SEPTEMBER 9, 1954 – APRIL 22, 2022
Philip Patrick Anderson, age 67, loving husband to Irene, passed away in the early evening hours of April 22nd, 2022 after a short and courageous battle with CJD.
Phil was a superstar in athletics, business and life. Born in 1954 in St. Catharines, Phil grew up in Cambridge where he was inspired by his brothers to pursue his passion for sports. Bill Hadley, Phil’s high school coach and lifelong friend, mentored him to achieve success across a range of sports in high school and college. In 2013 Phil was inducted into the Preston High School Hall of Fame for his achievement as an athlete and businessman. Throughout his life Phil continued to compete, in addition to coaching and mentoring future generations of athletes. Phil was always hosting family and friends in his “man cave” to cheer on their favorite teams. Phil’s passion for sports combined with his keen wit and encyclopedic knowledge of Monty Python, brought great joy and humor to all those around him.
Phil met his wife Irene in high school and they shared a life full of adventure for 47 years. They were truly blessed to realize so many of their dreams together. Whether traveling to exotic places or spending time with friends, Phil and Irene shared a wonderful life. They also loved spending time with family and were always excited to host their 10 nieces and nephews for adventures in Canada and Florida. Phil relished his role as mischievous uncle, and successfully encouraged mischief making of their own.
Phil was surrounded by a large community of friends, ranging from old friends from childhood, to business colleagues to amateur and professional athletes. Phil loved them all and was happiest when hanging out over a beer or sharing stories and a great meal. He was known for his incredible generosity and was always ready to help when needed.
Phil was an accomplished entrepreneur and had a knack for building profitable companies. He started his career in various positions with Canada Packers, Rudolph’s Bakery and Champlain Industries before starting his own company, Nealanders International Inc., in 1989, a food science company. The company sold in 2005, reaching impressive profitability. He subsequently founded Southpaw Bakeries Inc. and sold the company four years later. Phil was also very successful with real estate investments and had ownership in Creekside Estate Winery, which was sold to a publicly traded company. Phil’s love of golf inspired him to purchase and successfully turn around Old Corkscrew Golf Club in Estero, Florida, a Jack Nicklaus signature course. Under Phil’s leadership the club was rated number one in Southwest Florida and was sold in 2022 to Florida billionaire David Hoffmann. Phil was particularly grateful to have the friendship and support of Trey Farmer and Mark Iwinski who were tireless champions of his vision for the course. Over the years, Phil was always proud of his employees and cultivated a personal relationship with many of them. He will be greatly missed by all of them.
Phil’s compassion for others was evident in his service as a board member for McDermott House Canada and the Toronto General Hospital. Phil initiated golf tournaments to raise money for deserving charities in Canada and the US, including McDermott House Canada, a home-like environment for Canadian veterans and community patients in the Palliative Care Unit at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto.
Phil was an extraordinary husband, brother, uncle and friend. He touched the lives of everyone that met him. He will be missed by all, but particularly his grateful wife Irene.
Phil is also survived by his brothers Brian (Claire), Tom (Janine), and Alan (Debi), sister-in-law Ingrid Coyle (Brian), nephews Patrick (Stephanie), Marc, Brian (Leanne), Brandon (Marita), and Ryan, nieces Natalie (Scott), Katie, Allie (Bobby), Tory (Mira), and Ginny (Thomas), and his great-nieces and great-nephews Mary, Mabel, Thomas, Aubrey, Avery, Elis, and Wade.
Phil is predeceased by his mother Patricia Anderson, his father Thomas Cunningham, his stepfather William Anderson, and his beloved great-niece Evelyn.
Friends and relatives are invited to a Visitation at Barthel Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 27th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 7:00pm - 9:00pm, with Vigil prayers at 3:30pm. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Clement's Church on Thursday, April 28th at 10:00am. Interment at Parklawn Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Galt Country Club.
We would like to thank the extraordinary staff at Hospice Wellington who provided such loving care to Phil and Irene during Phil’s final days. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Wellington would be appreciated.
