Obituary for Philip Gerald Wilson
Philip Gerald Wilson
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 Phil’s Life will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 7:00 pm at McDougall United Church and livestreamed to accommodate health restrictions. The Service will also be placed onto YouTube for those that cannot view it live. Here is the link to the YouTube Channel where you'll find both the livestream and the recording at McDougall United Church Livestream.
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.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Phil, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
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 Phil’s Life will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 7:00 pm at McDougall United Church and livestreamed to accommodate health restrictions. The Service will also be placed onto YouTube for those that cannot view it live. Here is the link to the YouTube Channel where you'll find both the livestream and the recording at McDougall United Church Livestream.
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.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Phil, please visit www.choicememorial.com.