Early in the morning of February 1, 2015, at University Hospital in Edmonton, with three brothers at his side and surrounded by the rest of his family in thought, spirit, and prayer, Phil eased into eternal life. Born June 16, 1955, at Holy Family Hospital in Prince Albert, Sask., Phil was named after Sister St. Jean Phillipe, a nurse that had assisted at all the births of his siblings. Raised in Prince Albert, Phil attended St Paul’s School, St. Mary’s High School, St. Peter’s College in Muenster, and graduated from College St. Mathieu in Gravelbourg. Phil played high school football, enjoyed badminton, tennis, and downhill skiing, and he was an avid golfer. He officiated high school and college basketball. Kaiser was his card game and his favourite spectator sport was figure skating. Phil started his working life as a life guard. This grew into a full aquatic commitment. He was a life guard in and around much of Saskatchewan, managing pools in Shellbrook, Prince Albert, Yorkton, Kindersley, and Weyburn. He taught Red Cross and Royal Life Saving Society courses across western Canada where, it is estimated, he trained, taught, or examined more than 1000 life guards. He was also well known by children and adults alike as the character “Frip” with the World Famous Flying Tanks clown diving troop. Phil could send a splash of water 30-40 feet in the air. Phil also worked in the golf and broadcasting industries. His final career was with the Co-operators in Airdrie, Alberta. Working with Mike & Kim Acheson and the gang was “as good as it gets. I get to be with people I like, schmooze with strangers, and it gives me the time to do the other things I love”. The ‘other’ things were family, friends, and music. Music was Phil’s special gift which he shared with everyone; his two favourite instruments were his voice and a piano. The gift really manifested itself when he began to compose melodies and write lyrics. Music was his being. He wrote music and lyrics in French and English for family and friends, about family and friends. He also wrote music and lyrics in French and English for the CBC and Radio-Canada, retail company ads, answering machines, pagers, provincial and federal summer and winter games, movies, plays, and musicals, including the production But It’s A Dry Cold. He performed in many of these. A highlight of Phil’s year was the trip to Farm Fest every August to be with the Campagnes and Kaldors. Phil was predeceased by his parents: L. J. “Pluke” and Marguerite “Margo” (née LeBlond) Fournier; his sister Michelle Khan; extended family: brothers-in-law Ben and Claude Valcourt, and niece Rachelle Valcourt. Phil is survived by his brothers: Wilfrid (Joan), Pierre (Sharon), Lucien (Gerry), Laurent (Johanne) and Francois (Gale); brother-in-law Angus Khan, and by his dearest friends and extended family: Michael & Kim Acheson; sisters Kay Valcourt and Jenny (Bill) Rommens, Les Campagnes, the Kaldors, and the Valcourts. He is also survived by 18 nephews; 20 nieces; 15 great nephews and 17 great nieces. Phil will be remembered most of all for the great love he showered on his very extended family and friends. Thus his special name, UNCLE PHIL. A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. with Celebrant Reverend Father Michael Averyt. The Celebration of Phillip’s Life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2015 with Celebrant Bishop Albert Thévenot. Both services will be held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1401 – 4th Avenue West, Prince Albert, SK. In lieu of flowers and other tributes, donations may be made to the University Hospital of Alberta Foundation, HOPE Program, Room 1H1.91WMC., 8440 – 112 Street N.W., Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).

• Date : 2015-02-01
• Location : Edmonton, AB