Philip George Cogswell
Born: January 28th, 1954
Passed on: September 6th, 2017
It is with great sadness that we, the family of Philip Cogswell, announce his passing at the AnCala Palliative Care Unit of the CBRH on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 after a 15 month battle with lung cancer.
Born January 28, 1954, he was the son of Charles Cogswell (Lepreau, NB) and Anne (Smith) Cogswell, (Whitney Pier), NS.
Philip grew up in South Bar, NS and spent many happy summers visiting with family in Lepreau, NB. Upon completing studies at Vocational School he worked as a lineman with Nova Scotia Power for 35 years, where he made many lasting friendships.
Philip enjoyed spending time every summer in Margaree at Whale Cove Summer Village with his wife's extended family. This week was filled with days spent on the beach and nights filled with tarbish and cribbage tournaments, bonfires and the occasional fireworks display. He especially loved sunsets over the bluff, lightning storms in the cove, big waves at the beach and watching the meteor shower. He also enjoyed an annual lobster boil which he hosted with his brother-in-law Jerry at his home in Albert Bridge. He always loved a playful argument with Jerry over who was in charge of the fire and the best number of lobsters to cook at one time. His brother-in-law James was in charge of cooling the lobsters in the ocean whether the party was held over the May long weekend or Canada Day.
Philip started his morning with a big cup of coffee and his favorite word puzzle, the target, in the Chronicle Herald. From there, he moved onto the sudoku and to any crossword puzzle he could get a hold of. He had a great love of reading and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
After retiring he enjoyed various pursuits and particularly loved to spend time outdoors constructing outbuildings, gardening, and doing general maintenance around the yard, as he took great pride in its appearance. He also spent time travelling extensively with his beloved wife Kathryn. They visited Florida, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, Greece, France, Scotland, and England (even visiting the set of Coronation Street).
Philip is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kathryn (MacCormack), Ainslie, at home; their son, Doug (Merika Poirier), Dartmouth, NS. He is also survived by brothers, Grant (Elaine Parsons), New Waterford and John in Hamilton, ON, and sister, Brenda Rosetti, Grand Prairie, AB. He is also survived by many extended family members in New Brunswick including his father's sisters, Marg Quinn, St. John and Ada Lawson, Woodstock, as well as many cousins.
Philip and Kathryn made yearly visits to New Brunswick known as the "annual aunt tour" as they enjoyed maintaining his special connection with their extended Cogswell family members. He is also survived by many Smith cousins on his mother's side of the family.
Also surviving are his in-laws with whom he had a unique and special bond. They include Glenda, Albert Bridge, Ralph, Winnipeg, Ellen (Kevin Batherson), Moncton, John (Dorothy MacLeod) Chester Basin, Lorraine (Kevin Mason), Windsor, Shayne Vipond, Dartmouth, James (Joan Mahoney) Bedford and Janet (Bob Keoughan), Courtney, BC.
Besides his parents, Philip was predeceased by brothers, Bill and Paul; one brother and three sisters in infancy, as well as in-laws, Dougie and Ellen MacCormack; brothers-in-law, Jerry and Steven MacCormack; niece, Lucy Jean Cogswell, and nephew, Adam Cogswell.
Visitation will take place today, September 8 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at S.W. Chant and Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. Memorial service to take place Saturday, September 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Alban’s Anglican Church, Whitney Pier with Rev. Brenda Drake to officiate. Burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Brickyard Road, Albert Bridge. A reception will follow in the Union Presbyterian Church in Albert Bridge.
Family flowers only. Donations in Philip's memory can be made to the VON or the Hospice Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.chantfuneralhome.ca.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of...
