Obituary for Joel Robert Phillips (Phillips)
(Robert) Joel Phillips hung up his hat for the last time Friday, August 2nd, 2021 at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, weeks before his 65th birthday. Born October 13, 1956, the first born son of the late Robert (Bob) and Shirley (Sally) Phillips of Montreal, Quebec. Joel is survived by his sister Julie of Val-David, Quebec and brothers Paul (Martina) of Golden, Alberta and Lincoln of Whistler, BC, his wife Sandi (nee Wang) of Innisfil, Ontario, and his two children, Robert of Newmarket, Ontario and Michelle of Montreal, Quebec.
As a young man, Joel kept his parents on their toes with his interest and athleticism in many sports. An accomplished water skier who contemplated a professional career at one time, an avid golfer and boater, and an expert skier who worked as a ski patroller in the Laurentians (and not just for the free skiing!) Joel pushed himself to be the best which led to many trips to the hospital and broken bones as a result! As a father he was proud of his children, Robert and Michelle, and often spoke lovingly of their many accomplishments in sport and in the pursuit of their careers. As a loving husband, he looked forward to sharing his retirement years with Sandi travelling, golfing, and hosting gatherings in their new home in Bracebridge.
Joel always said that alongside his children, he was especially proud of achieving his dream of owning his own bar. Through hard work, blood, sweat and tears Joel channeled his love of entertaining and creating good times with family and friends into establishing The Grey Goat in Newmarket. For 12 years “The Goat” was the source of lively neighbourhood gatherings over sporting events, community events and special occasions. It was like the “Cheers” of Newmarket where everyone knew your name! Joel would retell funny stories and great memories with gusto over a pint or two with regulars, while teaching family and friends how to play shuffleboard at home during Super Bowl games. When he retired, Joel turned to his favourite past-time of golf as a Marshall at Big Cedar Golf Club in Innisfil, Ontario.
A fun-loving man, taken too soon, Joel’s good humour and hearty laugh will live in our hearts forever. He will be dearly missed by family, friends and his neighbourhood communities in both Newmarket and Innisfil.
The family would like to thank the Respirology technicians in Emergency and the ICU doctors and nurses at RVH for their compassion and guidance while Joel was in their care. The family would also like to thank all the family and friends who have reached out and supported them at this difficult time.
There will be a Celebration of Joel’s Life at the Roadhouse and Rose Funeral Home. 157 Main St S, Newmarket on Friday, September 3rd from 1-3 pm. In accordance with current Covid 19 health and safety protocols, family and friends wishing to attend are required to RSVP by email at rsvp@roadhouseandrose.com to schedule a visitation time. SSpeeches and memories of Joel will be shared in the chapel at 2 p.m. All are welcome to watch via live stream. Please click the link below.
Remembering Joel Phillips
There will be a final toast to Joel raised at the Olde Village Free House in Newmarket from 3-5 pm.
To honour Joel’s love of his Montreal Canadiens, attendees are invited to wear a Montreal hockey jersey, or any hockey jersey, or the colours of The Habs – red, white and blue.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Royal Victoria Hospital or CAMH. On-line condolences may be made at www.roadhouseandrose.com
As a young man, Joel kept his parents on their toes with his interest and athleticism in many sports. An accomplished water skier who contemplated a professional career at one time, an avid golfer and boater, and an expert skier who worked as a ski patroller in the Laurentians (and not just for the free skiing!) Joel pushed himself to be the best which led to many trips to the hospital and broken bones as a result! As a father he was proud of his children, Robert and Michelle, and often spoke lovingly of their many accomplishments in sport and in the pursuit of their careers. As a loving husband, he looked forward to sharing his retirement years with Sandi travelling, golfing, and hosting gatherings in their new home in Bracebridge.
Joel always said that alongside his children, he was especially proud of achieving his dream of owning his own bar. Through hard work, blood, sweat and tears Joel channeled his love of entertaining and creating good times with family and friends into establishing The Grey Goat in Newmarket. For 12 years “The Goat” was the source of lively neighbourhood gatherings over sporting events, community events and special occasions. It was like the “Cheers” of Newmarket where everyone knew your name! Joel would retell funny stories and great memories with gusto over a pint or two with regulars, while teaching family and friends how to play shuffleboard at home during Super Bowl games. When he retired, Joel turned to his favourite past-time of golf as a Marshall at Big Cedar Golf Club in Innisfil, Ontario.
A fun-loving man, taken too soon, Joel’s good humour and hearty laugh will live in our hearts forever. He will be dearly missed by family, friends and his neighbourhood communities in both Newmarket and Innisfil.
The family would like to thank the Respirology technicians in Emergency and the ICU doctors and nurses at RVH for their compassion and guidance while Joel was in their care. The family would also like to thank all the family and friends who have reached out and supported them at this difficult time.
There will be a Celebration of Joel’s Life at the Roadhouse and Rose Funeral Home. 157 Main St S, Newmarket on Friday, September 3rd from 1-3 pm. In accordance with current Covid 19 health and safety protocols, family and friends wishing to attend are required to RSVP by email at rsvp@roadhouseandrose.com to schedule a visitation time. SSpeeches and memories of Joel will be shared in the chapel at 2 p.m. All are welcome to watch via live stream. Please click the link below.
Remembering Joel Phillips
There will be a final toast to Joel raised at the Olde Village Free House in Newmarket from 3-5 pm.
To honour Joel’s love of his Montreal Canadiens, attendees are invited to wear a Montreal hockey jersey, or any hockey jersey, or the colours of The Habs – red, white and blue.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Royal Victoria Hospital or CAMH. On-line condolences may be made at www.roadhouseandrose.com