It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Philip Wright Carruthers, age 77, at the Aberdeen Hospital, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and related complications, on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.
Philip was predeceased by his parents, George and Bertie Carruthers, and his sister Bonnie. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marilyn; son Jeffrey, his wife Lori and their children Molly and Max; son Jamie, his wife Rebecca and their children Connor and Liam. He is also survived by his three sisters-in-law: Janet Ervin, Barb Conrad and Colleen Moser, and their families. He will be missed by family and friends, especially the Higgs family.
Philip worked for Fred C. Morrison Ltd. for more than 38 years, where he travelled throughout the Maritimes and formed many friendships.
He will be forever known for his sense of humour, quick wit and cartoons, which can be found throughout the world. He loved his family and enjoyed his many visits to Dartmouth and North Bay to spend time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him "PeePee," and were a highlight of his life.
Philip passed on his quick wit to his sons during their after-dinner insult contests. He was the king of "comebacks and kindness."
Philip spent a year at NSCAD in Halifax, carrying on the art legacy of his father George Carruthers, who made his livelihood as a sign painter in New Glasgow. Now his sons and grandchildren carry on the tradition.
Live music brought Philip many evenings of enjoyment — everything from Bob Dylan and Neil Young concerts to local music festivals, highlighted by Nicholas Higgs, the Durning/Alcorns and Brenna Conrad.
"Flipper" — as he was known by his high school friends — was a multi-sport athlete who excelled at track and field. He could always be counted on to even out the road hockey teams at Brown School and would grab his trusty blue Jofa hockey stick and hit the school yard. He was also a fierce competitor when it came to trivia, and in his spare time he loved building model airplanes.
Philip was a past president of the New Glasgow Lions Club, driver for Meals on Wheels, volunteer at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre and supporter of the Green and White Booster Club.
Philip often joked with his sons about someday ending up at Porters — as he lived across from the funeral home for more than 40 years — and now that day has come. Cremation has taken place.
A celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, August 24 at the Little Harbour Community Centre from 2 – 4 pm with words of remembrance at 3:30 p.m. Many thanks to all who helped care for Philip in recent years, including Dr. Gregor MacLean, VON, Dr. Kwasnik and the palliative team at the Aberdeen Hospital, and the amazing staff at Ivey’s Terrace Nursing Home.
Donations may be made to Pictou County VON, Pictou County Parkinson’s Society or the deCoste Performing Arts Centre.
To share a story of Phil with the family, please visit: http://rememberingphil.ca