John "Jack" Philip

John “Jack” Philip passed away on May 8, 2025 in Saskatoon just five months shy of his 90th birthday. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Ellen; son Scott (Sally) and family; and daughter Patti. He was predeceased by his daughter, Terry; parents Alex and Dorothy; and his sisters Jean and Margaret.

Jack was born on October 20, 1935 and spent his youth on the family farm at Paynton. He attended school in Paynton and after the passing of his father, he worked in the logging industry in Smithers, BC in the winters and returned home in the spring to work for the Department of Highways and as a farm hand.

In 1959, Jack married Ellen, who was teaching school in Paynton, and in 1965 he purchased a quarter section of land and began his lifelong dream of farming and raising a family. In 1997, Jack retired from farming and moved with Ellen to Saskatoon and then in 2002 they purchased a cabin at Parkland Beach, Turtle Lake, which became their second home. Jack’s health began to deteriorate significantly in 2022 whereupon he moved into a personal care home, remaining there until his passing.

Jack’s many interests included travelling, nature and animals, sports, hunting, politics, current events, old time country music, and socializing with his friends and family. He travelled to several destinations over the years including Scotland, Costa Rica, Las Vegas and other parts of the US. Some of his most favourite times were pulling the camper trailer to travel across Canada and to Arizona to spend winters as a snowbird. He enjoyed sports, including playing fastball in his youth for the Paynton Pats who won a Provincial championship, curling in many bonspiels, and in later years, watching curling events on tv. Jack’s greatest passion was fishing. He went on countless camping and fishing trips with family and friends and spent many hours on Turtle Lake fishing for pickerel. Jack also liked trying his luck playing blackjack at casinos and going on drives to see Paynton and to visit at the farm.

Jack lived a long full life. Through the good times and struggles, his journey was guided by his love for his family and the basic virtues of common sense, fairness, and hard work. He strongly believed in social democracy, valued helping friends and neighbours, and contributed in many ways to his hometown, condo, and Turtle Lake communities. He will be missed.

To honour Jack’s wishes, he has been cremated and no memorial service will be held. A private family interment will occur in June at the Paynton cemetery. Donations in Jack’s memory can be made to the Saskatoon Salvation Army (https://www.salvationarmysaskatoon.org/) or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Jack’s family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Deutscher, his family doctor of many years, and the staff at Keedwell Assisted Living Center for the excellent care they provided Jack. They also wish to thank the Cherished Memories Funeral Services and Crematory in Martensville for their kindness, care, and compassion.