Phipps, Arthur John
Art Phipps passed away peacefully in Victoria on March 4, 2005 at the age of 92. He was born in Sonningdale, Saskatchewan on March 28, 1912, the fourth of five children to William and Gertrude Phipps. Predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Rose, his daughter, Diane, his brothers, Bill and Bert and sister, Amy Palmer. Art is survived by his sister, Winnie Crouse, of Quesnel, his sons, Bill (Barbara) of Campbell River, Paul (Janie) of Castlegar, Bert (Jennifer) of Victoria, and John (Rabina) of West Vancouver. Also survived by grandchildren: Jennifer (Rob), Bill (Lynn), Art, Allan (Jill), Thomas (Mindy), Lorne, Stephanie and Amy; great grandchildren: Craig, Owen, Samantha and Andrew; brother-in-law, Ralph Newton-White and niece Anne (Paul) Flanagan in Victoria, and numerous nieces and nephews. Born in Saskatchewan in a sod-roofed homesteader’s cabin, Art had to leave school at an early age in order to work. He married Rose Thomasson in 1939 and moved to Sherridon, Manitoba, a close-knit community where he worked as a hard rock miner. In 1951 Art moved his family to Nanaimo. After working as a rock and tunnel foreman for four years, Art started work at Harmac Pulpmill where he remained for 25 years. At Harmac, Art worked in the “Boneyard” recovering useful materials and recycling parts from used machinery. art’s workplace at Harmac came to be known as “Phipps Landing”. Art played hockey, baseball, softball and curling for many years in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. When he came to Nanaimo he played softball with the Cedar Wheatsheafs. After retiring, he enjoyed seniors curling. Art was also very active in supporting minor sport. He was involved in Nanaimo Minor Hockey as a coach, manager and equipment manager for many years. Art also coached and managed several teams in Nanaimo Minor Softball. He and others started the Harewood Peanut Softball League. He also was a founding member of the Local #8 Sports Committee at Harmac, organizing a payroll deduction plan that raised money for minor sports. Art was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and community member. He leaves a legacy of strong values based on family, hard work, community service, and humour. He dearly loved those around him and made all who knew him smile with his sense of humour. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends. Art’s family thanks all those who worked to support him during his residence at Long Lake Chateau (Nanaimo), Berwick House (Victoria) and Luther Court (Victoria), particularly Luther Court staff who provided wonderful care in recent weeks. Thanks also to Dr. Paul Henry and staff for their kindness. At Art’s request, there will be no funeral. The family will host an Open House to honour Art at the Harewood Firehall, 195 4th Street, Nanaimo on Saturday, April 30th, from 1:00 to 3:00. Friends of the family and all those who knew Art are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Art Phipps Memorial Scholarship Fund (for S.D. #68 graduating students), c/o PPWC Local #8, 596 Albert Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 2W2. “Dad, you led by example, always putting your family’s needs ahead of your own. We miss your outrageous comments and the warmth of your love.”