Vernon George Phillips

Vernon ‘Orval’ George Phillips beloved dad, gramps, great-gramps, great-great gramps, uncle, brother and friend passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of June 14, 2022 at age 95.

Orval was born August 27,1926 near Marchwell Saskatchewan to Athalia (Doll) and George Phillips. Although Orval’s early years were difficult due to the early passing of his father, his stories about these days were always filled with light or laughter and the strength of his mother. Orval started working at age 13 on a men’s threshing crew. This was the start of a varied working life for Orval including working at a pear processing plant, at drycleaning plants, at car manufacturing companies in the states to name a few. Orval joined the Military where he was in the Army and Air Force. Working as a metallurgist in the Air Force was Orval’s true passion. Eventually Orval moved to Kimberley BC where he worked at the Post Office as a letter carrier and retired as a supervisor. After retirement Orval tried his hand at a few more jobs such as sales in Florida and working on a fishing boat off the coast of Vancouver Island. Trying something new was something Orval carried throughout his entire life.

Orval was an active man. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and cross-country skiing and in recent years walking on his treadmill daily. Orval loved travelling and going on adventures. A favourite place being Big Bend Park in Texas. Orval was at home there and always looked like a local. Perhaps it was his love of Western movies and books that gave him the sense of being home when in the desert and rough terrain.

Orval loved to tell stories from every time of his life. From getting a perm at age 13 to doing basic training twice as he was too young to go overseas and so many others, his stories were always entertaining and gave a glimpse into the mischievous, caring, strong man that Orval was.

Being a faithful man, reading the Bible on a daily basis and often meditating on a single verse or two for an hour or more gave Orval comfort. He enjoyed discussing the Bible and believed it was something everyone should have access to. He generously supported organizations that worked toward this goal.

Orval is survived by his children, Carolee (Leon), Rocky (Tammy), Sabrina, Trudy (Roger), Barry (Patti), Rene, Lori (Cam), Nioma (Marco), Jamie (Ross), Richard (Marlene), numerous grandchildren,  great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by Bea, George, Les, Teenie, Eileen and Teresa.

A service will be held at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Cranbrook BC on September 10, 2022 at 2pm for all to gather and remember Orval.