Obituary for Philip Norman Eva
Philip Norman Eva was born on February 22, 1947 in Putney, a suburb of London England. Phil (as he was
known Norman Philip Eva was born on February 22, 1947 in Putney, a suburb of London England. Phil (as he was known to his friends and family) passed away peacefully with his beloved wife Marilou and his children Kathleen, Chris and family by his side, on May 18, 2022, in Bancroft, Ontario, Canada. Phil was committed to battling Esophageal Cancer and returning to a vibrant quality of life in Arizona. However, he was unable to simultaneously fight cancer and the Acute Respiratory Distress brought on by Pneumonia. He rallied once to the amazement of the medical staff, and just like he did with everything in his life he lived to the end with quiet strength and grace.
Phil spent his early childhood enjoying Soccer, Cricket and family vacations along the seashore in Cornwall with his Mom Joan, Dad Bill and Sister Sheila. One of his favorite quotes was by Samuel Johnson “A man who tires of London, tires of life”. Phil never tired of London or of life.
When Phil was 10 the family emigrated to Canada, landing in Halifax in the winter, he was wearing traditional English shorts, which led to his love of all places warm and sunny. Coming from that island nation, he wondered why he couldn’t see the Rocky Mountains when they took the train to Toronto in the snow. After multiple moves in Toronto, the Eva family settled in the growing town of Aurora.
Midway through high school his family moved to North Reading Massachusetts where Phil graduated in 1966. With the Vietnam draft in effect, he chose to enlist in the United States Navy in 1967, where he served aboard the Destroyer USS Baussel assigned to the South Pacific Fleet.
After his four-year tour of duty, he continued his education, earning an Honors Bachelor’s Degree in English from San Jose State University in 1975. He was influenced by Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau. Their writings nourished his soul, flamed his lifelong passion for learning, nature, social justice, and the importance of the written word in sharing ideas intelligently.
While in San Jose he met the love of his life, Marilou, who was in the process of returning to Canada. This changed the course of his life as he chose to move to Canada to be closer to her and hopefully to spend the rest of his life together as a family. Marilou, Kathleen and Chris are forever grateful for his persistence, generous spirit and love.
His love was so big Phil and Marilou had two wedding celebrations, the first in California August 27, and the second in Oshawa on Sept 5, 1986. Together the family settled in Oshawa. He was a supportive husband encouraging the pursuit of advanced degrees, and parenting Kathy and Chris as his own. Phil encouraged the family’s involvement in Little Theatre, drove to multiple sports practices, sat and listened through teenage angst, ran errands to pick-up last-minute supplies for projects, taught the kids to drive standard, and always was ready for a good board game, Monty Python skit or a funny story.
While in Oshawa Phil worked at the Region of Durham, and York Region Catholic School Board in different aspects of the growing computer field. Outside of work he enjoyed his many good friends, listening to music, reading good books, playing the banjo, and acting in Little Theatre. His two favorite roles were in the plays “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” and “You Can’t Take It With You.”
In 1998 and 1999 Phil’s family grew when Chris married Liz, and Kathleen married Bruce. Phil enjoyed the expanding family and their dogs (of course each one being the dog of all dogs). The long walks, hikes, family vacations, conversations, camaraderie and new stories were all part of the joy.
After enjoying many summers at “The Ledge” in 2000 Phil and Marilou bought a home down the road and moved to Bancroft. It was the perfect spot to have as a home base during their retirement. From here they were able to travel often to be with their grandchildren Kelly, Hudson, Connor and Alden.
Phil believed in trying to understand other people’s perspectives and longed for a deeper understanding and acceptance of the mystery of life. This pursuit allowed him to have deep meaningful conversations, stretching pre-conceived notions and exploring ideas with ever-present wit and humor.
Phil loved to travel, enjoying new experiences, and meeting new friends - some of his favorite adventures were: Hiking the Grand Canyon and National Parks of New Zealand, travelling to all the provinces in Canada (except the far north), Spain, Ireland, Scotland, France, multiple road trips across the US, and of course spending time wherever family could be found. The visits back to see family and friends in England were a highlight as he continued loving relationships with his cousins.
Life always seemed less intimidating with Phil by our side. He will always be cherished in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him and laugh with him. He passed away too soon. May he walk beside you wherever you go and bring you strength to live a good life.
His parting wisdom to his grandchildren was “You always think there’ll be another day, but take it from me… make this one count ‘cause you never know”
A Celebration of Phil’s life will happen in the coming months, in Ontario and Arizona.
Details to come once a date and location has been determined.
known Norman Philip Eva was born on February 22, 1947 in Putney, a suburb of London England. Phil (as he was known to his friends and family) passed away peacefully with his beloved wife Marilou and his children Kathleen, Chris and family by his side, on May 18, 2022, in Bancroft, Ontario, Canada. Phil was committed to battling Esophageal Cancer and returning to a vibrant quality of life in Arizona. However, he was unable to simultaneously fight cancer and the Acute Respiratory Distress brought on by Pneumonia. He rallied once to the amazement of the medical staff, and just like he did with everything in his life he lived to the end with quiet strength and grace.
Phil spent his early childhood enjoying Soccer, Cricket and family vacations along the seashore in Cornwall with his Mom Joan, Dad Bill and Sister Sheila. One of his favorite quotes was by Samuel Johnson “A man who tires of London, tires of life”. Phil never tired of London or of life.
When Phil was 10 the family emigrated to Canada, landing in Halifax in the winter, he was wearing traditional English shorts, which led to his love of all places warm and sunny. Coming from that island nation, he wondered why he couldn’t see the Rocky Mountains when they took the train to Toronto in the snow. After multiple moves in Toronto, the Eva family settled in the growing town of Aurora.
Midway through high school his family moved to North Reading Massachusetts where Phil graduated in 1966. With the Vietnam draft in effect, he chose to enlist in the United States Navy in 1967, where he served aboard the Destroyer USS Baussel assigned to the South Pacific Fleet.
After his four-year tour of duty, he continued his education, earning an Honors Bachelor’s Degree in English from San Jose State University in 1975. He was influenced by Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau. Their writings nourished his soul, flamed his lifelong passion for learning, nature, social justice, and the importance of the written word in sharing ideas intelligently.
While in San Jose he met the love of his life, Marilou, who was in the process of returning to Canada. This changed the course of his life as he chose to move to Canada to be closer to her and hopefully to spend the rest of his life together as a family. Marilou, Kathleen and Chris are forever grateful for his persistence, generous spirit and love.
His love was so big Phil and Marilou had two wedding celebrations, the first in California August 27, and the second in Oshawa on Sept 5, 1986. Together the family settled in Oshawa. He was a supportive husband encouraging the pursuit of advanced degrees, and parenting Kathy and Chris as his own. Phil encouraged the family’s involvement in Little Theatre, drove to multiple sports practices, sat and listened through teenage angst, ran errands to pick-up last-minute supplies for projects, taught the kids to drive standard, and always was ready for a good board game, Monty Python skit or a funny story.
While in Oshawa Phil worked at the Region of Durham, and York Region Catholic School Board in different aspects of the growing computer field. Outside of work he enjoyed his many good friends, listening to music, reading good books, playing the banjo, and acting in Little Theatre. His two favorite roles were in the plays “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” and “You Can’t Take It With You.”
In 1998 and 1999 Phil’s family grew when Chris married Liz, and Kathleen married Bruce. Phil enjoyed the expanding family and their dogs (of course each one being the dog of all dogs). The long walks, hikes, family vacations, conversations, camaraderie and new stories were all part of the joy.
After enjoying many summers at “The Ledge” in 2000 Phil and Marilou bought a home down the road and moved to Bancroft. It was the perfect spot to have as a home base during their retirement. From here they were able to travel often to be with their grandchildren Kelly, Hudson, Connor and Alden.
Phil believed in trying to understand other people’s perspectives and longed for a deeper understanding and acceptance of the mystery of life. This pursuit allowed him to have deep meaningful conversations, stretching pre-conceived notions and exploring ideas with ever-present wit and humor.
Phil loved to travel, enjoying new experiences, and meeting new friends - some of his favorite adventures were: Hiking the Grand Canyon and National Parks of New Zealand, travelling to all the provinces in Canada (except the far north), Spain, Ireland, Scotland, France, multiple road trips across the US, and of course spending time wherever family could be found. The visits back to see family and friends in England were a highlight as he continued loving relationships with his cousins.
Life always seemed less intimidating with Phil by our side. He will always be cherished in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him and laugh with him. He passed away too soon. May he walk beside you wherever you go and bring you strength to live a good life.
His parting wisdom to his grandchildren was “You always think there’ll be another day, but take it from me… make this one count ‘cause you never know”
A Celebration of Phil’s life will happen in the coming months, in Ontario and Arizona.
Details to come once a date and location has been determined.