Obituary of Philip Christensen

To view the a recording of the memorial service, please click here.

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Philip Neil Christensen on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Freeport Hospital in his 79^th year. He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, with whom he shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. Proud and loving father of Beth Bailey (Mark Korec) and Debra Christensen. Adoring grandfather (Umpa) to Cameron, Rachel, Ella Grace, Abigail, and Thomas. He is survived by his brothers Alan and Ross Christensen, and their families. Phil is also lovingly remembered by his nephews Bryan, Murray and Ian Kangaloo, his niece Shona Kangaloo and their families. Predeceased by his parents, Heino and Phyllis Christensen, Beverly’s parents Harry and Jessie Walters, son-in-law Scott Bailey, brother-in-law James Whitson, and his sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Robert Kopperson.

Phil was born on February 24, 1942 in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, and lived much of his youth in western Canada. During his teenage years his family resided in Churchill, Manitoba and from there he attended the University of Ottawa, graduating in 1964 with a B.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.

Following graduation, Phil was hired by Polysar Corporation in Sarnia, Ontario as a Process Engineer. During that time, he and a group of fellow engineers lived in Bright’s Grove on the shores of Lake Huron, where he met Beverly Walters. Their love for each other blossomed and they were married in April of 1966. Their beautiful daughters, Beth and Debra, completed their family.

The family resided in Sarnia and London, before settling in Waterloo, Ontario in 1974 where Phil began a long and successful career with BF Goodrich Corporation and Morton International. He held senior management roles in marketing, capital investment, national sales and business development.

Beverly was the love of his life and his best friend. Their shared values of trust, respect, loyalty, and love of family allowed them to create a beautiful life together. 

Beth, Debra and their children were the joys of his life and he took great pride in their accomplishments. Phil devoted his retirement years to his daughters and their families.  He developed a reputation as the most patient grandfather, often walking his crying grandbabies to sleep for hours without complaint.  When his daughters were tired or stressed with everyday life, he came to the rescue with anything and everything he could possibly give. When they had reason to celebrate, he was the first to revel in their joy and success. Phil gave complete and unconditional love without reserve to those he loved.

Phil held many volunteer roles with the Twin City Kiwanis Club, was an active member of the Probus Club of Kitchener-Waterloo, and he and Beverly were deeply involved in their local Anglican Church. As a family, they enjoyed travelling the world, sailing the Great Lakes, dancing the polka at Oktoberfest and cross-country skiing. He also loved spending time with extended family and friends where gourmet food and wine were always enjoyed. Phil’s signature toasts were the highlight of every dinner party and he never missed a chance to recognize the accomplishments of others and celebrate life’s milestones. The clinking of his wine glass and standing at the head of the table meant we were in for an amazing tribute and speech.

Phil, Dad, Umpa …you will be missed more than words can express. Your kind and loving spirit will live on in all of us forever.

Special thanks to the Palliative Care team at Freeport Hospital. Our family is immensely grateful for the compassion and empathy shown to Phil during the final days of his life.

A visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Thursday, August 26th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A memorial service will follow on Friday, August 27th at 1pm in the funeral home chapel. As per Phil’s wishes, cremation has taken place. To attend the visitation and/or service, please wear a face mask, observe physical distancing, and register (RSVP) by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or by calling 519-745-8445. A livestream and recording of the service will be available on his tribute page on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil’s memory would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy to the Grand River Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care Unit, Freeport Hospital) or the Hummingbird Centre for Hope. Donations may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.