PHILIP FLEMING STEPHANSON -

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

PHILIP FLEMING STEPHANSON 1930 - 2012 Philip Fleming Stephanson, born November 18, 1930, passed away peacefully December 12, 2012 at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. Phil was predeceased by his parents, Johann and Margaret (Fleming) Stephanson, his brother David and sister-in-law Patricia, and son Darrell. Phil is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marjorie (Verkindt) of Winnipeg, his brother Wayne (Marlene), his daughters Sherri (Grant) and Ardith (Ron), his daughter-in-law Lori, his grandsons Joshua (Kim), Michael (Jen), Steffan, Kristjan and Nathan, his great-grandsons Kaden, Oliver and Parker, brother-in-law Maurice (Lillian) Verkindt and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Phil was the eldest of Joe and Peggy's three boys, born and raised in Winnipegosis, MB. After finishing his schooling at age 16, Phil started work with CN Rail as a telegraph operator. Phil worked for CN for 44 years, building an extremely successful career as he progressed from operator to dispatcher to rules instructor and finally into senior management; he was senior transportation officer when he retired. Life with CN and the many positions and promotions meant Phil and Marj and their family moved many times, living in places as diverse as Redditt, ON, The Pas, Gimli and Winnipeg, MB, Saskatoon, SK and Edmonton, AB. It also meant they made many friends along the way and Phil stayed in touch with many of his colleagues after retiring in 1991 and settling with Marjorie in Winnipeg. Dad was a very bright man who loved the English language, and helped all around him develop a love of reading. An annual Christmas tradition was receiving a book from Papa. He was an ace at crosswords and the guy everyone wanted on their team for Trivial Pursuit. Dad taught us a love and respect of nature and the environment, sharing his love of birds, animals and star-gazing, particularly during summer holidays at the cabin at Silver Lake. Education was important to him so he encouraged and supported all of us to pursue a university education, something he always wanted for himself but was unable to accomplish. Dad enjoyed curling, both participating and watching, and loved to discuss and question the strategy as he watched. He also enjoyed watching Jeopardy and baseball in later years, but his preference was always a good book. Dad also loved music and to dance. Phil served in the reserves when he was young and in later years he and Marjorie were active in the Royal Canadian Legion, Charleswood Branch. Thank you to the care givers on the fifth floor at Grace Hospital who tended to Phil's needs in the last month of his life. Dad fought hard at the end but his suffering is now over. A service in Phil's memory will be planned in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dad's name can be made to Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1P6 or to a charity of your choice. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 15, 2012