The Chronicle Herald Halifax, NS
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
PHILLIPS, Clarence Alan Lort -
77, of Halifax, passed away peacefully at the Palliative Care Unit, VG Site, QEII on November 7, 2010. Son of the late John and Margaret (Norris) Phillips, Clary was born July 2, 1933 in Windsor, and moved to Halifax as a youngster, attending Edgewood and Oxford Street Schools, and Saint Mary's College High School. Armed with a Journeyman's electrician certificate, and after working with his father and at a finance company, Clary joined the CBC in 1958 where he was employed for almost 35 years as a technician. In his work travels across the province, the region, the country, and around the world, he gained an education like no other, and was known to tell wonderful and humourous stories of the people he met and the places he visited. He became passionately involved in the Knights of Columbus, was a founding member of St. Pius X Council 8671, and went on to become a member of the Fourth Degree, Grand Knight, District Deputy, and State Deputy. Some of his many accomplishments included starting one of the first school breakfast programs in Halifax and serving as media chair for the 1984 Papal Visit of Pope John Paul II. He is past-president of the CBC Staff Association, former member of NABET, former player in the Suburban Hockey League, past-president of the Avon Boat Club, former coach of the Centennial Hawks Minor Hockey Association, past-chair of Father Michael G. McGivney Guild - NS, and member of the CBC Pensioners' Association. He was an avid speedboat racer, hockey goalie, hunter, sport fisher, and card player, and especially competitive when playing with Zoe and best friends, Jim and Pat Edwards. But Clary's biggest pride was in his family and the lasting friendships he developed with all those he came into contact with. Clary was the adoring husband and best friend of Zoe (LeBlanc) Phillips, and proud and devoted father to Nicole, Charlottetown; and Michael and his wife Julie, Lower Sackville. He is lovingly remembered by his brother, Jonn, and wife Heather; aunt, Helen Phillips; and cousins, Bob (Peggy), Terry, and Peter (Georgina) Dimock; and Joyce Norris. He is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law, Levi LeBlanc, Marie Louise Legere, Anne Fougere, Julia Doiron, Joe and Thelma LeBlanc, Bob and Therese Deveau, Louis and Charlotte LeBlanc, and many admiring nieces and nephews. Aside from his own parents, Clary was predeceased by Zoe's parents, who he loved greatly, Joseph and Suzanne Deveau; and several aunts, uncles, and brother- and sister-in-laws. Visitation will take place in Atlantic Funeral Homes, 6552 Bayers Rd, Halifax today, November 10, from 24 and 7-9 p.m. with funeral mass in St. Benedict's Church, 45 Radcliffe Dr., Halifax on November 12 at 10:30 a.m. (Please no scents). Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville. Clary's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Frank Lo and staff, VON staff especially friend, Paul Wright, Dr. Rob Miller and Cathy Burrows of the CV/Leg Ulcer Clinic, Dr. Earl Reid, Dr. David MacDonald, and the staff of floors 8B and 7A, VG Site who all helped make his transition to a Greater Place such a smooth one. Memorial donations can be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Hope Cottage, or Knights of Columbus Charitable Foundation. Family flowers only.