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Phil Veness

Image by Nick Andréka

PHILIP "PHIL" GUY VENESS

May 8, 1951 – November 14, 2024

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Philip Guy Veness at the Health Sciences Centre on November 14. He leaves behind his partner Linda Ritchie; his five daughters, Allison, Ainsley, Tanya (Jeff), Amanda, and Amber; three brothers, Ken, Glen, and Alan; two sisters, Cori and Nancy; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Roy and Margaret; and his brother Doug.


Phil was born May 8, 1951, in Kingston, Ontario, the second of seven children. The woods behind his home inspired his lifelong love of nature. He moved to Winnipeg with his family as a teen, and soon his passion for art of all kinds was sparked upon being introduced to the music of Bob Dylan, the paintings of Vermeer, and his beloved high school poetry textbook which (he would admit sheepishly) he stole and later read from to his children. 


He majored in Psychology at the University of Winnipeg. He began his career as a Behaviour Specialist in Brandon before accepting a position as a Disability Services Worker in Selkirk, where he worked for 38 years helping children with disabilities and their families. He had incredible empathy for the families he helped even before two of his own daughters were diagnosed with autism. Phil’s dedication to his clients (and distaste for bureaucracy) was legendary. He also taught occasional evening classes at Red River College – he was a gifted teacher. 


Despite his hectic schedule, he still made time for his children every day and gave us unconditional love and acceptance. We remember wonderful weekends and evenings of dad taking us swimming, skating, and searching for owls, and then reading us poetry, telling us stories and singing to us before bed. He advocated for his two daughters with autism. He was our rock. After his children grew up, he remained a constant, wise and encouraging presence in all our lives. 


Phil always had an incredible amount of energy and was unable to stay still even after his retirement and being diagnosed with aplastic anaemia in 2020. He managed to beat the illness into near-remission twice and continued to dedicate himself to helping others. Even before his retirement he served as President of the Autism Society of Manitoba for several years (earning the nickname “Mr. Autism”), volunteered at the Folk Festival with his partner Linda, and emceed music nights at St Amant Centre. 


In the last few years, he worked as a lunch cook and founded a book club at Good Neighbours Active Living, guided tours at Dalnavert Museum (where he delighted in finding period costumes to wear), visited seniors at Misericordia, and taught English to newcomers to Canada. Phil was larger than life and it is impossible to summarize who he was and what he meant to us in a few paragraphs. He himself loved to quote Walt Whitman: “Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes.” He would not want to be portrayed as a saint – he was always the first to poke fun at himself, and he loved teasing and being teased. He was open about his struggles with depression and anxiety but was also capable of great joy and enthusiasm. He loved so much about the world – running, fitness, birding, especially his beloved warblers, art, poetry, science, theatre, music of all kinds, travel, and reading. He was opinionated yet humble, open-minded and curious, unsentimental yet compassionate, a sensitive soul yet a deeply critical thinker who always, always strove to do what was right. 


As one of his favourite singers, Leonard Cohen, wrote, “there is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in”. May Phil’s light continue to shine on all those lucky enough to have known and loved him. 


The family thanks Dr. David Szwajcer and the team at Cancer Care Manitoba. Phil often expressed his deep gratitude for the care he was provided. Thank you also to blood donors for the gift of more time. A Celebration of Life will be held in the New Year. 


May the longtime sunshine

Always surround you,

And the clear light within you

Guide your way home.


Phil’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Mirna Alberto

November 27, 2024 at 12:13 PM

I had the pleasure of working with Philip as a Volunteer coordinator. My deepest condolenses to his family and his children who he loved dearly. Philip's presence and routine is greatly missed by many. I loved that he walked in ready to "work" with portfolio in hand (with art books) and a light of passion in his eyes. I can attest to his genuine care as he gently advocated for those he visited. Philip connected with many of "his" residents. His singing could bring someone with dementia to finish his songs. Conversations always made one feel deep joy to know that such a caring person was at the front line, supporting the our most vulnerable. May Philip's light keep beaming among those whose lives he touched. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful video.

Wayne Harder

November 24, 2024 at 9:04 PM

I worked with Phil for over 10 years but he became a good friend. He reached out to me in the spring and how I wished to have seen him one more time. So many things he said I will always remember. He was so enlightening. As friends, we kept in touch and had good times being in nature and talking about history. RIP Phil.

Susan (previous co-worker)

November 23, 2024 at 4:04 PM

Phil was a strong advocate for his clients. he was the guy you needed in your corner. He had a great smile and always keep you amused. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.

Keri Waterman

November 23, 2024 at 3:44 PM

A beautiful tribute! Phil was a kind and gentle man who loved his family fiercely. I was fortunate enough to know him professionally and on a personal level for quite a few years. Sad news but he will live on in the hearts of the many families he touched through his work. Rest well Phil. I'm sure there is art and music where you are.

Linda Rigaux

November 23, 2024 at 3:15 PM

Phil was my volunteer buddy at Dalnavert. We started our volunteer journey on the same day. It soon became very obvious to me what a special guy he was. He immediately told me his wife's name was Linda so of course we would be friends. We once did a tour together and when we came back into the visitor centre some of the other volunteers were laughing because they said we fed off each other, teasing and competing about our knowledge of Dalnavert stories. He always won. He brought joy to his work and all of us loved it when Phil was on the job. He loved to get in costume and played the part of the well heeled proper gentleman impeccibly. I am so sorry Linda for your loss. I hope as time passes you and your daughters find the memories bring you peace and joy. Good bye dear friend.

Samantha on behalf of the Dalnavert Museum staff

November 23, 2024 at 1:21 PM

I had the pleasure of getting to know Phil through his volunteering at Dalnavert. He was always full of energy and so passionate about sharing the museum's history. It always brought me joy to see the outfits (both historical and seasonal) he would come up with. Personally, I had the pleasure of talking to him many times about our shared love of literature. He was a man of many interests and many talents, not least of which were entertaining us all. He loved doing any sort of tour, but recently had been helping with our Dementia-Friendly Tours program and Second Saturdays. The only thing I've ever seen that could get Phil away from a tour, was a good game of marbles, which he tackled with great seriousness and joy.

Phil's presence at Dalnavert will be deeply missed by the staff and volunteers. Our sincerest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones.

Sonja Lundstrom

November 23, 2024 at 12:44 PM

Phil was our Bocci player but so much more . All I can remember is all the fun that we had. His spirit for the game and his thoughtful friendship will be missed !

linda my loving support to you ❤️❤️and to all Phil's family.

 

 

Kit Wilson

November 23, 2024 at 10:34 AM

The tribute video was beautiful!

Like Leah, I met Phil through our Sing It Group at Good Neighbors. It seemed pretty clear from the first day that Phil was a 'force of music' (in the best way)! He was having fun, and it felt contagious. Almost right away he said 'We need to get more people out to enjoy this'.

Shortly after, in another session, he said 'We have to put together some songs to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the British music invasion in 1964'. So we did. That setlist currently has 64 songs in it. In my mind it will always be called Phil's list...

You'll be missed Phil.

Susan Borkowsky

November 23, 2024 at 10:14 AM

Truly a remarkable man who we had the privilege to know.

the world was a better place with you here Phil. You will be missed

Leah Taylor

November 23, 2024 at 9:45 AM

Phil was an enthusiastic and much valued member of our group Sing It at Good Neighbours Active Living Centre. We sang Cohen in his honour last thursday and will always remember and miss his wit and humanity. RIP my friend.

Rachel (previous co-worker)

November 23, 2024 at 7:55 AM

Phil was one of a kind; I loved his energy and smile. Phil's passion for helping others was admired. Heaven gained a new angle that they needed. Rest in peace Phil, you will be missed.

Ryan Ven

November 22, 2024 at 5:31 PM

I have many fond memories of Uncke Phil. He was such a thoughtful and caring individual. He has left a lasting impression on many lives. He definitely left this place better than he found it and will be forever missed. My heart and thoughts go out to you all!

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