It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Phil Marion, on July 15^th, 2026, in Leoville, SK., at the age of 79.

Phil was born in Spiritwood, SK. on May 7, 1947. He lived a life defined by hard work, integrity, and devotion to family. A farmer for most of his life, he found great purpose in working the land, caring for his crops and livestock, and embracing the rhythms of the seasons. Farming was more than his livelihood—it was a passion and a reflection of his character: patient, resilient, and deeply rooted in the values of honesty and perseverance.

Above all else, Phil was a devoted husband to Aline, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage filled with love, partnership, and unwavering support. Together they built a home where family was always the heart of everything.

He was a proud and loving father and a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather. He took immense pride in watching his family grow and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, playing cards or board games, doing puzzles, fishing, watching sports, and sharing stories, laughter, and traditions that will continue for generations.

Phil always had a love for learning and teaching. Until a few years ago he was constantly looking up and sharing information/facts or reading for pleasure or learning. He was always willing to teach others about music, another of his passions, and started quite a few of his children and grandchildren on their musical path. His primary and secondary education journey included: Regent School in Laventure SK., Spiritwood Separate School in Spiritwood, SK., and Notre Dame College in Prince Albert, Sk. He then attended the University of Saskatchewan where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree through St. Thomas More College and a Diploma in Education from the College of Education.

After Phil and Aline got married on August 1, 1970, they lived in Prince Albert, SK. where Phil taught at Arthur Pechey School for one year. In 1971 they moved to Inuvik, N.W.T. where Phil continued to teach for two more years.

In 1973, Phil and Aline moved onto the family farm near Spiritwood, SK., where Phil began and would continue farming until 2009. During their time on the farm Phil’s love of learning led him to obtain his pilot’s license which allowed him to own and fly a couple of different airplanes both for pleasure and sometimes to get a job done. He was an active member of the Spiritwood Knights of Columbus and a Fourth Degree Knight, holding numerous positions during his many years as a Knight. Phil was also very involved with the Laventure 4-H club, with coaching minor hockey, and he did some casual work for Fast Genetics and Beaulac Funeral Home.

In 2009, Phil and Aline moved to Chitek Lake, SK., where Phil enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, and continued to help Dan on the farm.

In 2022, Phil and Aline moved back to Spiritwood where they resided until 2026. Although Phil’s declining health over the past few years changed the husband/dad/grandpa that we knew, we continued to make memories and create stories that will be remembered and treasured for years to come.

Phil will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous spirit, dependable nature, and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Whether in the fields, sharing his gift of music for church, community, and family events, fixing things and coming up with contraptions to help get the work done, or visiting with friends and neighbors, he made a lasting impression through his kindness, humility, and steady presence.

Phil was predeceased by his parents Mariette (neeTurgeon) & Robert Marion, his stepmother Laura (nee Simonar) Turgeon, his mother & father in-law Eva (nee Casavant) & Gedeon Chalifour, his brothers in-law Alphonse Trepanier, Roger Hudon, and Robert Chalifour and his sisters in-law Simone Chalifour, Lea Trepanier, and Claire Chalifour as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Aline (nee Chalifour); his children, Ginelle (Fenton) Favel, Michelle (Steven) Brochu, Leanne (Travis) Menke, Daniel (Delia) Marion; his grandchildren, Bryce Olson (Amber Toews), Taylor (Dyllan) Franson, Kasen Brochu, Rylan Brochu, Aiva Brochu, Becca Brochu, Arden Menke, Amara Menke, Grayden Menke, Elyse Menke, Brittany (Devan) Wingerter, Miranda Lehman (Jonas Lassak), Declan Marion, Ashton Marion; his step grand-children, Jenna (Mark) Reimer, Laura (Ryan) Clark-Favel, Thomas Favel, Faith Favel; his great-grandchildren, Link and Anna Olson, Hallie Wingerter, Elsie Franson; his step great-grandchildren, Anna and Jack Reimer; his brothers, Victor (Lyse) Marion, Louis (Irene) Marion, Richard Marion (Christine Sawyer); his sister, Lise Marion (Rory Cowan); his sister in-law, Rita Hudon as well as the many other relatives, friends, neighbors, and members of the community who were blessed to know him.

Phil’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Evergreen Health Centre in Leoville, SK.,   for the exceptional & compassionate care and support that they provided for him and our family. We are truly grateful that Phil/dad/grandpa had such a wonderful place to call home for the past 6 months.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 30^th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church in Leoville, Sk.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Evergreen Resident and Family Council, Box 160 Leoville SK. S0J 1N0; or those wishing to honor Phil’s memory are encouraged to perform an act of kindness or spend time with those they love.

Though Phil has left this world, the values he lived by, the family he cherished, and the legacy he built through a lifetime of hard work and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, R. Mark Muir Funeral Director, Spiritwood, SK (306) 883-3500.

 

• Date : 2026-07-15
• Location : Leoville, SK