Phillips, John R. E.

Oct. 21, 1941 - Jan. 15, 2004

John was born in Ludlow, England on October 21, 1941. He went on from Ludlow Grammar School, to Oxford University (Keble) on a full scholarship. He taught in the Comox Valley for thirty-two years, first at Lake Trail, then became French Coordinator for the district, but preferred the classroom and taught at Vanier until his retirement in 1997. With his strong belief in the value of knowledge and learning, he taught for and expected excellence. Throughout his life he read voraciously, had a passion for classical music, travelled extensively, skied, and had just taken up golf. But his great love was the garden, which grew extensively over the years, where friends and visitors were welcomed. John was the long-time companion, partner, friend and sometime mentor, for thirty-nine years, of Robert Argall. He also leaves to mourn, his sister Diana and brother-in-law Morley; brother Stephen and sister-in-law Dawna; two nephews, cousin Ann and her husband Bob, and their three children, plus all the Argall family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, January 21 at 3:00 pm in the COMOX VALLEY FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM, 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay. Donations in John鈥檚 memory may be made to SPCA, P.O. Box 1284, Comox, B.C. V9N 7Z8 with appreciation.