Obituary of Alvin Leard Phillips

PHILLIPS, Alvin Leard- Age 71 of Mount Uniacke passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 1, 2020. Born in Summerside, PEI, Al was the son of the late Bertram and Daisy Phillips formerly of Ellerslie, PEI. At the age of 5 he moved to Waverley, NS and later to Fairview, N.S. Al graduated from Halifax West High School, where he played right wing for the “Halifax West Warriors”. When he did not have a hockey stick in his hand, he was dreaming of being a radio broadcaster. It was in high school when he met the love of his life, best friend, confidant, and travel companion Elizabeth (Kennedy). They have two sons Mark and Darren whom he was extremely proud of. Al had a 29 year career with Air Canada retiring as a training instructor for cargo in 2001. In 2006 he helped his 2 sons take over Atlas Compliance, a training company for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods. Al’s love for his family, sports, and music defined him. Becoming a dad was one of his proudest moments ever and there was no limit to what he would do for them. Alvin would think nothing of going out in minus temperatures to clear off the lake to make a hockey rink. He and his sons spent many hours skating on the lake. Alvin was a die-hard fan of the New York Rangers, Yankees and Giants and was ecstatic when all three won championships in his lifetime. Once when the New York Rangers were in town he took his boys out to the airport to get pictures and autographs with their favourite players; little did he know that they would have to wait until 2 AM before the Rangers showed up. He and his boys were all also avid fans of the Halifax Mooseheads. “Big Al” or “little buddy” as many knew him, was a very generous, friendly guy who loved to chat, share jokes and he was always one to tease. There was always laughter when you were in his presence. Alvin was constantly on the go; playing hockey, baseball, golf, cross-country skiing, he even took up skipping for 45 minutes a day for 13 years. Al also enjoyed travelling. Summer vacations for Al meant one thing going “home” to PEI to spend time with his mom and dad and many relatives. Alvin and Liz enjoyed many amazing get-a-ways to the sunny south especially Barbados and Aruba as well as many parts of Canada to visit with great friends and family. Music was a big part of his PEI roots with many evenings spent at family sing-alongs. So, it was not surprising that Al loved to sing and dance. It was well known that he would sing-along to every tune (50’s and 60’s) on the car radio without missing a lyric. But Al’s love for family really shone the brightest when he was spending time with his precious grandchildren. Each of them have special memories of their Papa captured in many photos, videos, and most of all in their hearts. Alvin is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth (Kennedy) Phillips of 49 years; sons, Mark (Karen), Timberlea and Darren (Lindsay), Halifax; 4 grandchildren, Sophia, Ethan, Aiden and Evelyn; sister, Doris (Reginald) Kelly, Hammonds Plains; sister-in-law, Cherie (Terence MacLean) Kennedy Hubbards; mother-in-law, Ruth Kennedy, Mount Uniacke; Uncle Sterling (Pat) Phillips, London, Ontario; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Carmen (Elizabeth) Phillips; infant grandson, Reese Alvin Phillips; father-in-law, William (Bill) Kennedy. He was incredibly determined in everything he did, including his latest courageous battle against a rare form of Parkinson’s. Al will be fondly missed by everyone who knew him. Arrangements and Cremation have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent. Due to COVID-19, a Celebration of Life and a private burial will take place at a later date. Words of comfort and condolences can be made at www.tjtracey.com .In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Parkinson’s Canada or Muscular Dystrophy Canada.