Bill Carberry (Work Buddy and Friend)

Entered November 22, 2020 from Oshawa

You will be Greatly missed. You helped me on many occasions while we worked together for over 13 years. I considered you as a Hero, for I could never find your notes regarding previous visits to the older job sites, (because there were none), that really impressed me. But your knowledge of those sites came very handy when I had to troubleshoot. It came as a shock to me to learn of your passing, for I was still looking forward to another time where we could hoist another drink together. Farewell, My Friend.

Jennifer McKeown (Niece)

Entered November 22, 2020 from Sooke BC

So many wonderful memories of my fun loving Uncle Phil!! I honestly can’t remember ever seeing him without a huge smile!!!! As a request ( plus a way to get a better mark!!) my math teacher had a huge interest in McDonalds in Japan.. so Phil brought me back a huge box full of their menus and tray liners so I could impress my teacher!! This of course put me in the “ favourite “ student category!! And of course Phil in the “ awesome Uncle “ one!! I was so thankful and proud to show off the loot!! He will be very much missed by all....
Jennifer McKeown ( Hohn)

Alexandre Moricz (Wallace House residence mate)

Entered November 22, 2020 from Ottawa

Laughed at a picture of Phil during frost week wearing a German war helmet and a bayonnnet. God bless Phil.

Brian Cameron (friend)

Entered November 22, 2020 from Burlington

I will miss Phil. Always considered a good friend and I have many fond memories of us growing up together in Dryden and then being at Mac together. We lived on the same floor in residence and definitely partied sometimes too much together but at the same time we both managed to graduate. Must have been all that good Dryden air!!

Robert Stafford (Friend)

Entered November 22, 2020 from Kingsville

I had the pleasure to meet Phil during my time at McMaster U in the great Whidden hall. He was an amazing character and surely loved by all. His stories of surviving and thriving the cold Dryden winters were the stuff of legend. Driving snowmobiles with a broken arm and clutching the throttle with his teeth, crashing through giant snowdrifts and leaving a perfect Loony Tunes cutout of man and snowmobile in his wake were just routine occurrences in the too short life of Hohner! Farewell sir.

Phil, while we worked together for 34 years, I had been working at Eco-Tec for about two before I actually met you for the first time. I had analysed samples on your behalf and heard your name mentioned numerous times along with tales of your legendary problem-solving skills.
You tolerated my silliness, even holding on to “the ugliest orange teddy bear in the world” that I gave you when you were in hospital after you were burned with sulphuric acid. Even the bear I made you to help cheer you up when you were working and living in the UK you kept. They are both with you now for eternity.
You always managed to “Bear with Me”, enduring my numerous questions over the years. When we worked together on the DI trouble shooting guide so many years ago your patience seemed endless. I was very happy that you kept the “Bear with Me” bear I gave you to mark the completion of that project, even after its sign got broken off. Who knew that that assignment would lead to a lasting friendship and eventually love. I am so glad that you took Joe Parlette’s advice to heart and finally told me how you felt.
We first got together following a late October night phone conversation trying to come up with a cause and solution for ailing pumpkin coloured resin. When you got back to Toronto we met for breakfast and that was when you first asked if you could hold my hand. Ever since then, we held hands every opportunity we got. When you travelled, which was often, you were only a call away. We managed to share much of our love through the phone lines.
I will treasure the times we cooked together. As my ‘Sue’ chef you always cut the onions as they did not make you cry. You cleared the utensils and bowls away with such efficiency that I always had to get more out and then you would say I used too many dishes. We never quite perfected your family’s recipe for cabbage rolls, but our last attempt was pretty close which was high praise coming from you.
We did not get to travel to all the places you wanted to show me, but we did go on a few special trips which highlighted the huge differences between a well-seasoned traveller and not. I will cherish our adventures forever and remain surprised that I was able to get you up in a hot air balloon when we were in Spain. You spent so much time flying over the years that I was happy to let you stay grounded at home once you retired. You were able to relax and put your feet up, enjoy reading and playing darts; despite your best efforts, you were never able to convince me that I could actually aim them.
You always told me and others that I was the love of your life and please remember that you were mine. I wish you had not struggled so much at the end. I did my best to make you comfortable and as per your wishes kept you out of hospital. You never complained of pain even though it was obvious you were suffering as your system shut down and you were not yourself. We were holding hands up until the end, and yes, don’t worry, I have your passport and will keep it safe and sound. I miss you my love and will carry you in my heart always. I hope that when my time comes you will be there holding my hand.