In Loving Memory of
Gordon Rutherford Phillips
May 12, 1920 – May 2, 2025
Funeral Service Live Stream
June 2, 2025
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Gordon Rutherford Phillips Obituary
Gordon Rutherford Phillips was born on May 12, 1920, in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, and passed away on May 2, 2025, in Langley, British Columbia, just 10 days shy of his 105th birthday. He was cherished by, and corresponded with, many friends and family across Canada, the U.S., and Australia.
Gordon was predeceased by his beloved wife Beatrice in 2010. He is survived by his children: son Mal and wife Cindy Phillips of Coquitlam, daughter Mel Radom of Surrey, and daughter Janice Aarestad of Armstrong, BC, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom he lovingly called the “grandies.”
A World War II veteran, Gordon served in the Dental Corps. Three times he was scheduled to go overseas to the Aleutian Islands, then onto Japan. Gordon was the oldest veteran in the Surrey and Langley area. He had a distinguished career as a teacher, principal and school board consultant, in Prince George, Fort Langley and Vancouver.
In keeping with his wishes, a private service will be held. There will be a live-stream for any who wish to honor his memory. Gordon will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
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Sending love and thoughts as you grieve. Memories and connections will comfort but the loss is real. Much love – Marcy
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We have many fond memories of Gordon. It was a lovely memorial. Thank you for sharing
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SINCERE THANKS TO ALL for your kind words of comfort, and for expressing your fond memories of our Dad.
The remembrance of your caring and thoughtful comments will help us immensely as we grieve our loss.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Gordon was a fine man who used the many talents God gave him very well during his long fruitful life. He is an inspiration to us all. Gordon and Bea were good friends of my Mom and Dad. I remember them living with Mom and Dad for a few months to help the Fetterly’s build their house. Gordon was born 8 days before my Dad in 1920 and only a few miles away (Weyburn vs Maxim Sask). May the good memories of Gordon and Bea be a lasting comfort to Malvern, Melva and Janice, and the extended the Phillips family, in this time of sorrow and loss.,
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it’s been a while since my mom & her 3 sisters lived in “Phillips basement.”…..now all are gone. They always remembered their good times there. The last (Aunty Lana’s) funeral was last Monday although she passed in August. They were all a generation brought up with nothing. Worked hard – upheld standards. We miss them all and it will be hard to fill their shoes.
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Although we never had the honour of meeting Gordon, the words shared and songs sung speak volumes about his life and commitment to Christ. He intentionally crafted an endearing and enduring legacy of family and faith. Blessings,
Mike & Kathy Richardson
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Dear family,
Keith and his family remembers back when Gordon and Bea with their family enjoyed time together. As time went on and everyone’s location changed we still think of wonderful memories even of Gordon in his last days. Our thoughts are with you all.
Keith and Karen Hagen
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Dear Melva and family
Thank you for your care and devotion to your dad. Our families go back a long way, maybe 1940.. Your dad was a great man and I enjoyed all the times spent with him, from the Sunday morning meetings in the early 60’s to our last visits in Langley. He is an encouragement to me
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Dear family,
I first remember meeting Gordon and Bea in Weyburn in the early 80’s on one of their trips to the prairie.. Gordon shared with me that afternoon some of the history of the first convention place in southern SK in Glaslyn then it’s move to Regina, then on to Aylesbury. I could have stayed and listened for a great while longer but we had to leave. Gordon was a fount of great historical information…Fast forward to the mid 90’s and on, my wife Elva and I visited Bea in Langley Lodge Gordon at McD or at Melva’s …. Gordon was always happy to see folks.
Thank you so much for making the service available to us online! We here in Ireland appreciated listening to everything spoken by others and to see all your faces again..
We have many treasured memories.
Love Rob n Elva Stapleton
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Dear Gordon’s Family ~ It was our privilege to-day to watch the live-stream grave-side memorial for your beloved Dad. He was a faithful friend to all, through many years. He was a pall bearer at both of our Dad’s funerals ~ Don’s Dad in Vancouver, 1951; Edith-Anne’s Dad, in Penticton, 1988.
Fond memories will remain. Sincerely, Don & Edith-Anne
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We have such fond memories of Gordon and Bea – including the sharing of their wedding date with our parents, Ken and Georgia Aarestad. We miss all of them but know they are united once again. So glad they are all part of the great cloud of witnessess on the other shore – waiting to welcome us home.
Virginia (Ginny) Aarestad Welch
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Gordon Phillips was such an honorable man. So special for Harrison and i to visit him in his suite in Langley. Thankyou Melva for everything you did for him.
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Thank you for sharing Gordon’s service. A lovely tribute to him. Mr Phillips was a big part of my childhood as he was my elementary school principal and our Sunday meeting Elder. He had a large positive influence in my growing up years. He and Bea were so good to us, making us welcome and being so kind and understanding. We girls were always so excited to be able to stay for Sunday lunch with them. I loved how soft he was (even though I was scared of him in school) and learned this more as he got older. Loved his laugh, his smile, the way he was always interested and I treasure his stories. I loved him. He will be missed.
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Mr Phillips
Was the commander and chief of Emily Carr Elementary School at King Edward and Oak Street in Vancouver, British Columbia for my and my brothers elementary school education. He always participated in our educational recreational andr disciplinary activities. You were always allowed to stop by and say hello. BUT YOU NEVER WANTED TO BE SENT TO HIS OFFICE!!!! He was always around including the numerous sports days
and bicycle days. He taught us character and good manners will always serve you well. You will always be our Principal and friend The Lowy Boys
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Dear Melva and Family
What a beautiful send off for Dear Gordon The Canadian flag and bagpipes so touching
A life lived to the fullest ,
May he rest in peace
Sincerest condolences
Rhonda Doering Shaffner
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Dear Melva and family
My thoughts have turned your way so often these days … love and prayers to you all as you say goodbye to a wonderful friend and father
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Dear Melva,,
I’m sending you my love and deepest condolences to you and your family. I treasured pen pal letters your Father and I exchanged. Such a lovely man, and you, a wonderful daughter.
Love,
Kathleen Harperr nee Laughton
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Dearest Melva:
I am so sorry for losing such a remarkable Father. But what an exceptional life of service he has led and an inspiration to so many! That in itself is a wonderful legacy, not to mention the future generations of Grandies following in his footsteps. I hope the fond memories of your precious times together will help you through the sad days ahead. Big hugs to you, my friend.
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Mr. Phillips was the prinicpal at Emily Carr Elementary School when my family moved from South Burnaby to Vancouver. I was in grade five and felt as though I was surrounded by other kids who knew each other from early childhood. I was a bit scared and I was very unsure of the way things went in “the Big City”.
He called me to the office, and to my great surprise and gratitude he welcomed me to the school and to Vancouver. He was gentle and kind, clear and helpful. I felt comfortable and welcome and in many ways felt as though I had an ally in that big office. His teachers were similarly focussed on students’ wellbeing (I graduated as an elementary school teacher from UBC) and I felt I was in the best school I had ever been to. – we moved a lot before we arrived in Vancouver. I often thought of him and his personal and professional style as I went through university and began my career. He was a role model of the greatest sort – one that was showed children the power of human kindness and support. I will always remember him with the greatest of respect and I know my life was affected positively just by being in his school.
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We will all miss our brother Gordon who always left us inspired in every. visit. We are richer for having known him all these years.
Special thoughts to all the family today.
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Mr P
You were a major part of mine and my brothers lives from kindergarten through grade 7 You were ours and numerous other students commander and chief for the Emily Carr Elementary School at King Edward & Oak St for so many years. and you will never ever be forgotten as such
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Our thoughts and care are with you all❤️
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I met Gordon when I visited Jocelyn and her family. Little did I know, that Instead of us coming to cheer him in the care facility, HE CHEERED US. Loved this faithful man and those he called ‘family’
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Dear Melva and Family,
Love to you today.
From Brad and Marion
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Gordon was an amazing man and we always appreciated visits with him.
We are thankful to stand by you all today this way and sending our condolences.
He will surely be missed!
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We are thinking of you, Melva and Shawn and family. It was a privledge to meet grandpa. You will all have cherished memories of your time with him.
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Dear Phillips family
The loss that knows no end is hard to endure, but take heart, your father is now secure. His example is as a shining light to he.lmp each in your continuing journey. He has been a light to many. Our condo.lenses to all the family.
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Dear Melva and family. Wanted to send our condolences and love your way. You have been so privileged to have a wonderful dad with you for so long. When I mentioned him to my mom, Helen Goodsman, she remembered him from Prince George days. Our thoughts are with you today.
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Gordon was a very special person. He meant a lot to so many. A faithful man in every way and we will all miss him greatly.
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Our dear Uncle Gordon and his wife Beatrice were so kind to we kids and our dad when we lost our mom and little brother many years ago. He was such an upright man and we will never forget his kindness. Marvin and I send our condolences to you three kids, Mal, Melva and Janice. Our hearts go out to you at this time.
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Condolences to all of the family. Thoughts are with you all.
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Dear Family: Since the late 60’s the name, “Mr. Phillips, Principal of the Fleming School, 49th & Knight, Van.,” is very familiar to me. My niece & nephew attended that school. They ‘”loved Mr. Phillips”. FF: In Penticton, Gordon, Mary Alcock & my Frank shared May Birthdays. So we enjoyed many years of food-fun-sweet fellowship with Gordon, Bea, Phil & Mary. In 1988, the highlight was when Frank & I were privileged to have Gordon & Bea join us in our Sun. AM mtg. We valued their inspiration & love for the ‘things of the Kingdom’!! I love this gem: “The SORROW of PARTING can feel GREAT indeed, but the COMFORT of a loving MEMORY is much GREATER!” May you feel God’s COMFORT in a special way as you say “till we meet again”…..you dear family. Lotsa love from an ‘oldie-goldie’ friend in Penticton. betty [stelfox] hredil
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My dear Melva , Mal and Cindy , and Jan and families ,
I Am thinking of you all tomorrow . I would. Love to have been with you all but was not able to, but i will be joining you in spirit from Chelan .
Gordon was very special to me . We had two special visits since January . He has encouraged me to go forward in the place God called me to . He and my mom went to school together . And some winters my grandona and the children lived up stairs at the Phillip’s home as the children couldn’t go to school from the farm in winter . They shared a lot … like family … and they shared the same faith in Jesus . Please accept my heart felt sympathy . You were fortunate to have such a wonderful mom and dad . With love , Gail
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Dear Melva and family. You have been in our thoughts and hearts these last weeks. It is such a loss of the last parent and grandparent but what a wonderful consolation to know that what Gordon lived for in his lifetime will now be recognized and rewarded by the One who matters. Joy and sorrow intermingled.
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We have the fondest of memories of times together shared in Gordon & Bea’s Penticton holiday home by the lake and here in Adelaide, Australia.
One day during their visit, we remember especially. The four of us flew through the Aussie outback in a DC3 across the Olga’s and further north to Birdsville.
Gordon was a true gentleman and dear friend.
We send our thoughts and love to all the family at this difficult time
Arnold & Berenice
South Australia
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I feel so privileged to have known Gordon over the past three years during which time we shared many mealtimes together. Gordon related such a wealth of experiences of his lifetime, which often resulted in much laughter.at the table. He was a true gentleman and an inspiration to many. I miss him greatly as well as those who knew him. He is certainly missed at Magnolia Gardens. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Fond care. Rose
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Heartfelt condolences to all the Phillips family. We have many wonderful memories of times spent together over the years. Love to all.
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I had the honour of caring for Gordon while Melva visited her grandchildren, and during that time, I had the pleasure of meeting a man with remarkable character and a talent for storytelling. We sat at the breakfast table and chatted about current events as well as stories of historical importance, growing up in rural Saskatchewan and his Brother Bob. RiP Gordon, the world will miss your presence.
——-Angie Tatarniuk
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Dear Melva and family,
Mr. Phillips was the principal at Emily Carr Elementary school when I was a student from Grades 4 to 7 in the 1960’s. I was a bit of a handful back then, but through the guidance of your father, I became a better daughter, student, nurse, friend, wife and mother. He had a huge impact on my life with his words and actions. He will be missed! Sending my heartfelt condolences, my love and big hugs!
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Dear Melva & family,
Our thoughts have gone your way often these days as you deal with the deep sorrow that comes with saying final goodbyes to very dear loved ones. Your dear Dad will be so deeply missed by all that loved him but we’ll treasure the very special memories we have of his love,care, thoughtfulness and faithfulness. He will always have a very special spot in our hearts.
Sending love and big hugs for all.
Norm & Betty
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Fond memories from when I lived in Vancouver of family. Thinking of the family a loss to lose a loved one.
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Sending much love to all of you! I have fond memories of the little wooden chairs he put out for us each Sunday 💜
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We have many sweet n pleasant memories of you dear Dad n Mum ,we shared many delightful visits,meals and good times together here in Penticton….we loved your Dad’s positivity…healthy perspective ,.kindness.,good humor and faithfulness…we missed them so much when it was better for them to be at the coast…sending much love and care to you all♡♡♡♡♡♡
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My husband Wayne and myself Bonnie have known Gordon for several years and when he was in Magnolia Gardens we always left after our visit with him feeling so blessed that we came to spend that time with a man who shared such a positive attitude.. This gentleman will always remain in our hearts with great love.and tespect
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Dear Gordon your presence will be missed by everyone who had an opportunity to be touched by your friendship & kindness. Thank you for being a blessed memory in my life, you will always have a corner of my heart. I am so grateful, thank you. God speed Dad to rejoining Beatrice into your heavenly kingdom
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Gordon was Principal at Emily Carr Elementary when I attended there in the 1960’s. He was kind to us all. RIP Gordon
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Dear Family … we share in your great loss.. of a Father & Grandfather…
He was an inspiration to all..
A faithful soldier.. naturally & spiritually
He leaves a gap in many lives..
But a faithful witness.. to those of us remaining..
Our hearts are with you..❤️
Rich & Becky Wodelet
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Gordon was a true gentleman and he had a wonderful reverence for God and for Truth.
I always enjoyed visiting with him.
It was always interesting to talk to him as he was a very knowledgeable man.
He and my father had a special bond and often met for lunch or coffee.
Wonderful memories.
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My heartfelt sympathy goes to Uncle Gordon’s family. I have very fond memories of him. It was great catching up with him the last time I visited from Australia.
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He was our Emily Carr principal for our elementary school years for the Lowy boys. He was some sort of special man. He will truly be missed by all who knew him