Obituary of Phil Lemay

Phil lived an extraordinary life. He was a gentleman, a scholar and a man of substance. He was highly principled, intelligent, was loyal, honest, and had an amazing sense of humor.  His love for his family was great and eternal. He had boundless affection for his extended family and friends and spent fun and meaningful time with them throughout his life.   He was an inspiration, a beacon of wisdom and truth when called upon and always respectful. 

He instilled in his daughters the principles that he lived by and taught them they could be and do anything in life. He showed them how to be strong and to use their voice with integrity, principles and respect. 

In his early teen years, Phil moved to Toronto to attend high school at St. Michael’s Private College School.  He was brave and determined in his pursuit of education. Phil received his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Psychology from Assumption University in Windsor. He attended Law School at Osgoode Hall and the University of Manitoba.  He then completed Teachers College in London, Ontario. 

He married his best friend Sharon Thompson on February 7, 1962 and they settled in SSM to begin their life together and raise a family.  Phil was a teacher for over thirty years, first at Sir James Dunn Collegiate and then at Sault College teaching courses including French, Business and Law. After retirement, he and Sharon wintered in Florida for 24 wonderful years.  He loved the new community of friendships they developed in their home away from home.

Phil was an elegant man, a linguist, a lifelong fitness enthusiast, gardener, numismatist, and wood craftsman.  He was civic minded and believed in making a contribution to his community.  He served on many community committees and boards throughout his life including being President of Rotary North,  committee member for the Ontario Winter Games, Bon Soo, and City of SSM Planning Board, Chair of Residential Standards Committee, Chair of City of SSM Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Judge for City Beautification Awards Committee, to name a few. 

His love of gardening and numerous Beautification Awards led Phil to start his own landscaping company, Lemay Lawns for many years.  Even into retirement, Phil and Sharon cared for the gardens on the grounds of their condominium complex.  During his retirement, Phil worked as the Returning Officer for Elections Canada for many years.  He was an avid reader, an epicurean, an optimist and always a ‘Phil’osopher.

He leaves a legacy of love of family and life.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Sharon Marie (Thompson). Phil and Sharon were inseparable, more one person than two as a friend described. They were never seen one without the other. Phil and Sharon lived a love story.  They were truly best friends and soulmates for over 60 years. 

He will now watch over his beloved wife, Sharon and his adored daughters Monique Thompson (John), Angelique Lemay (Leo Tiberi) and cherished granddaughter Crystal Maskluk (Ryan).

Predeceased by his parents Joseph Pamphile and Blanche Lemay (Gauthier), brother of the late Roland (late Yvonne), late Royal, late Cyril (late Dorothy), late Marguerite, late Rita Van Allen (late Don). Son in law of late Joseph Howard and late Joyce Marie Thompson. 

Best chums and much loved brother in law of Bonnie Wolfe (late Gary), Nancy Rosso (late Eddie), late Peggy Thompson.

‘Uncle Phil’ to John Wolfe (Francine), Annelise Wolfe (Michael Szczepaniak), Derek Wolfe (Courtney Schenk) Rebecca Young (Kerry), Leslie Lemay (Kim), Lois Krause (Bruce), Linda Cottingham (Ed), Larry Lemay (Jackie), Michael Lemay (Donna), and Judy Dipaulo

The family wishes to express our gratitude to Aurora’s Restaurant Westside, Karen and Victor Vernelli, and to Sudbury Health Centre CMU, SAH Emergency Department, and ICU doctors and nurses who were incredibly compassionate and went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that Phil and Sharon remained inseparable to the end.

A private family interment has been entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). Memorial donations may be made to SAH Foundation or to the charity of your choice. 

“Je t’aime mon amour pour toujours.  If I could go back in time to before we met, I’d look for you and find you sooner, so I could love you longer”.