North, R. Philip M.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather PHIL NORTH on April 30, 2020.

Phil was born in Deloraine, Manitoba on November 11, 1944.  He attended elementary and high school in Deloraine, graduated with a Science degree from Brandon College in 1965, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Manitoba in 1970.

Phil loved life and was the world's greatest optimist. He was an avid gardener and was thrilled to see his beloved tulips bloom again prior to his passing.  Phil was compassionate, sincere, fair, kind, and honourable.  He lived his life with integrity and humility.   He will be remembered by many for his bright smile, sparkling blue eyes, and his extraordinary ability to make people feel heard and valued.  He will be missed by the many whose lives he touched throughout his life.

Phil played hockey for over 70 years.  He was well known in the Lethbridge hockey circles as a long time organizer of Sunday morning "lawyers hockey" and he also patrolled the blue line in LOSA and with the Silver Streaks for many years.   He was instrumental in the establishment of the Lethbridge Pronghorns Hockey Program in 1984.

Phil believed in giving back to his community. He served in numerous leadership roles as President of the Lethbridge Rotary Club, Chair of the Lions Eye Bank (Alberta) Society, President of the Lethbridge Community Foundation, and Director of the Community Foundations of Canada.  He was a strong supporter of the University of Lethbridge, serving as Chairman of the Board of Governors, (1978-1984) and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2004. Phil was also active in the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association.   In 2005 Phil received the Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of outstanding service to the people and Province of Alberta.

Phil loved the law, his work, and serving his clients with his colleagues and friends at North & Company for over 47 years.  He served the legal profession extensively at a local, provincial, and national level, including roles as Chairman of the Alberta Law Foundation, Chair of the Legal Education Society of Alberta, and President of the Lethbridge Bar Association.  In recognition of his many contributions, Phil received the Distinguished Service Award from the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Branch. 

Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 53 years Freda, his children Travis (Beata) North , Susan Prosser (Trevor May), and Patti (Esko Parry) North, and his much adored grandchildren Kasha & Michael North, Calvin, Baxter, & Tabitha Prosser, and Mila & Elle Parry.   He also is survived by his siblings: Laura (Paul) Worthy and their children Hugo (Lisa) Worthy, Jude Worthy and their families: and Andrew (Judy) North  and their children David (Alison) North  and Scott (Amanda) North  and their families,  as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families across Western Canada. He was predeceased by his parents Glynn & Hazel North and brother CB.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the CNIB at www.cnib.ca/donate, or to the Community Foundation of Lethbridge for Children's Sports at www.cflsa.ca/donate.

As Phil was also a grateful recipient of three corneal transplants, the family would also like to encourage everyone to register to become an organ donor at www.organtissuedonation.ca

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, A Celebration of Phil's Life will be held at a later date.