Philip Henry England

1942 – 2023

One of the hardest things that has ever been required of us was the day we had to say goodbye. Philip Henry England left this world on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at the age of 80 years. With his passing, we lost a loving husband, father, and a faithful fun-loving friend.  Phil was a devoted family man. He had a genuine sense of fair play and a keen sense of humor. He had boundless energy that he expended to help others. His neighbors nominated him three times for the Golden Shovel Award. Phil was born in Prince Albert, SK. on July 24, 1942 to Eleanor and Maurice England. He grew up on the family farm in Paddockwood along with his brothers, Gerald and Doug.

After graduation he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force for 3 years. Following in the footsteps of his father and brother Doug, he attended the University of Saskatchewan and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. After university, he began his career with the Ministry of Agriculture. His career carried him across the province of Saskatchewan with positions in Weyburn, Kelvington, Tisdale, and Prince Albert where he later retired. In 1966, Phil married the love of his life Ann Kraska, and they had a son Blair in 1967. As Phil’s career advanced, he had opportunities to move. Phil moved to Islamabad, Pakistan from 1983-1985 where he worked on the Extension – Research Project, and in 1993 he conducted Extension workshops in Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe evaluating projects on behalf of the International Agricultural Development program.  In 1995 Phil was elected President of Saskatchewan Institute of Agriculture, followed by an election to the President of Canadian Institute of Agriculture.  CIA recognized Phil as a “Person of Distinction”.

Phil, Ann, and Blair loved to fish. They spent many years travelling to the lakes northwest of Prince Albert to their special spot at Sandy Lake. The annual Ag. Office fishing trip was a special time for Phil and Blair. Phil’s association with the PA Golf and Curling Club started by attending golf and curling events in 1967. He held seasonal tickets from 1989 to the present. He also was a P.A. Raiders hockey season holder. Phil was a passionate golfer and attended the Waskesiu Lobstick from 1967 – 2019 with best buddies Howard Comfort, Mike Pylypchuck and John Hemstad. A very special thank you to Norm Vetter and team for help in making Phil’s last curling season a success.

Phil was predeceased by his parents Eleanor and Maurice; his brothers Gerald and Douglas; nephews Matthew and Brent; numerous aunts and uncles, and cousin David England. Phil will be lovingly remembered by his wife Ann and son Blair, and the extended England/Jackson/Kraska families. He will live on in the memories of his many friends in P.A. and Saskatchewan.  We extend a heartfelt thanks to family and friends who have helped us through this difficult time. Especially our daughter of the heart, Kristal Hill.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at River Park Funeral Home, 301 River Street West, Prince Albert, SK. Interment will follow at Paddockwood Cemetery.

Family and friends may leave online condolences at  https://grays.ca/

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729, Colette Harnett, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2023-07-01
• Location : Prince Albert, SK