In memory of
Vincent George Phillips
August 6, 1944 - January 14, 2026
Vincent George Phillips passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.
Born in Montreal, Quebec on August 6, 1944 to Frederick and Ethel Phillips, Vince spent much of his early childhood in the Eastern Townships. He later graduated from McGill University and went on to pursue a career in technology.
Vince was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dace, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage. He is now reunited with the love of his life. He will be remembered by family, friends and Brethren as a man of strong convictions, steadfast loyalty and deep commitment to the principles of Freemasonry. Known for his distinctive character - often described as an acquired taste - Vince was respected for his independence, entrepreneurial spirit and a lifelong love of animals.
A dedicated and active Mason, Vince was initiated in Montreal in Concord Lodge 111 in 1978. After moving to Toronto in the late 1970s, he affiliated with Oakwood Lodge 553 and then with York Lodge 156 in 1982. He served as Worshipful Master of Oakwood Lodge 553 in 1991 and was installed as Worshipful Master of York Lodge 156 in 2004 and again in 2005. Vince was honoured with the Grand Lodge rank of Very Worshipful Grand Steward in 2014. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Barrie.
Vince proudly served as a Board member of York Masonic Temple Limited beginning in 1996 and in different years held the roles of Chair of the Board and President of the company. His service to the Craft and to the Masonic community was a defining aspect of his life and his contributions will be remembered by those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Vince is mourned by his loving daughter Alex and her family who will carry forward his memory and legacy.
A Masonic Memorial Service, followed by a visitation, will be held on Sunday, January 25, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at York Cemetery, Shepard Hall, 160 Beecroft Road, Toronto (Yonge & Sheppard). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House or Toronto Animal Services in memory of Vince.
Born in Montreal, Quebec on August 6, 1944 to Frederick and Ethel Phillips, Vince spent much of his early childhood in the Eastern Townships. He later graduated from McGill University and went on to pursue a career in technology.
Vince was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dace, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage. He is now reunited with the love of his life. He will be remembered by family, friends and Brethren as a man of strong convictions, steadfast loyalty and deep commitment to the principles of Freemasonry. Known for his distinctive character - often described as an acquired taste - Vince was respected for his independence, entrepreneurial spirit and a lifelong love of animals.
A dedicated and active Mason, Vince was initiated in Montreal in Concord Lodge 111 in 1978. After moving to Toronto in the late 1970s, he affiliated with Oakwood Lodge 553 and then with York Lodge 156 in 1982. He served as Worshipful Master of Oakwood Lodge 553 in 1991 and was installed as Worshipful Master of York Lodge 156 in 2004 and again in 2005. Vince was honoured with the Grand Lodge rank of Very Worshipful Grand Steward in 2014. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Barrie.
Vince proudly served as a Board member of York Masonic Temple Limited beginning in 1996 and in different years held the roles of Chair of the Board and President of the company. His service to the Craft and to the Masonic community was a defining aspect of his life and his contributions will be remembered by those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Vince is mourned by his loving daughter Alex and her family who will carry forward his memory and legacy.
A Masonic Memorial Service, followed by a visitation, will be held on Sunday, January 25, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at York Cemetery, Shepard Hall, 160 Beecroft Road, Toronto (Yonge & Sheppard). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House or Toronto Animal Services in memory of Vince.
Funeral Details
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York Cemetery & Funeral Centre
160 Beecroft Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M2N 1W7
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Sunday, 25 Jan 2026 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM