This Tree of Remembrance is planted in Phil's memory

Dear Samme, I was sitting here talking to my daughter, and the subject of Phil came up. I Googled him, and have just learned of his death. He was such a sweet, gentle guy, and I have such fond memories of him. I saw him several years ago to say hello to my mother. I don't remember if it was before, or just after dad died. Before that it has been the 1980's when he used to come by the antique store I worked at down at Queen and Broadview in Toronto. He'll always pop up in my thoughts. My memory of you is hazy, but I remember flowing clothes and hair, and great beauty. I hope you are well. MK

Deepest Sympathy to ALL the family... I will along with all of Vankleek Hill miss you my friend

My most heart felt sympathies to Samme and family. I was absolutely shocked to hear of Phil's passing. I have been blessed to have crossed his path in so many different ways, wether at a festival, a trade show, a parade, an arbour gallery talk or out in the field taking off a crop. He was a man who wore many different hats, a unique one of a kind guy who will be greatly missed by so many. Thank you Phil for all you did for the community.

Phil was unique, he was an encourager and was so inspiring and creative, quite the character! I have known him for 40 years and my parents and I thought highly of him. We met up with him early am at the flea market in Lachute, or at the Beauchesne Christmas party or helping with the Save the Alfred Bog. My father and I were happy to speak at the Speakers Series too. Will miss him. Our condolences to Samme and family. Shalom and blessings, Nicole Durocher Beaulne

Dear Samme, We are thinking of you with Love and Sympathy at this very sad time. Phil will be missed by all Vankleek Hill for so many different reasons. Take joy from all your memories and great times you two have shared. Love Pat & Alan

Our deepest condolences for the loss of Phil. He was an amazing person who brought so much life to the town of Vankleek Hill through organizing all these wonderful events and will never be forgotten by so many. You continue to live in our hearts and minds...

Dear Samme, I have thought of you often over the past few days and wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss. I know how much Phil will be missed by his community - what an incredible impact he had on VKH. Sending you a hug!

We were saddened by the news of Phil's passing. Olivia and Laura have such great memories of your farm and Phil. You and he certainly had a lot of influence on them and taught them so much which we appreciated. Please know that we hold you in our prayers and hope that you will find comfort in the support of your many friends. God Bless!

My sincere sympathies to you Samme and family.

Phil was a great friend we shared a love of life and antiques and lemonade. He will be missed in Brooklin. Condolences from Sam Stuart and family.

Dear Samme, we are so very sorry for your loss. When we were growing up, "Samme and Phil's farm" was our favourite place in the world to visit. We have so many wonderful memories of Phil - his spirit, his sense of humour, his kindness. He once let us accompany him on an early morning antique market run, and inspired us to be antique collectors when we grew up, just like him. We can't imagine Vankleek Hill without him. We will always remember Phil with great fondness, and feel lucky to have known him.

Deer Samme, Wendy and I were saddened to hear the news of Phil's passing. Phil will be remembered as a pillar of VKH. One who could not just stand by and let things happen, he was an instigator, a mover and a shaker. We will miss him. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, JD & Wendy

My deepest and most sincere condolences to you Samme and Phil's family. Phil was once referred to me as Mr. VKH himself because he really put Vankleek Hill on the map with all of the events and parades he organized and that without him the town would never be the same. No truer words have been spoken. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. RIP Phil. You will be missed but fondly remembered.

One of the first persons to wish us a special welcome to Vankleek Hill was Phil back in 2010. He actually brought us VKH booklet about festivals and almost guaranteed us we would enjoy our new house and area. For Ann & I , he was our own Willie Nelson. I can almost hear Phil standing up on the podium next to the Windsor Tavern at many events telling about the parade or event. We knew he loved his home town. I am sure he will be watching and be with us at all our future events. God Bless you for all you did for the town. Time to rest my friend!

Very saddened to hear of Phil's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him and have such respect for his dedication and love of Vankleek Hill. He will be missed. Tara Fitzgerald and all the team at Your Local Journal newspaper.

And now the end is near and so I face the final curtain. I've lived a full I've travelled each and every highway, but more than that I did it my way! Regrets I've had a few but more than I can mention, I did what I had to do and saw it through without without exception, I planned each chartered course and saw it through it without exception and much more than is I did it my way!

From everyone at TDH our sincere condolences to the family.

Samme, I am so sorry to hear about Phil. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Dear Samme, It's over thirty years now since our family met you and Phil. First came bed-and-breakfast weekends, later riding-camp and then art adventures with Phil. Phil was a philosopher, a visionary and a whirlwind of energy: we will miss him greatly. Our deepest sympathies to you and his family.

Dear Samme, I am saddened to learn of Phils passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

What a wonderful special man Phil was. So connected to his community that meant so much to him. That is why he and my Mum Velma Franklin were such good friends. My condolences to the family.

A sincere loyal friend,Phil cared. He did not know indifference.He wanted so much for his family, friends and community putting tireless efforts in building bridges for the culture and agriculture in Eastern Ontario. During the ice storm he drove around with a generator to sustain many in their farms and homes. Who knew him as a friend were very fortunate. I am thankful for that. Lots of laughs, tears and sweat were put in the making of the murals when Lis, Phil and I were a tight team. My sincere condolences to all who loved Phil.

Dear Samme So sorry to hear Phils passing. He certainly was an individual. He was able to live his dream and live the life he wanted as he wanted it. His kindness, patience and ability to deal with all the kids who spent time at your farm was a fantastic ability that he had. I always enjoyed chatting to Phil and discussing any issue that was happening at any time. Our deepest condolences Samme. Ron Johnson and family.

Our family's sincere sympathy to Samme and family.Over 40 years of memories.Phil and I were dealers together and for many years were across the aisle from each other at Christie.He always enjoyed the contents of my cooler! Feeding Phil was fun. Us two "antiques" shared many antique show/world memories this past year at Lachute. The town of Vankleek Hill will miss this larger than life great man. Going to take a few people to fill his shoes.Always knew Phil was on the field 4ish am by the phut phut sound of his truck circling around looking for "the deal"!Going to miss you my old friend. Sad.

To Samme - and the family, please know that my thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow. Debbie.

Dearest Samme, My sincerest condolences on the loss of your love,Phil.There are no words that can remove the heartache at this time.Please know,that I am thinking of you.It pleases me to think of when I saw you last,you and Phil were both enjoying a lunch together.We all chatted,and spoke of photography and writing... I did not know your Phil,but I know of his legacy,his contributions to his beloved VK Hill,and all things community.He was tireless in his efforts. Deborah Wilson ( Walter's daughter )

Sincere condolences on Phil's passing. I had great respect and admiration for him (I"ve been a vendor at a number of markets he organized, including Festival of Flavours, for quite a few years). He always put a smile on my face after chatting with him and I will always remember that.

We extend our sincere condolences to Samme and the Family. Phil will be missed (big time) by the antiques dealer community. He was part of the landscape between here and Toronto and beyond probably, known by so many, a beacon in the pack. Indeed, a very large pair of shoes to PHIL...

We were so sorry and shocked to learn of his passing - he will be missed. Phil had recognized the value of organic farming way before it became "a thing". A smart, hardworking man. Our visits to Samme and Phil's farm were always filled with valuable life lessons for the whole family. Our deepest condolences to Samme and the family.

My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Samme and Phil's family and friends. Phil did so much for the town and worked tirelessly to create murals etc. and activities that were of benefit to everyone and brought greater visibility to VanKleek Hill. He will be greatly missed.

Dear Samme, Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your friend and partner Phil. We have many fond memories of Phil that we will hold in our hearts forever! Of course Vankleek Hill and area will not be the same without him. with love Doug & Judy

My sincerest condolences to the family.

Dear Samme so sorry of your lost.I remember when Dad took me down to your farm many years ago. i remember the friendship that you and Phil had with Dad, Mr. Pas as he was called. I know that VKH will miss him.

From all the team at L'Orignal Packing our sincere sympathy to the family. Our thoughts are with you.

Dear Samme, My deepest condolences to you and your family. Phil was a pillar of the community and will be sorely missed by all. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Lana

I never had the pleasure of meeting Phil personally, but anyone who lived in VKH knew who he was. He clearly lived his life fully and with passion and commitment to the community he lived in. I remember as a child being a bit intrigued by this man who didn't fit any 'mold'...he just seemed very much himself... take it or leave it. He obviously has left his mark and, i think, will never be forgotten in VKH or by anyone who knew him. My condolences to his family and friends.

I was saddened to hear of Phil's passing but so grateful to have known him, even in a small way. He was a character and a family legend. Rest in peace, dear Pinky.

My sincere condolences to you Samme and family. Phil was such a special person and I was so very fond of him. He earned my respect and admiration many times over. He was an example to me of gratitude in action. Phil created community through his tireless work and seemingly endless enthusiasm. He cared about our little town and more importantly he cared about people. I'll dearly miss seeing him around when I visit home.

Our thoughts are with you Samme. He sure put Vankleek Hill on the map with all his hard work and care for our community.

Your community has lost a shining star! A provocative, and controversial character, who mastered the art of speaking his mind, and yet Phil was also very well known for his generous heart. His connections run deep and wide as did his desire to engage with a countless number of people. Phil will surely be missed by many and in many, many ways. Do take care Samme, my condolences, Vivianne

Dear Samme, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I have so many fond memories of Phil. He was one-of-a-kind and he sure did make this world a better place.

The voice of VKH has been silenced.It will be difficult to find a replacement !

Our deepest sympathies.

To Samme: Phil was unique as well you know. I appreciated many things about him including his love and concern for his siblings, especially my mom of late. She was asking about him just last week, but I didn't let on.Truly there will never be another like him. I hope all the good memories will be of comfort to you at this sad time. Though we won't be able to get to Vankleek Hill next week, our hearts will be there. With love, Judith and Bob

My deepest condolences to you Samme & the family, Phil will be greatly missed.

My deepest of sympathies to all his family and friends and to all in VankleekHill...Phil will never be forgotten.!!!

My deepest condolences Samme. I will miss seeing Phil around Vankleek Hill. I so enjoyed the times at the Arbor Gallery talks, where I always made sure he would get his tea with honey and a few pieces of cake. His introductions to the talks were so interesting. He had such a big heart and always helped and encouraged me when necessary. He lived his life to the fullest and in his way. I send you my love.

We always enjoyed working alongside Phil at Christie. His presence will be sorely missed.

Our sympathies to Samme. Phil will be very much missed by the community

Samme, Nous t'offrons nos condoléances suite au décès de Phil. de toute la famille chez Clarisse et Richard Carrière

A big loss for the VKH community Thanks for all the events you helped organize You will be missed My condoleances

Always enjoyed our sporadic visits to Phil's truck at antique shows. A wealth of information. He will be fondly remembered. Condolences to those who loved him and to the community that he loved

Phil was a one of a kind guy, always showing up when you least expected it, ready to give a hand to others without question, ready to give advice on any kind of issue/problem. But mostly he was my uncle and he will be sadly missed by me for so many reasons I am unable to enumerate here. Keep on Truckin'!

So saddened by your loss Samme . I really liked Phil - he was a colourful character and one who I will dearly miss seeing on the streets of Vankleek Hill. I just got off the phone with our son Adam and he remembers how Phil helped him to promote his exposure as a singer songwriter . He also worked for Phil one summer . Take good care of yourself Samme . We will be out of the country tonight for the next week so will miss the funeral . Know that we do care .