Philip Charles Waite (aka ‘Phil Baby’ or ‘PC’) passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024 in his 100th year. It was a life well lived. Born in Peterborough on April 12, 1925 which fell on Easter Sunday that year, he always said he had two birthdays – April 12th and Easter Sunday.
Predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Patricia (Pat). Loving father to Cynthia (Bob), Charlie (Mary Beth) and Bob (Karen). Loving Grandad to Geoff, Thomas, Chris, Ben and Alex.
Pat hailed from Vancouver but travelled to Toronto for one year where she met Phil. After that year she returned to Vancouver but Phil chased after her and convinced her to return to the east and marry him (a tough sell but true love prevailed). They moved to Brampton where they had large group of good friends and an active social life. Always up for adventure, Phil began canoe tripping with his buddies in middle age. This led to several great trips which included crossing Loch Ness via canoe.
Most importantly he centred his life around his family, building a cottage on 8 Mile Point on Lake Simcoe where he introduced his children to the joy of water skiing. He spent hours and hours towing kids behind the boat. There were walks around the point throwing a football and hamburgers on the BBQ every Sunday always accompanied by a beer or orange juice with a splash of a rum.
‘The Chalet’ at Craigleith Ski Club was another family gathering spot, teaching the kids to ski and building a love of the outdoors which has now passed down to his grandchildren. Apres ski by the fireplace was always welcome. A beer bottle (or rubber chicken) hanging in window was a signal that the bar was open for the ski patrol friends to stop in. And yes, there was a wee bit of Scotch consumed! A favourite memory was a ski trip to Whistler with his children and grandchildren to celebrate his 83rd birthday. PC skied until he was 85.
Phil was a great husband, Dad, Granddad and friend. We know he’s somewhere enjoying powder filled runs down Comet and carving turns on flat calm water and can now be reunited with his loving wife, Pat.
The family extends a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the dedicated and compassionate staff at Sunrise of Unionville for their exceptional care. A private family gathering will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in the near future.