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Tribute to Phil
Phil was one of those rare people whose friendship stood the test of time — steady, genuine, and quietly strong.
I first met Phil at Harristown State Primary School, and from those early days a lifelong friendship was formed. Like many great friendships, ours wasn’t built on big moments alone, but on years of shared experiences, mutual respect, and an understanding that didn’t need many words.
Even as a boy, Phil showed his sporting ability. He was selected to represent Queensland in rugby league while still at primary school — no small achievement. As I recall, that was in 1948, and unfortunately a rail strike at the time meant the matches never went ahead. Still, the honour of being selected said everything about his talent.
Sport remained a big part of Phil’s life. Rugby league was a passion, and he went on to play for Toowoomba against Brisbane in the Bulimba Cup — something he was rightly proud of. He was also a very capable cricketer, playing with Metropolitans, which rounded out his all-round sporting ability.
When his playing days came to an end, Phil moved almost immediately into club management at Newtown. It was a natural transition — he understood the game, the people, and the importance of community. He brought the same dedication and steady leadership to that role as he did to everything else.
By trade, Phil was a mechanic — practical, capable, and someone who believed in doing things properly. Together with his beloved wife Phyllis, he ran a service station near Myer for many years. It wasn’t just a business; it was part of the community. Phil was known for his honesty, his reliability, and his willingness to help.
And Phil being Phil, he could never say no to a good customer. One story that has always stayed with me was when a client asked him to decorate a brand-new car with a huge bow and place it outside his home as a surprise gift for his wife. Phil took it on without hesitation — just another example of his good nature and his desire to go the extra mile for people.
Later, Phil and Phyllis ran a wholesale agency servicing the Darling Downs, continuing their working life together and maintaining those strong community connections.
But beyond the work and the sport, Phil was, above all, a devoted family man. He and Phyllis built a life together that was grounded in love and partnership. Our thoughts are especially with Phyllis, and with their children — Mark, Marie, and Craig — who were such an important part of Phil’s life.
I had the privilege of asking Phil to be my best man, a role he carried out with the same sincerity and support that he brought to everything in life. That is something I will always treasure.
Phil lived a long and full life — 91 years of friendship, commitment, and contribution. He wasn’t a man for fuss or show, but he was someone you could always rely on — loyal, dependable, and true.
He was my mate. My best man. And I will miss him.
❤ 3