Obituary of Phillip Lloyd Richardson

Phillip Lloyd Richardson (May 26, 1949 – January 3, 2021) HAPPY 73rd BIRTHDAY, PHILLIP! This year we will not have to spend anything on you at all! (Just as you would like.) Today we celebrate the birth and life of Phillip Lloyd Richardson. We lost Phillip after a brief illness on the 3rd of January 2021, just after one last perfect Christmas at home. We will finally be able to celebrate his life and legacy this Labour Day weekend at the place he felt most at peace, where he brought so much light, love, and laughter to so many of us. Phillip was a beloved son of the late John (aka Jack) Richardson and Phillis Richardson (né Connors); brother of John, Dave, Brenda Lee (Dan), James (Patricia), Robert (Mary), and Mary Beth; husband of Bronwien (né Hobbs); father of Kieran and Meaghean, cousin of the Hughes’, Connors’, and Casey’s to name a few; uncle to dear nieces, nephews, as well as grand nieces and nephews; and friend to so many more. A humble secret-genius with a heart of gold and the mischievous family jokester, Phillip was always ready to make you smile, help if you needed, pick-up if you called and never forgot a plan if you made it with him. He was the best listener, with the ability to relate to anyone and make them feel truly seen and understood. Phillip was a grounded presence and a free spirit who always made room for others. He was dedicated, dependable and always took care of people, making that his life, his work, and his legacy (along with being brought up every time someone fills their tank with supreme gasoline...). Phillip was a committed career-long contributor to the Respiratory Therapist field in Canada for over 36 years. Phil was a faculty member with the QEII and Dalhousie School of Health Science, participating in the transition of Nova Scotia's Respiratory Therapist Diploma Program to a Degree Program. Phil was an active member of the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) and the Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists (NSCRT) He was one of the key players in bringing the profession of Respiratory Therapy to legislation and regulation in Nova Scotia, as a result the Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists (NSCRT) was established in 2008 and Phil served as Director at Large on the inaugural Board of Directors. Phil provided the administrative services for the Canadian Broad for Respiratory Care (CBRC) in overseeing a National Entry to Practice Examination process for Respiratory Therapy for 20 years. He was celebrated by the community, being awarded the Robert Merry Lecturer award (2009) for his passionate work towards the advancement of Respiratory Therapy profession. All the time, building lasting relationships with his colleagues. Phil will forever be our own friendly neighborhood vintner - keeping those close to him well supplied with homemade wine - our favorite Survivor Games host, SWITFAN director, and a cherished founder and member of the South Rawdon Country Club (those who know, know). He showed us how to work hard and still honour and nourish our inner child. Phillip loved the outdoors, camping regularly; always Rawdon-bound (and definitely “with the hammer down”). He also loved his family, and whenever the two met he was always in his element. He kept the memories of those gone before him alive through stories by the fire and jokes around the thanksgiving table. We take comfort knowing that he will be cherished and remember in kind. Phillip was modest in every way: kind and humble (and frugal). He was a better father than he ever knew, to more people than he even knew (from more places than he could remember), and a better friend than he ever strived to be (but we all knew). In true Gemini fashion, he was our favorite Grinch and Santa (literally) all rolled into one, always honest with his criticism, while always jolly in his soul. Holidays will be harder without him, yet all the sweeter because of him. He is remembered for his wit, intellect, hospitality, good food (and good wine!) and most of all good fun. He will live on in the myriad memories and joyful moments he brought to all those who were lucky enough to know him. He is truly our Phillip Supreme. We feel him blushing from whichever beam of light he is shimmering from as we write this, but what better day than a birthday to sing someone’s praises? So, please join us in saying: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHILLIP! We miss you! We love you! And you live rent-free in our hearts (and in South Rawdon) forever.