David John Phillips
44 (Royal Marine) Commando
(Former Director of Education City of York Board of Education)
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of David John Phillips at his home in Alliston, Ontario on July 1st, 2017 in his 93rd year. Beloved husband of Jo-Ann (Wallace). Devoted Father of Alison (Darryl) and Clayton (Paola). Loving and cherished Grandfather of Frances, Stefanie and Dylan. Dear brother of Heulwen. Predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Alice (Jenkins) Phillips, by Eiddwen, and his siblings William (Finola), Margaret (Alun) and Morfudd (Derek) in Wales. He will also be missed by his sister-in-law Eva Wallace Bloomer (Dave) of Alliston and by many nieces and nephew and their family members in Canada and in Wales. Born in 1924 John grew up in Cwmaman, Wales. John’s strength and sense of service saw him through WWII where he served with distinction from 1942-1946 with the 44 Royal Marine Commando (3 RM) unit in Europe and the Far East, including Burma, India, Singapore and Hong Kong. Following the war John began his teaching career in England before immigrating to Canada in 1953 where he began his 37 year career as a dedicated teacher and administrator, culminating in his appointment as Director of Education for the former Board of Education for the City of York (now part of the TDSB), a position he held from 1980 until his retirement in1990. John was a caring educator, easily gaining the respect of his students, staff and colleagues. He touched many lives both inside and out of the classroom. After retirement John enjoyed many winters in Florida, travel throughout the world and cruising with Jo-Ann. His time with family was also treasured. John will be deeply missed by many extended family and friends. A special thank you to Dr. Nishikawa for his compassion and care, and to the caring staff who attended John over the past few weeks, particularly Mary Anne Hartman and Pauline Dunn.
Family and friends will be received at the Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Rd, Tottenham, Ontario, 905-936-3477 on Tuesday July 4, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A Service will be held in the Chapel at 1:30pm on Wednesday July 5, 2017. As an expression of sympathy, donations to Matthews House Hospice, 6082 Hwy 89, P.O. Box 10060, Alliston, Ontario L9R 0B7 or Covenant House, 20 Gerrard Street East, Toronto M5B 2P3 would be appreciated by the family. www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Judith Egerton says
John was my beloved uncle.
He has known me since 1942.
He was a tremendous influence in my childhood and adolescent life. Stay strong as you always are, Dear Jo-Ann.
Janice&ken mackenzie says
We are thinking of you at this time of sorrow. She shared lots of laughs with everyone she knew. Will be in our hearts forever. God bless her.
Debbie Martin says
John Phillips was the epitome of a leader. I remember him as strong and empathetic. I’m sure that Webster’s Dictionary has his picture under “Director of Education”. My heart goes out to Jo-Ann and his family. John has left behind a fabulous legacy.
Harry & Rona Rempel says
We were blessed to have John as a friend and neighbour….his stories were wonderfully told and he could keep you enthralled with that lovely Welsh lilt in his voice. We attended his funeral yesterday and it was a beautiful tribute to a very honourable man and a life well lived. The world is a little sadder today but his memory lives on in so many of the people he has touched. Jo-Ann you and John have a truly beautiful love story….may your memories bring you comfort at this very sad time…..
Robin howe says
I will forever be grateful for the years I worked with John. He was always gracious, supportive and entertaining, with his quick wit. My thoughts are with you, Joanne. I’m so glad you had many years with this prince of a man.
Hazel Rees says
Our thoughts are with you Jo-Ann and the family. You and the family were at the heart of his being and you will miss him so much.
We will treasure the memories especially of the times that John and his brother Bill (our Dad) were able to enjoy together both in Wales and with you in Canada and Florida and indeed the Lovely family times we all had when you “came home” to Wales. Our Uncle John was the most interesting man to talk to having accomplished so much in his life, he was warm, funny and a gentleman. We, send our deepest sympathy to you all. With love Hazel, David, Graham and families.
baldev sood says
Sorry and sad for John to leave this world.
I was hired by him in 1969 for Weston C.I .
He always greeted me with a pleasant smile when ever I was visiting Board Office.
He will greet me as Dr.sood.
I cannot forget his kind way of greeting.
He always talked to me about his adventures in India.
God bless his departed soul.
Peter Komlos says
John Phillips – an HONEST MAN
John Phillips – a KIND MAN
John Phillips – a BRILLIANT
MAN
John Phillips – a HARD
WORKING MAN
John Phillips – A MAN WITH
INTEGRITY
May His Memory be a Blessing to us All.
Rita Alldrit says
Jo-Ann
I am very sorry to hear about DJ’s passing. From inspector to director of education, he was always warm and friendly — a true gentleman, even with his wickedly funny sense of humour. He will be fondly remembered and missed by so many. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family.
Greg Taylor says
John had a positive and enduring influence, directly and indirectly, on the educational structure of the City of York and beyond.
HIs leadership was such that you always wanted to do the best job possible because that is what he nourished and demonstrated.
I enjoyed his stories of chasing pirates in the Hong Kong harbour after WW2 and of his time in the Ministry when he was responsible for closing many of the one room school houses in the Collingwood area.
We are all better for having known John Phillips.
Greg Taylor
Jo Ann Wilton says
Jo-Ann,
I wish to add my condolences to those of friends and co-workers who have offered their sympathies to you and have expressed their respect for John.
Bob (Goddard) and I were very sad to hear that John had passed. We both so enjoyed his sense of humour and decency as a person and I respected him as a gentle leader and an educator during the time we worked together in York.
Our thoughts are with you and the family. We wish you peace with your memories.
Larry Street says
Daniella and I wish to express our condolences to Jo-Ann and family. The testimonials already shared here speak to a gentleman who was admired and respected as an educator and a person.
Life ends, but memories live on, may these memories of DJ sustain you in the days ahead.
Milan & Sharon Crepp says
Dear Jo-Ann: Our hearts were deeply saddened on reading about John’s death. We remember his caring and always considerate manner, his mentorship, his
keen sense of humour, and his personal touch in all of his dealings. Although he was a proud Welshman, he had that bit of a Leprechaun in him that was always so endearing.He was truly an exceptional educator and leader that we all admired.
During this time of sorrow, know that our prayers are with you!
Milan & Sharon Crepp
Don McVicar says
Very sad to hear of John’s passing. I had the great privilege to work with John when he was the director of education in York and I was the director in Etobicoke. John was a relentless advocate for public education. He was truly an officer and a gentleman
Don McVicar
John McKnight says
Jo-Ann, Janice & I extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of JD. He was a true gentleman and although I worked for him for only a brief period I recognize him as one of the finest educators I have worked with, it was a true pleasure to have known him.
Our thoughts are with you,
John & Janice McKnight
Robert Cover says
It is with great sadness that I read of John’s passing. He was an incredible man, gentle and full of class. John cared for and respected all. No matter the rank, he always made sure that you felt you were part of a greater effort.
May Faith and Family carry you all in this time of loss.
Rob
May clark says
Dear Jo-Ann
Very sorry to hear of John’s passing.
John was a true gentleman. And l
Rember our good times in Florida.
My thoughts are with you.
May
Angela Dozzi (Pontello) says
Jo-Ann, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I will always remember his as a kind and caring person with a sense of humour. When I started with the City Of York Board of Ed in 1981, on the 3rd floor, John would walk past my desk and always took the time to say hello and make me feel part of the organization. He saw the potential in people and it was wonderful to work under him as Director. God bless you and the family.
Anna Caputo says
Jo-Ann and Family, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. As the head of a legacy Board, he was a strong leader and a kind man with lots of great stories to share with Monica and I. I will always look back at our social gatherings with fond memories. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Anna
The Greenland Group says
Alison, may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead and may your memories give you strength. Our deepest sympathy to you and your Family.
The Montico Family says
Our sincere condolences go out the entire Phillips Family. Our prayers are with you at this time.
Yvonne Gafford says
Our thoughts are with you Jo-Ann, Alison, Clayton and families. Uncle John was my “cool” uncle living in Canada. He was so young at heart yet a wise owl. He will be greatly missed by all his family from the Welsh Valleys.
With deepest sympathy, Yvonne, Dave, David James and Emma.
Jim Watt says
Jo Ann
Dianne and I are saddened to hear about John’s passing. We fondly remember our visits in Florida and know that the legacy of your wonderful years together will sustain you at this time. John touched many lives with his warm spirit, engaging conversations, quick wit and intellectual capacity. He enriched the lives of all who were fortunate to know him. Our thoughts are with you Jo Ann. Dianne and Jim
Deborah Damery nee Houston says
Mr. Phillips was my grade 8 teacher at Humbercrest Public School. I never forgot him. He was a wonderful teacher and great example for his students.
Rest in Peace. DD
Lynette Pontefract says
Dear Jo – I was so very sad to hear of John’s passing. I will always remember John for the twinkle in his eye and the pipe in his mouth. He always had time to chat with us. A kind man and a true gentleman. Our sincere condolences to you and the Phillips family. Fond regards, Lynette & Keith Pontefract.
ViKi Price says
Please accept my deepest sympathy……..Mr. Phillips was a true gentleman in his life and leadership of the former City of York Board of Education.
Rose DiVincenzo says
Dear Jo-Ann – please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of Mr Phillips. I will always remember him as a kind and noble man. It was an absolute honour to work for the York Board under his leadership. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Fondly Rose DiVincenzo
Carol Ricci says
I am sincerely saddened to hear of John s passing. I go back to the early 60s and always found him warm with a great sense of humor.
He will be missed by all who new him. My sincerely condolences to you and your family. Love Carol
Daphne Athaide says
Deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing. I look back to 1967, the year I joined the City of York Board of Ed as Secretary to Doug Hanmer and fondly recall John and Frank Barker, both Inspectors of Schools at that time, sharing a small office adjacent to my desk. Those were enjoyable days. Words are never adequate in moments like these. We will say though, that our hearts go out to you – it was a privilege knowing John. Our sincerest condolences to you Jo-Ann, and the rest of your family.
Take care and God Bless,
Daphne & Ed
Bob Spencer says
I was very sorry to hear of Johns passing. Norine joins me in extending our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Don and Carol Wallace says
Our sincere condolences to JoAnn and family. We are thinking of you
Helen Pugh says
On behalf of my Mother, Heulwen and brother David, we want to express our deepest sympathies to Jo-Ann and Family for Johns passing.
Heulwen and John were very close as siblings during their childhood together and Heulwen wrote to him regularly during his war time service.
Their closeness continued as young
couples before he emigrated to Canada.
Heulwen and her late husband Vernon visited Canada on several occasions, then later with David.
John always visited her and most of
his Welsh family when he visited the U.K. The last physical meeting was at a party in his honour at Hill Street.
FaceTime allowed them to speak to each other, the last time in March!
Heulwen is the last of the lovely
family of 7 which began with Alice and Fred and she wil miss John greatly although they were so many miles apart. Love to you all.
Barry Rowland says
Jo-Ann
So sorry and condolences from Barb and myself. What a wonderful life and career with so many memories to sustain you over the days ahead. He was just a great guy to work with and for.
Jocelyn & David Kennedy says
Dear Jo-Ann,
We are just back from Florida and are now in our permanent Kitchener address, 611-539 Belmont Ave W.[519-579-3556]for the remaining months.
Today,we found out about John’s recent illness and passing. Words cannot express the extent of our deep feelings of loss. He will be remembered by all of those who were associated with him in the field of education.
Jo-Ann, we also share your sorrow and sense of loss very deeply.
Jocelyn & David Kennedy
[email protected]
Linda & Pat McGuire says
We are truly saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was a true gentleman and we will miss him dearly. We will miss the life stories, the companionship, the advice but mostly the man. He will be in our hearts forever. Our sincere condolences to Jo and the whole family.
Ethell Paton says
Dear Jo-Ann,
So sorry to hear about John. My thoughts are with you. Ethel
Maureen Hunter says
Dear Joanne. I am truly saddened by your sad news of John’s passing. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Norm and I had the highest respect for him. We never forgot his 11 pm visit for a wee dram the night of the Board meeting when the old YHHS was released from City of York and a new location would have to be found. Truly enjoyed our retirement visits and lunches in Florida too. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad difficult time.
Maureen Hunter.
Cursum Perficio
Nancy Brett says
Jo-Ann and family, Very sorry to hear of Johns passing. I have passed the news onto Dad, and he also sends his condolences. We are thinking of you at this time. Take care
Nancy
BILL HARMAN says
Jo-Ann… I have known John as an educator, leader, and friend for 45 years… He was a man who exhibited high integrity in everything he did.
.. a thoughtful and caring person. My only regret is that we never played squash together, though we often planned to. I will miss him but will cherish my memories of our interactions.
Marie Parise says
It is with a heavy heart that I heard of DJ’s passing. One of the really true gentlemen. I remember fondly the years under his directorship. His sense of humour and caring ways made my time there a truly unique experience. Joanne my thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family during this difficult time. Marie Parise
Gail Farquharson says
Jo-Ann this is such sad news. As you know John and I shared the same birthday and I think of John every October 22nd. I will continue to do so for the rest of my life. No matter how busy John was he would always stop to talk with me. He was a kind, gentle, caring man. You have no idea what it meant to me and how thoughtful it was of you both to come to Ernie’s viewing. My deepest sympathy Gail Farquharson
Elda Villamagna says
Our sincere condolences to you, Jo-Ann and family. We are so saddened to hear of John’s passing. I in particular have,many fond memories of our time at the Board and after. He was a caring, intelligent, insightful person with a great sense of humor. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with you. Joe and Elda Villamagna
Pam harris says
Dear Jo-Ann and Phillips family. Thank so much for keeping us informed but so saddened to hear of John’s passing. So many found memories of Mum (Peg Harris) and my time at the Board of Ed. He was a warm, wonderful man and I know Mum would have been welcoming him into her arms when he arrived. They so enjoyed their special British/Welsh) chats and of course Mum’s special relationship with you Jo. Know that Nancy and I are thinking and sending warm hugs to you from PEI. God Bless and we’ll chat soon. Love Pam
Karen Hen says
A true gentleman and friend is no longer with us. A sad day for all who knew DJ.
He taught me so much and ‘kept me grounded ‘during my time on the Board.
My sincere condolences to you Jo-Ann and the Phillips family.
Karen Hen
Hugh Cleghorn says
Elsie and I were deeply saddened to learn of John’s passing. I have many good memories of my teaching connections with John and was always impressed with his professionalism as well as his great sense of humor. He will be missed by many and our thoughts and prayers go out to Jo-Ann and the family at this difficult time.