John C.L. Phillips

John C. L. Phillips Jr.

June 5, 1964 to February 23, 2026

A valiant fighter in a twelve year battle against the beast that head and neck cancer can be, against the side effects of cancer's various remedies and of it's ultimate aggression; John's combat ended with a flight to freedom in the early hours of February 23, 2026. No one fought harder.

Holding the belief that John could problem solve and fix everything, but left broken hearted are John's wife of 33 years, Terry Lynn, his adored and understood children and their partners, Jacob (Jenny Hyl) and Hannah (Jack Carr), his forever loved canine companion, Angus and his Grandcat Moose. John was the loved son-in-law of Elgin and Myrna Schneider.

A passion born in childhood at his grandparents' kennel, the Phillips' zoo loved many a variety of animals over John's lifetime. Coined as "Dr. Dolittle" by his wife, living with John included living with dogs and cats and ferrets, an African Grey parrot. a rescued seagull among other vertebrates, and most notably Earl, the best loved rescue crow on Maple Ave.

John was a collector of things, mostly tools, but also of knowledge. He was a self taught aficionado of many construction trades, and he spent many hours pontificating over and producing beautifully restored buildings, homes and furniture.

John valued being productive and he valued the relationships he built with those he worked with, and for, along the way.

John was most comfortable in his self-renovated home in Sutton West, ON, which provided him with a haven to raise his children, enjoy nature's gifts, take a short walk to Lake Simcoe, space to toss a ball for Angus, room to build things, sip a bourbon, watch science-fiction, play a game of pool, darts, race cars around the track that descended from the ceiling in his workshop, or listen to heavy metal music played with more decibels than necessary.

John loved comedy, comedians... and was comedic.

A brilliant busy mind who loved who he loved and carried opinions a plenty.

John had dogged determination in most everything he did, including a dedication to CrossFIt for the past few years.

John would want to thank his friends for their friendship, laughter, lessons and numerous entertaining memories; some old and others not so old.

Born in Toronto, John grew up in Burk's Falls and Zephyr, settling in Sutton West in his 20's after graduating from Uxbridge Secondary School where he gathered good friends who lasted a lifetime.

The Phillips family has endless gratitude for the genuine kindness and masterful care John (and the rest of us) received from the Georgina Nurse Practitioners Clinic, in particular from NP Tiffany Leonard, and Beth Cowper-Fung before her.

We appreciate the benevolent staff of Eustace Pharmasave in Jackson's Point who, over the years always ensured that John had what he needed.

We thank the many skilled and hopeful staff at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, particularly those in the Odette Cancer Centre who were on this journey with us; including Dr. Eskander, Dr. Blanas, Dr. Chan and Dr. Poon.

Much gratitude is extended to the caregivers we met during our recent involvement with Southlake Regional Health Centres' Palliative Care team led by Dr. Liauw; and we are especially grateful for the care, peace and compassion found in John's final days at Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket.

Terry Lynn, Jacob, Jenny, Hannah and Jack are infinitely thankful to our rich circle of family, work family, neighbours who are family and our beautiful community of friends who have wrapped each of us up in their love, support and overwhelming kindness.

In keeping with John's wishes, there will be no funeral service. Should you wish to honour John's memory give your pet a hug and some extra treats, or you could chose to continue John's love of animals by supporting Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge located in Pefferlaw, ON.

“What are you doing to me?” he asked the crow, tearful. Teaching you how to fly. “I can’t fly!” You’re flying right now. “I’m falling!” Every flight begins with a fall, the crow said.”

― George R.R. Martin