It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend PHILIP BERNARD KING. Philip passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, August 7, 2009 at the age of 92.

Philip was born in Cardiff, Wales on May 29th, 1917. He was the forth of five children born to Charles and Minnie King. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926 and resided in Calgary. Philip told many amusing tales of his rebellious adolescent years; with the fondest of his accounts being the time he spent in Island Falls, Saskatchewan, where he helped to install a hydro turbine generator. In 1939, Philip met and married his sweetheart, the late Margaret Kermack. That same year, he enlisted in the RCAF and served as an instrument flying instructor in High River until the station closed in 1945. Phil worked a number of years for Smith Motors in Lethbridge and in 1955 he became Western Canada's District Manager for Standard Motors Products Inc. The experience that Phil gained with Standard, proved to be invaluable. In 1972, he and Margaret opened ""The Marguerite Jewelry Ltd"". They owned and operated the local jewelry store until they retired to North Pender Island, in 1978. Philip took great pleasure during the next 25 years, fostering friendships and developing his proficiency at his greatest passion and most cherished hobby, sailing. He appreciated the island's pristine beauty and respected the serenity of the seas like only a true sailor could.

Phil had many interests and was active in several community clubs and organizations including: the Masonic Lodge North Star #4, the Lion's Club, the Elks Club, the Lethbridge Amateur Radio Club, St. Mary's Sailing Club, the Pender Island Yacht Club, the Nanton Lancaster Society and the Air Cadet League of Canada. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping, socializing and corresponding (by written word of course) with his many friends. He was knowledgeable in world history and enjoyed reading and writing accounts of his family's history. He always had an insatiable desire for greater knowledge.

Shorty after the turn of the century, Phil and Margaret decided to return to Lethbridge to spend the rest of their days in the company of their family.

Philip leaves to mourn him, his only daughter, Diana Meszaros and her special friend Mel Willis, grandchildren Jodi (Brent) Merriman, and great grandchildren Ethan, Evan, Noel and Ashlyn; Heidee (Sean) Walshe and great-granddaughter Shayla. Philip is also survived by his sister Peggy Evans of Calgary as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Philip was predeceased by his wife, Margaret, his parents, brothers Eric, John and Geoffrey and his great-granddaughter, Christina Walshe.
Philip also sponsored a child through World Vision, Faiza Jadi of Niger, West Africa.

""This is VE7FTQ signing off.""

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge, with Canon James Robinson, officiating.