockey was the highlight of his winters.  He will be dearly missed.

Funeral Service will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 2:00 pm.  Interment is to follow at Hillside Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Red’s memory to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Sask. Ave.E, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N OK8.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021