Philip John Calnan

Phil was one of a kind. I first met Phil when I was learning to sail and a mutual friend suggested that the only way to pick up the sport was to join a boat on the Wednesday night race fleet at the Cobourg Yacht Club. He said he’d reach out to Phil Calnan for me and see if he’d take me on. Sure enough, within a few days a kind, confident, spry 80 something came bounding unannounced into my office to “size me up” before agreeing. He asked about my family, school, work, and other interests, and when he decided I’d be a good fit, he joked that he had to see me in person to make sure I “had enough muscle to pull a sail, and also wasn’t 500lbs” to weight down the boat. He laughed and left, telling me to meet him on the Dock Wednesday by 4 or the boat would leave without me. On race nights Phil was a sight. He was a very skilled sailor, super competitive, but also super kind. He was clear with his instructions and a great teacher. Sailing with Phil was amazing, but the absolute highlight was the end of race ritual. When all the other boats would put down their sails and turn their motors on, Phil would leave the motor off and sail all the way to the dock. It was so much fun to tack through the inner harbour and was amazing that Phil always (99% of the time) knew to tell us exactly when to pull the sails down so that we wouldn’t stall short of the dock, nor crash through the dock with too much speed. After a few seasons sailing, life slowly got in the way. I’m not sure Phil ever knew how much those races meant to me, but I think of him often, and would always keep an eye on his race stats through the summer. Phil was a true gentleman, friend and role model and I feel extremely blessed to have known him. My thoughts go out to Phil's family. It was clear by the way he beamed when talking about them that he had so much love for his family, and was so proud of all his children and grand children.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital - Palliative Care

My condolences to you Greg and to all your siblings on the loss of your dad. My parents had many years of friendship with Phil and Mary and had countless funny stories to tell about your dad and his sharp wit. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

So sorry to hear of Father Phil's death. As you struggle through this difficult time wrap yourself in the love and warmth of your family and friends and get strength from those around you. I worked for Phil for several years and he was the best boss I ever had. RIP Phil with your beloved Mary you will be missed.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

My deepest condolences to the Calnan family, friends, and the town of Cobourg. Phil will be much missed by all. I remember Phil as good friends of our parents, and outstanding in our church and community. He always had a kind word and a smile.

Our sincerest condolences to all the Calnan families & friends on the sad news of Phil's passing. Our family has many fond memories of Phil & Mary & children. I wonder if he'll reply to God in his normal fashion.. How are you Phil ? Terrible. Lol RIP The Meade's

It was with sadness that I heard of the passing of Phillip Calnan. He was a dear friend to my parents, Jim and Mary Redmond. I loved his wit, his compassion for young people, and his kindness. This is what I remember of him as a child and a teenager growing up in Cobourg. To his children, I am sorry for your loss, yet happy that you had him as a father and as a grandfather to your children. He will be remembered. Kit Redmond Bolen

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Thinking of your family during this time of sadness.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

My sincere condolences to family. I worked for Phil many years ago and Speak of his name often when I talk about my life experiences. I helped build a sail boat with him and also cleaned cars for him. I can still see him sleeping in the passenger seat as I was driving him into Toronto to pick up used cars or heading to the auction in Oshawa. Rest In Peace Phil.

We are so sorry to learn of Mr. Calnan's passing , will miss the many chats we had when we met him on our nightly walks along his street. A joy to talk all about his past endeavors while he was in the car business. May God bless a fellow Knight.

Dear Mary and family: my sincere condolences on the death of Phil. I have good memories of his dry sense of humour, his kind heart and vast knowledge on the history of Cobourg and the Yacht Club. I will remember him in my heart as you will remember him in yours.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

I was just talking to Phil in the parking lot of Brighton's No Frills, about two weeks ago. He seemed fine, in good spirits, and we talked freely and endlessly about our many fun sailing days at CYC. I am stunned at his rapid deterioration. Sadly, he has made his last cast-off. RIP, Phil.............Alan

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

What a vibrant wonderful man. I know he missed Mary so much. He was a joy to chat with and commiserate over old times in cobourg from the early 70's. A fellow sailor with no fears of climbing the mast even in his later years. Another colourful cobourg figure that will be missed.

I am so sorry to hear about my Uncle Phil’s passing. He was my god father and a wonderful, caring man. He’s reunited with his Mary now. On behalf of myself, my husband and my mother, Barbara Calnan (widow of Philip’s brother, Michael), we send sincere condolences to David, Monica and Greg and their families, as well Mary Calnan Cole and Denis Calnan and their families. Jan Calnan

Please accept my condolences. Phil was always helpful and friendly in our encounters, through work or otherwise. It's sad to see him go.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Dave and family.......thinking of you at this difficult time

My sincere condolences to Phil's family and friends. I've known Phil since I was 10, but became friends later in life when our passion for selling cars and sailing boats overlapped. Phil was insightful, engaging, inspiring, caring, and humble. I will miss his dry humour and wry smile, but most of all his friendship. One of my favourite sailing memories came when he was closing in on his 80th birthday. We were racing in the single-handed match at CYC. Phil was heeled over in a brisk wind on his beloved Evelyn (he had a thing for fast boats), and he was kicking the backsides of all the other racers who had not yet reached half his age. More recently, we would talk about boats and cars and will miss those chance meetings incredibly. He was one of a kind.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Dear David, Monica and Gregory: We are so very sorry to hear of your Beloved Dad's Death. Mr. and Mrs. Calnan were always so loving and kind to all the Redmond's including our mother and Dad. Rest in Peace Mr. Calnan, along with your Dear wife Mary. With Love and Sympathy, Stephen, Anne and Catherine Redmond

Phil was a wonderful person and avid sailor. I knew him as a young child sailing at the Port Hope Yacht Club where he was an active member for many years and served as Commodore. More recently I would see Phil at St. Michaels or at the harbour where he would always remind me of how it was my fault that his favourite yellow rainboot lies at the bottom of Lake Ontario. It was the only thing he had to use to retaliate against our water balloon attack in the middle of the lake. Fair winds, Phil!

My sincere sympathy to the Calnan family and know that you are reunited with your beloved Mary

Phil will surely be missed on Queen street by his neighbours, he and Mary was more like a grandparents to our kids. We will miss your wit and boundless energy, so independent and strong, but so very kind. Rest In Peace dear Phil xoxo

Sincere condolences to the Calnan family! Cousin Ursula Roddy Clark,

So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I have fond memories of playing catch in the street with your Dad when I was a teen. Used to burn his glove he said. Yet again just over the last few years great chats with him in the parking lot of Hannah Motors across from our house. He was in such good shape I expected him to live forever. He is now with his "Mary". It was a pleasure to know him. Tish

My deepest sympathy to all of Philip’s family in his recent passing. I had a great informative conversation with him not long ago regarding Grafton history. He lived a long & fulfilled life & was very devoted to his faith. He will be missed by many. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this time.

Some of the sparkle is missing from our world. Our condolences to the Calnan's The Frank Masterson family

Phil was a great guy and was a70 year member of our Cobourg Knights of Columbus . He will be so happy to join his wife Mary ,What a beautiful couple. We will keep all the family in our prayers . Bob and. Susan Clement,

Our sincerest sympathy to the family on the passing of Phil. May he Rest In Peace.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

"... So the only matter of consequence before me is what I will do with my allotted time. I can remain on shore, paralyzed with fear, or I can raise my sails and dip and soar in the breeze." R. Bode Continue to sail as you always have Gentleman Phil. Esto perpetua. Jay/Ian

Phil Calnan was an amazing wonderful man. He & his beautiful Mary. Phil's dry sense of humour & the interactions between he & Mary were such a joy to observe. Phil was an excellent skilled sailor. winning yearly competative races with his son. right through his nineties. Phil shared that he was dealing with a lot of pain this past while & he was missing Mary terribly. I am sad & will miss Phil's presence, but I believe Phil is completely happy & at peace to be reunited with his Mary the love of his Life. Truly a life well lived.

"Uncle Phil", as I knew him growing up, was one of the kindest people I knew. Other than his lovely Mary, of course. He was a good friend to my parents (Ron & Kathy Mitchell) and a wonderful community member. May his family find comfort in the knowledge that he & Mary are reunited and there are many who loved them both.

So sad to hear about my wonderful Uncle Phil’s passing. On behalf of my mother, Barbara Calnan (wife of Philip’s brother, Michael), we would like to send our sincere condolences to my cousins David, Monica and Greg and their families, as well to Philip and Michael’s siblings Mary Calnan Cole and Denis Calnan and their families. Susan & Brian Ashe

Philip was a brilliant mind and a caring soul. It seems strange to say that the death of a 93-year-old was shocking, but it was with Philip. He was just so bright and vibrant that he seemed like he would go on forever.

Our sincerest condolences go out to the family. Philip was a wonderful man who gave us so many wonderful moments. He dearly missed Mary and now is at peace with her. God Bless you Phil!

Sending our heartfelt condolences he will surly be missed.our shop will not feel the same without is consistent visits and humour. Rest easy my friend

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

David, Monica and Gregory One more light has gone out in our little town of Cobourg. Your dad was an amazing fellow and well respected by all who new him. Please accept our condolences for the loss of your father. We hope you take some comfort that he will now be with Mary whom he missed everyday. Sincerely Jim & MJ

So sorry to hear of Phil's death. He was a perfect gentleman and an intrepid sailor.

We will miss the humour and caring of this gentle man. Condolences to all his family. Barb & Tom Hall

I was very saddened to hear Philip had passed away! The family is in our thoughts and prayers!!!

So sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. When I was in an accident last year Phil called regularly to check in. He became a good friend during those phone calls and was always willing to help. May he Rest In Peace.