Philip Sylvester Wihlidal
July 6th, 1932 ~ July 2nd, 2020
Philip Sylvester Wihlidal, went to be with the Lord at the age of 87, on July 2, 2020 – just four days shy of his 88th birthday. He passed away peacefully at his home with his family at his side in Regina, SK. He is lovingly missed and cherished by his wife Doreen; his children Randy (Kari) Wihlidal of Regina, SK and Robin (Shaun) Hartzell of Cold Lake, AB; grandchildren Grayson, Jordan, and Liam (Lise); and great-grandchildren Ava and Adelaide.
He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Anna; nine brothers and eight sisters. Of his 20 siblings, Phil is survived by his brother Carl and sisters Sylvia and Valerie; sisters-in-law Lorna, Delia and Peggy; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Above all, Phil loved family and was always there for his children and grandchildren and loved spending precious moments with his two great-granddaughters.
Philip was born on July 6, 1932, the 15th child of Anna and Joseph in Grayson, SK and raised on the family farm. He spent his years farming, playing baseball and playing in the band with his brothers (The Melody Kings) and later playing with The Bohemian Polka Band. He moved to Regina in 1955 and drove for Berjian Transport for 10 yrs, the Co-op Oil Refinery for 12 yrs and 18 yrs working for Buffalo Plains School Division. Phil met Doreen Joines at a dance in Waldron, SK and they married on September 19, 1964 in Melville, SK.
He and Doreen loved to travel and once Doreen retired, they became full-time RV crusaders, spending winters in Texas, Arizona and the Okanagan; summers with family in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Winters were spent enjoying the warmth and attending polka parties where many lasting friendships were formed. Phil was a musician and could be found entertaining with others by playing his saxophone.
Family, friends and all who knew him, will always remember his talent for being able to build anything he set his mind to, his love for polka music and card playing. He was truly a man of many talents who received great joy by making other people laugh and smile.
Doreen and family wish to acknowledge and thank the dedicated and deeply caring palliative team who embraced and served Phil for the past 6 months.
Flowers gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2R3.
A private family mass will be held.
Messages:
Peace and prayers to you, Robin and Shaun. Thinking of you. Will Baker and Denise Reid.
Our deepest sympathy Doreen and all your family. We were so sorry to hear of Phils passing. Have lots of memories over the years..He was such a gentleman. May He Rest In Peace now free from all his pain..He will be your Forever Angel watching over you all. God Bless you at this sad Time !! Sending virtual hugs !!
Randy, Kari, Grayson and Doreen, we were so sorry to read of Phil's passing. From the first time he set foot in my library at Pilot Butte School, Phil always had a helping hand, a ready smile and usually a joke or a teasing comment for me. I was always happy to see him walk into the school in which I was teaching. I was even happier when, after Phil retired, I was able to have a visit whenever I saw him with Randy and his family. He was a lovely man and I know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dear Doreen We are so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. Just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you at this sad time. Bill and Marion Schiller
Doreen & family, so sorry for your loss, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
To "My favourite Wihlidal" Phil welcomed us into his family the very first time that we met him so many years ago. And every time that we saw him, he made us feel like we were one of his own. Every single time I saw him, he gave me the warmest hugs, to which I always responded with "hello my favorite Wihlidal!!' We fished with him. We played cards with him and we laughed with him. We loved him. We are deeply sadden by his death. Our sincere condolences to Doreen, Randy, Kari, Grayson, and the rest of his family. Love Laurie-Ann & Chris
Dear Doreen, Rand, Robin and families, Our deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your husband and father. We remember the good old days on the ball diamonds, first with me playing in the women's league then the girls in the Regina Minor Softball League. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May he rest in peace. Gordon and Janice
Our sincere condolences go to Randy and Kari and the entire Wihlidal family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Take good care.
Doreen, so sorry to see your sad news. My heart goes out to you and wish you the blessing and comfort of the Lord in this trying time. Hugs to you, and I share Your tears. love Ann
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Uncle Philip.
Doreen and family, Sorry, to hear of the passing of Phil. Remember the happy days. God Bless Ruby Flaman
Dear Doreen & family We are very saddened to hear of Phil’s passing. He was a wonderful man & special friend. We had many good times together - memories that will last forever. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. Deepest Sympathy,
Our DEEPEST SYMPATHY Doreen & to your family. We have so many great MEMORIES all through our life. He was a fun loving man with great humour. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you
Dear Doreen and family We are so sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. He was such a nice man. We had the pleasure of dancing to his music then getting to know you both in Arizona. Del really enjoyed playing with Phil. May wonderful memories help you at this difficult time.
Randy, Kari, & Grayson, I am very sorry to hear of your dad and grandpa’s passing. I’m thinking of you all.
Our sympathies to the Wihlidal family. Phil was a kind man with a smile for everyone. Each of us had pleasant chats with Phil during his days of working for the school division. He would always go that extra mile. We enjoyed talking baseball and Grayson days with him. No doubt he will be missed.
Deepest sympathy for a man I know I respected and looked up to...... knowing I am not the only one, as he has touched so many hearts... with his well rounded personality.
So sorry to learn of Phil's passing. Our deepest sympathies to Doreen and the entire Wihlidal family.
To Doreen, Robin, Randy and all your family, our deepest condolences. We have so many good memories of all those years as neighbors, from Phil's guidance to us as new home owners, borrowing a tool, supporting (rescuing) Phil in the park on the odd Friday night, the music, helping Phil enjoy his outdoor Christmas lights more, the continuous smile on his face and always positive demeanor, Randy and, particularly, Robin growing up, and so much more. Bless you all.
Doreen and Family, Pat and I were very saddened to learn of Phil’s passing. I was very privileged to get to know Phil through playing in the band with him. He was a lovely, decent man who always saw the best in everyone and treated all with kindness. Our most sincere condolences, Joanne
Dear friend....so sorry for your sadness. We share your loss, and continue to keep you in our prayers. We have a lot of memories of good times with you and Phil. So glad our paths crossed.
My deepest condolences go out to you Randy and Kari and to your Family.
It is with heavy hearts that we see the passing of a long time friend, neighbour, fellow rv'er. Our thoughts and best wishes to Doreen and family.
Doreen, Randy, Kari, Grayson and the rest of the Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult and life changing time.
Doreen and family, please accept our deepest condolences on Phil’s passing. The couple of times I had the pleasure of meeting him, he seemed to be a very nice man. Take care .......lloyd & Emma
Doreen and family: Sorry for your loss. We will always remember Phil from the ball fields Barry and Linda Sockett
My condolences to Philip’s family. I have many fond memories of dancing to their band.
Robin & Shaun Sincere condolences on the loss of your father, grandfather thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Our deepest condolences to Doreen and family. Phillip will be greatly missed by all who new his smile and making us laugh.
Doreen & Family, We are so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. May happy memories help to ease the heartache you must be feeling at this sad time. Our sincere sympathy and condolences.