John Phillip “Phil” Pfeifer
1934- 2016

With fond memories and a sense of loss, sadness and relief, we announce the passing of one of Estevan’s true icons on New Year’s Day of 2016. In spite of a terminal cancer diagnosis more than two years ago, Dad continued to live life his way until late summer. His way meant being what he always was. He had the respect, love and friendship of those who knew him. Being productive, fiercely independent and his get it done attitude never stood in the way of his generous, caring and thoughtful nature. When he wasn’t busy saving the residents of Estevan by exterminating mosquitos and weeds during his day job, he could be found donating his time to charitable canvassing or gathering up and returning shopping carts from the grocery store parking lots or snow blowing many of the neighborhood driveways or supplying baking to friends and causes or…well, you get the picture. Dad’s capacity to give was only equalled by his desire to never be a burden or to be treated special. We often hear of people fighting courageous battles during difficult times or through episodes of illness. Whether it was his own episode with cancer or during his time as primary caregiver to mom, Dad chose not to battle through but to live through these difficulties. Did I mention this was since retirement? Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, he moved with the family to Portage la Prairie and Yorkton Sask. at an early age. Never a scholar, dad loved hockey and despite his diminutive size, relied early on his attitude to be part of numerous provincial and inter-provincial championship Bantam and Midget teams. He married LaVina McDougall in Yorkton on June 23, 1956 with son Ty arriving the following year. Dad worked his entire career for Bowman Brothers later to become Acklands Ltd. As a “clean up” manager who was dispatched to fix distressed branches of the company, the family relocated several times prior to settling in Estevan in 1970. Sometime after retiring into boredom in 1996, dad was told by his former boss “Phil, we had to hire three guys to replace you”. Dad of course took this as the supreme compliment. After LaVina’s passing in 2002, dad unretired working several different jobs until becoming seasonally permanent at Southeast Tree Care where he admitted to having found the perfect job…working outdoors and driving around on a tractor. Dad continued to work his perfect job literally until the day he was admitted to hospital in August. After a life well lived, Phil will be welcomed into the Peace by wife LaVina, parents Constance and John Pfeifer, brother Allen Pfeifer, sisters Shirley (Bob) McGifford, Joan (Ray) Walsh, Barbara (Ed) Eisenzimmer, Madeleine Lange and in-laws Pauline and Charlie McDougall. Phil is survived by his son Ty (Mary Jane), grandsons Scott, Andy and Jim (Tess Clark) Pfeifer, sister-in-law Georgina Pfeifer, brother-in-law Bruce Lange, numerous nieces and nephews and by his very special friend, Eileen Brown. Eileen’s love, caring and companionship undoubtedly extended the length and quality of dad’s life…she gave him reason to live. Special thanks to Eileen’s children and spouses, Bob and Beth Wock and family, Larry Doan and family and to all those who took the time to visit with dad over the last few weeks. Finally, thanks to Dr. Omosigho and a big shout out for the entire staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan for their care of dad.

You are invited to an informal gathering to celebrate Phil’s life, which will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Granby's on 9th (located in the Days Inn), 1305 - 9th Street, Estevan.

Interment will take place at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens, Estevan.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Services, Estevan.