Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 12:00 a.m.
Boon, Phil
PHIL BOON was born July 16, 1920 in Liverpool, England: the youngest child and the only son of his parents Henry and Caroline Boon. He left school at the age of 14 years (as was common in those days) and was apprenticed as a Printer. Phil went on to serve in the British Army Engineer Corps during World War II where he spent 6 years in Egypt excelling at many engineering projects. At the end of the war he married his first wife, Joyce, on December 25th, 1945.
A Life Well Lived:
PHIL BOON was born July 16, 1920 in Liverpool, England: the youngest child and the only son of his parents Henry and Caroline Boon. He left school at the age of 14 years (as was common in those days) and was apprenticed as a Printer. Phil went on to serve in the British Army Engineer Corps during World War II where he spent 6 years in Egypt excelling at many engineering projects. At the end of the war he married his first wife, Joyce, on December 25th, 1945.
In March of 1957, our Dad packed up his young family and immigrated to Canada arriving in Lethbridge, on his way to Vancouver. But he never left - he loved Lethbridge. Dad was initially employed as foreman of Robin's Printing but went on to propose, create and manage the University of Lethbridge Printing Department. He became a valued and respected member of the Lethbridge community: participating in many productions with Lethbridge Musical Theatre (his favourite being Fiddler on the Roof), singing with the University Singers, Vox Musica and the Lethbridge Barber Shop Singers. He was a volunteer with Big Brothers, Meals on Wheels and a member of the Lethbridge Senior Centre.
Dad's passions were music and wood/ metal work. His workshop was his pride and joy. In that workshop he created many, many beautiful projects from hobby horses to doll houses, go carts to lazy susans, cedar chests to glider rockers, kayaks, and his famous pendulum clocks. His credo was "I too did something make and rejoiced in the making". And he did!
Dad loved the outdoors - fly fishing, hiking, boating, kayaking and camping. He came to really enjoy travelling and he was fortune enough to travel to many places throughout the world with his second wife, Mary.
Dad is predeceased by his first wife, Joyce (1979) and his sister Eda Brown(2001).
He is survived by his second wife Mary, his sons Alan Boon (Joyce) and Les Boon (Maureen), his daughters Julie-Mae Boon and Jeannie Walton (Tom) as well as Mary's sons Rupert Allan (Karen) and Glenn Allan (Patti).
He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren (Byron, Jason, Christopher, Tanya, Matthew, Robyn, Kelley and Kathleen) and 10 great-grandchildren (Carey, Brandon, Jayden, Poppe, Soleil, Tyler, Nathan, Kade, Charlotte, and Feather).
Our Dad will be missed by many who have come to appreciate his friendship, his talents and his love. A special thank you is sent to the wonderfully caring staff at Columbia Assisted Living, Jacquie Whiffen of HomeCare and the nurses and doctors at Chinook Regional Hospital.
It is with heavy hearts that we say good-bye to Dad but it is comforting to know that he is at peace ..... following his life well lived.
A Graveside Service will be held at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, on Wednesday, September 6th at 1:00 P.M. Please meet at main gate by 12:50. Following the graveside service, a time of fellowship & refreshments will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 - Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.
Guestbook (6)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Phil.
Phil, with Joyce and their children were a wonderful second family to my daughter Carol Retelbach in the years she attended the Dorothy Gooder school. "Uncle Phil"" with Mary have nurtured that treasured relationship. He will be remembered with love.
Dear Boons I am sorry that I couldn't attend Phils memorial service. I have so many fond memories of being next door to you. Mr mornings were always brighter when I heard Phil whistling in the backyard. We did have some fun times. God bless you all, you have lost a fine father. Carole sends her love to Julie Mae. Love always, Margaret.
He was very kind to my mother (Margaret Witting) and I am grateful for him being my Mom"s co-worker. He was a special man. Thank you again for the kindness shown.
Hi Jeannie and family; I'm so sorry for your loss! I so remember the good times we had at your house, and the generosity of your parents! Especially the summer John and I spent in Lethbridge following our marriage. They were so sweet and kind. My parents also send their condolences. They really enjoyed knowing Phil. With sympathy and very best wishes, Wendy
Such wonderful words to a man who lived life to the fullest. I have not been in touch with your family since Julie sang at our wedding on 1971 and then at Mom's funeral in 1972. My Lethbridge nemories include lots of fun times spent with your Mom & Dad and my brother Dave chumming with Les. My sympathy goes to everyone as you too remember all your Dad added to life.
A man unlike anyone else we have ever met. This kind intelligent most interesting man was once just a neighbour, then a friend, then someone who became an intricate part of our family. He became our dearest friend Phil. One of our most precious gifts was being a part of Phils life. He and Mary were such dear neighbors. Seeing Phil near daily and watching his passion for so many things was so inspiring. Phil mentored Micheal and we attribute his success much to you Phil. Phil we will miss you more then words can possibly tell. The memories you provided just in our conversations alone is forever embedded. The years of laughter as we reminised about so many things in past. The foregiveness you sought after calling us at 3 in the morning from Mumbai still makes me smile. Phil you were the King of great poems great one liners and seeking your opinion on a variety of topics was always enlightening. To Allan, Les, Jeannie and Julie .. Your Dad loved you all so very much. He would always tell us how proud he was of all of you. Your Dad was the absolute best Dad. Our tears are of extreme sadness, and gratitude for us having being given an opportunity to share him with you.