West, Philip Edward BA, LLB, QC
June 13, 1939 – June 25, 2015
It is with both sadness and thanksgiving, that we announce the sudden death of Philip Edward West, our brother and friend. We are sad for our parting and thankful for his life, well-lived.
Philip was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Anna West, brother-in-law Henry Woschee, nephew Mark Kernaghan, and his partner Gayle Rogerson.
Philip was born in New Westminster, B.C. He moved in 1946 with his family to Prince Albert, a city he loved and one which he served with pride. He was active in the Liberal party of Canada and sought office at local, provincial and federal levels. He graduated from PACI, University of Saskatchewan, and the University of Manitoba. At the time of his death, he was a partner with West-Siwak Law; he practiced for more than 50 years.
Philip travelled with Gayle to Hawaii, a place of peace and recreation, each winter for more than 20 years. He went to Russia before the collapse of the USSR and in typical Phil style, he commented that he didn’t think the Hermitage had been dusted since the overthrow of the Romanoff monarchy.
Phil’s gruff persona masked a gentle, kind spirit to whom no need was too small to attend. When he was away at school he encouraged his younger siblings in their education. He was always willing to give a hand up to someone in need. On his nightly walks, he picked up debris off the street. He was always aware of what was going on around him and always willing to actively participate.
An excellent cook, Phil treated family and friends to gourmet dinners and warm hospitality. He enjoyed his home, his community, reading, gardening, public service, and his friends. A true prairie son, he loved to visit with his Norwegian family in the Kindersley/Coleville area.
Philip will be lovingly remembered by his siblings and their families: Sisters Marie Woschee (Kamloops, BC), Alicia (Bill) Bateman (Delta, BC), Rosemary (Sandy) McDowell (Summerland, BC), brothers Tom (Mae) West (Sechelt, BC), Dick (Merle) West (Winnipeg, MB), along with many nieces, nephews and cousins in the West/Benjamin clan.
Thanks to the staff at Victoria General Hospital for their care of Phil.
A Celebration of Phil’s life will be held at River Park Memorial Chapel on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 2:00 pm. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to River Park Memorial Chapel, Prince Albert, 306-764-2727 Paula Olson, Funeral Director.