October 8, 1946 - May 13, 2021
Philip Andrew Imrie passed with his children by his side on Thursday, May 13, 2021.
Philip died due to complications of Lewy Body Dementia at the Summit long term care facility in Victoria, BC at the age of 74.
Philip was born to Elizabeth (nee Duff) and Brainard Imrie in Kingston, Ontario on October 8, 1946. He grew up in communities across Canada including Calgary, Edmonton, Sept-Iles, QC, and Port Radium, NWT, as his father was a mining engineer who moved the family around for work.
When Phil was 18 his parents settled down in Vancouver, and he discovered his love for the west coast.
Philip received his undergraduate degree in Mathematics at UBC, before completing his teaching degree at Simon Fraser. He accepted his first teaching position in Port Hardy in September of 1972, then found himself working in Port McNeill two years later, where he would work for the majority of his career in education.
It was in Port McNeill that Philip met Margaret Elizabeth Colwell, who would become his wife and mother of his children. Phil embraced the warm people and rugged landscape of the North Island, but it wasn't until he went to the utopian community of Sointula on Malcolm Island that he truly found his home.
Phil and Marg became active members of the community, where they raised two children, and formed lifelong friendships. It was in Sointula that Phil felt he truly came of age and where he spent the most time of anywhere in his life.
Phil changed rolls a number of times throughout his career, but never school districts, serving as French and Mathematics teacher, guidance counsellor, and Administrator during his 33 years at School District 85.
His wife Margaret passed in December 2004, leading Phil to retire soon after in 2005.
He then moved to the Comox Valley where he led a full life of activities and travel, surrounded by good friends. He was an active member of the theatre community and loved dance, photography and winemaking.
His children wish to thank the nursing and support staff at the Summit for making Philip feel comfortable and well looked after in his final days.
Philip leaves behind daughter Laura (Matthew) and son Kevin, and siblings Alan (Penny), Karen and Ross, Brothers-in-law Doug (Maggie) and David (Sarah) as well as beloved nieces and nephews and dear friends.
There will be a celebration of life for Philip to be determined at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a Parkinson's or Dementia charity of your choice.