Condolence From: DIANE SIMMONS
Condolence: We are very sorry to read of the passing of your Dad. We got to know Phil through the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment Band. It was a pleasure to know him. Through the Grace of God may you gain strength and comfort knowing others share in your sorrow at this difficult time in your lives. Diane and Jim Simmons
Thursday July 05, 2018
Condolence From: Ken Babinchak
Condolence: Dear Patricia and John,
For 12 years Phil was a tent mate, a canoe partner, a guide but most of all my friend. I miss him dearly. I am sorry for your loss.
Ken Babinchak
Saturday May 26, 2018
Condolence From: Nancy Polhill
Condolence: Dear Patricia - a note to let you know I read of your Dad's passing recently and wish to express my condolences to you and your family. Interestingly my first and probably only real contact with your Dad was when we both were being examined by Lorne Watson for our Grade 10 Piano Examination. Mr. Watson spent a great deal of time with Philip which probably demonstrated his young talent then. I am hopeful you are carrying on his love of music.
Friday May 25, 2018
Condolence From: Paul Hookham
Condolence: I’m sorry to hear of your loss, particularly the loss of someone who has given so much to others during his lifetime. I had the privilege of knowing “Mr. Cotton” during my education at PACI in the early nineties. While I didn’t take grade nine music, (I was trained in cadets) Mr. Cotton enthusiastically invited me into his band the following year. Participating in his music program was a highlight of my high school experience, and performing music is still an important aspect of my life. I can directly attribute Mr. Cotton’s support of my musical endeavours as a key component of my life and something I will pass down to my son. Mr. Cotton’s teaching style was the perfect balance of encouragement, discipline, and compassion. For me, and many other of his students, he will be missed, but certainly not forgotten.
Sincerest condolences,
Paul Hookham
Edmonton (Part-time Jazz Drummer)
Wednesday May 16, 2018
Condolence From: Grant Turner
Condolence: I thought of, well, I called him Mr. Cotton, about a month ago. I wanted to find him and thank him for 2 major events in my life as a teenager. The trip to England with an 85 piece High School Band, and also a Canoe trip I went on in Quetico with him and his wife and a group of us young people. Patricia, you were on that trip to England as a baby. Not sure where you were at during the Canoe Trip. Anyway, I did not know how I was going to find him. I live in Ottawa now. Visit Thunder Bay once a year or so. Something interesting. I played Trumpet and fooled around on the drums. Who didn't. He did not want me to fool around on the drums. 20 years after High School I was playing a gig at the Keg as a drummer with one of the best bands in Thunder Bay and Mr. Cotton was there. Kind of neat. He made a difference in peoples lives. I see another High School band member already commented. Sorry for your loss. Saddened to hear. Grant
Tuesday May 15, 2018
Condolence From: Mary Coates-Korpela
Condolence: Dear Patricia and John,
Your father was a very special music teacher with exceptional organizational skills and team-building abilities! I have happy memories of preparing for and participating in the P.A.C.I. Senior Concert Band's Tour of England for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977! The music was fun to play, the band people were enjoyable to be with, and your Dad promoted excellence in our performances to a world audience! I remember Phil fondly, and hope that your memories of him will be a comfort to you!
With sincere condolences on your loss,
Mary Coates-Korpela
Flute Player
Tuesday May 15, 2018
Condolence From: Joshua Scudds
Condolence: Phil was a good man, I learned a great deal from him in Wabakimi. May he rest in peace.
Sunday May 13, 2018
Condolence From: Bill & Kris
Condolence: We want to extend our sympathy to you, Patricia, John and family. "Uncle" Phil was a unique and talented man. We met Phil through The Wabakimi Project when he attended Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin in 2007. It has been our pleasure to have canoed with Phil and his project a few weeks each summer; and experienced his hospitality. His vision, leadership and founding of The Wabakimi Project, and more recently, Friends of Wabakimi will be a lasting legacy to his love for the Wabakimi area. Phil's diligence of monitoring the protection of canoe routes in the many forest management plans will remain one of his greatest contributions to conservation. We will always cherish the many hours of discussion held around a campfire, under a rain fly, or on his home's back deck! We have met and become good friends with many individuals from Canada, Europe and the USA because of Phil. Rest easy, Phil, you will now always have a tail wind.
Sunday May 13, 2018
Condolence From: Maggie Moser
Condolence: Please accept my deepest sympathy. Phil was my music teacher in the 70's, and without him I would never have even stayed in high school. He inspired so many of us. I went on to work as a musician, and then as a music teacher myself. He was instrumental in so many people's lives- truly a wonderful caring man.
Sunday May 13, 2018
Condolence From: Fred Steinmetz
Condolence: Dear "Uncle" Phil. In 2012 you gave me and my friend John the adventure of a lifetime. Lasting memories and a temporary 'goosegg' on my shin. I was jealous of the way you could handle a canoe in difficult
water, and p...d off by the way you lectured how to correctly fold a tent. Always the teacher.
Paddle safely dear friend, we of your project will remember you always.
My deepest sympathies to your family.
Saturday May 12, 2018
