11 February 2012

Two Small Tributes to Two Big Men

In the last couple months, cancer has stolen two good men from my mother's life & by extension, from my life. I wanted to write a short tribute to them. Both were solid, salt-of-the-earth decent people who didn't deserve this horrible disease & who are greatly missed. RIP Larry. RIP Uncle Morris.


Obituary for Larry MacDonald
Larry Archie MacDonald
3rd October 1949 ~ 24th November 2011


It is with our deepest sympathy that we announce the passing of Larry Archie MacDonald, 62, on November 24, 2011 in Fort St. John, British Columbia.

Larry was born on October 3, 1949 in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan to parents Malcolm (Scotty) and Rosie MacDonald. As a teen Larry, attended Hillmond High School and later became a businessman with Federated Co-op for 15 years and Redwood Esso for 17. He was involved with the Fort St. John Flyers and a sponsor for many community activities.

Larry is predeceased by his father Malcom (Scotty) MacDonald, his mother Rosie MacDonald and his sisters Helen Charles and Sharon MacDonald.

Larry is survived by his daughters, Laurie and Aarin MacDonald, youngest son Scott MacDonald and grandchildren Tysen and Emily Peacock. He also leaves to mourn brothers, Ray, Graham and Murray MacDonald and his sisters Florence Brown, Catherine MacDonald, Doris Napper and Janet Grant.

Special thanks to Dr. Mark Thompson, Dr. Ilona Amstutz, Hamre’s Funeral Chapel, the nursing staff at the Fort St. John General Hospital and the staff at the Chemotherapy Clinic for their professionalism, care and understanding.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Larry to the Fort St. John Palliative Care Society 9812-108th Ave Fort St. John, BC V1J 2R3, The Salvation Army 10116-100th Ave Fort St. John, BC V1J 1Y6, or The Canadian Cancer Society #108-9325-100th St Fort St. John, BC V1J 4N4.

A memorial service was held on the 5th December 2011 at 2PM at Pomeroy Hotel 11308 Alaska Rd Fort St. John, BC, V1J 5T5.

Holly's Memories: Larry was the closest thing I've ever had to a stepdad.

I was already off at my second year university when my parents divorced & shortly thereafter Larry & my Mom starting dating & moved in together, so the relationship we had was always as adults rather then him doing any "raising" of me. Still, I like to think that at age 19 when he came into my life, I was still learning lots & that I learned a lot from Larry. I later worked for the better part of a year in his Redwood Esso convenience store & got to see that side of him too.

Larry loved to laugh & have a good time. When he was jolly he always made sure to take everyone around him along for the fun. He was extremely generous, with both his money & time. He was the type who fed a man who couldn't pay, because he could see the guy was hungry & needed a meal. "It sucks not having money," he always said, he had been completely broke himself & he tried to help people out whenever he could. After several years things didn't work out between him & my mom, but we both continued to care for him.

The last time I saw Larry was in September 2009 at Casey's Pub in Fort St. John. Larry had had his first run-in with cancer at that time, but still had the same cheerful attitude, same smile, same laugh. Gave me a hug. I'll always remember this warm, funny man and my heart goes out to my mother, his children, and all those who miss him every day. RIP Larry.



Obituary for Morris Phillips
Morris Howard Phillips
10th February 10 1943 ~ 31st January 2012


It is with our deepest sympathy that we announce the passing of Morris Phillips, 68, on January 31, 2012 in Fort St. John, British Columba.

Morris was born on February 10, 1943 in Edmonton, Alberta to parents Howard & Betty Phillips. As a teen Morris attended school in Calmar, Alberta. Through the years Morris worked hard to become a self employed contract operator for M&H Gas Well Servicing Ltd which he did proudly for the last 50 years. On May 7, 1964 Morris married his best friend Joann Elizabeth Robarts and would later become a father to three beautiful children. Morris was greatly involved at the Lake Point Golf & Country Club, one of his greatest accomplishment was when he shot a hole in one on Hole #5.

Morris is predeceased by his father Howard Phillips, his mother Elizabeth Phillips, and his brother Daniel (Danny) Phillips.

Morris is survived by his loving wife of 47 years JoAnn, his beloved children Shawn, Sherri and Dallise, and his cherished grandchildren Raschelle, Carter, Ryan, Tanniesha and Dayna.

Special thanks to the nurses at the Fort St. John Hospital for all their care and support they showed through this difficult time.

A memorial service was held Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 11:00am from the Royal Canadian Legion Hall. Morris will be laid to rest at the Woodlawn Cemetery at a later time. If so desired expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of Morris to the Fort St. John SPCA.


Holly's Memories: Morris was my mother's oldest brother & my oldest uncle.

I remember Morris from all the family events growing up. He was part of the tapestry of my young life, a large extended family that wrapped around me like a soft comforting blanket. Uncle Morris was a lot like my grandpa, his father: a gruff-on-the-outside man with a big heart just under a slightly crusty exterior. He was always there for my mom when she needed help or support, and I always loved & respected him for that.

In his last months Morris was in a great deal of pain, so although we're all sorry to see him go I am comforted by the idea that he has rejoined some of his favourite dogs & is walking the clouds with them now, in full health & strength and without any pain.

My heart goes out to my Auntie Jo, my cousins, and of course my mom who is having a horrible time dealing with his passing. RIP Uncle Morris.

1 comment:

  1. Beautiful obituaries Holly. You made them real! My heart go's out to you your family and the 2 big men's families. hug

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