Phil Wilson
WILSON, Phil
February 24, 1957
March 20, 2021
Phil passed away at the age of 64 years on March 20, 2021 after a courageous battle with COPD. Phil was lovingly surrounded by family members in his home at his passing. Phil's great sense of humour and heartwarming friendship will be missed by his wife Lori; Stepchildren Joni and Patrick (Eric); Father Gerald, Sister Janice (Tim) and Brother Joe (Kim); pets Benny and Jet, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Phil is predeceased by his mother Josephine.
Phil was born in Calgary and lived there his whole life. As a small child, he would spend hours inside his Grandpa's sales truck inventory of Western Distributor supplies - a fascination that carried on to his career as a Semi-Truck Driver. Within his Grandpa's inventory was a large assortment of fishing hooks and rods that Phil was particularly taken with. He became an avid fisherman and his passion for fishing was further fueled on the many family trips he would spend with his wife and family at Trout Lake B.C.
Growing up, Phil had a passion for driving all things with wheels. He was quite the daredevil as a young man, owning a dirt bike and later a three-wheeled ATV - much to his Mom and Dad's dismay! He would often take the bikes out to dirt trails in K-country and ride them with his good friend Doug. He loved fast cars and as an adolescent was a proud owner of a Dodge Hemi Challenger, a striking muscle car which matched his rebellious nature.
Phil worked for many years as a Semi-Truck Driver, and for a time was a proud Tractor Owner/Operator. He first owned a Kenworth Semi (driving for Clarke Transport) and later a Freightliner Semi (driving for CN Transport). His ability to handle a semi was the envy of many. Phil would always make fast friends with follow truck drivers and those he met driving all over Calgary and Southern Alberta.
Phil was an animal lover at heart and brought many cats, dogs (including two Old English Sheepdogs), horses and even a stray jackrabbit into his family. His boundless energy and goofy humour made him beloved by children, who he would engage in silly play, making them laugh until their tummies hurt. He will be remembered for his big heart, rebellious spirit, and iconic mustache.
A celebration of life will was held on Sunday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at McDougall United Church.
Thank you to Phil’s Palliative Home Care staff team for your deep and tender care. Thank you to the McDougall United Church staff team for being there to carry me (Lori) though the tough times. Thank you to our church family for your overwhelming pastoral care, love and support. Thank you to the McDougall Healing Pathway Group for all your healing sessions. Phil would call you either ‘his girls’ or ‘his angels’. Phil got a lot of relief and spirituality from this healing and was even able to attend a virtual session in March. Finally thank you to his friends, family and his truck driving brothers. All of you meant so much to Phil.
Our prayers to Lori's family and friends.
The following text is from Lori's Facebook page on March 21:
My husband, my love, my biggest fan, Phil Wilson died peacefully and at home, yesterday, March 20/21, after a 7 year battle of C.O.P.D. /emphysema. He was 64.
I first met Phil when I was 11 years old. He was always a caring and protective friend who gave me rides on his Yamaha 100 motorcycle. We lost touch after high school but meet up again 30 years ago. We completely connected and fell deeply in love. He became an instant proud step dad to my/our children Joni and Patrick Meenagh. And as a family we raised several pets together.
There is peace in knowing his suffering is over. It was our honour and quite beautiful to grant him his wish of dying at home. Releasing him was so hard. My heart is shattered.
I will post again when I know more details of his Celebration of Life service. With restrictions the service will be small but it will be livestreamed and it will include rock music.
Peace. Lori
The following text is from Patrick's Facebook page on March 21:
On Saturday we lost our Phil, he was a wonderful husband to my mom and he stepped in to his fatherly role with me and my big sister in his own beautiful way. He was 64 and fighting COPD and Emphysema. Last summer we almost lost him when he was hospitalized with a lung infection and the doctors set us on a course for palliative care. We all agreed that even the best hospice care (which we were sure we would get) wouldn't rival Phil's comfort at home and so we got set up with an increasing array of medical gear like a hospital bed. Due to covid, I had been using my parents basement as a clubhouse for my clients so that we could be indoors when needed. Phil loved all the guys I've worked with and he became particularly close with Mac and Owen. Owen came on his final day to say his goodbyes and wished Phil a safe flight to Heaven, I know Phil is so proud. Last Thursday Phil and Mac got to watch Scooby Doo one last time, Phil had seen it was on TV and just had to PVR it for Mac. Today, Mom, Jan and I will say one last goodbye to Phil's body and then he will be cremated. We will plan for a funeral down the road and make it accessible via livestream.
