Philip was born in Edmonton, Alberta September 18, 1945. He was the first of 3 sons born to Eileen and Ted Schubert. He and his 2 brothers - Leigh & Leslie grew up on a farm just outside Edmonton. Being chosen as Valedictorian for his graduating high school class, suggests that he already had the qualities of hard work, leadership and curiosity - which were to later define his work, fascination with travel, and desire to learn other languages.
He decided to study Engineering, and attended the University of Alberta, in Edmonton - where he met Beth in 1965, a new student there, from Jamaica. They dated for a couple of years, but on graduation they both went their separate ways and lived full and interesting lives until FATE, brought them back together again.
They met in Alberta, married in Jamaica and proceeded to Brussels - where Philip had found a job working for Westinghouse Europe. Much to his delight, he was offered the opportunity to train and work as a Start-up Engineer at Nuclear Power Stations in France and Spain. Seven eventful years living and working in Brussels, France and Spain would follow.
By this time, our family was comprised of 3 children - David, Lisa and Neil.The challenges of foreigners living overseas were met head on, with preparation, planning and good humor. Returning to Canada after 8 years, Philip found a job at CIDA in Ottawa, where work involved overseeing Aid projects in some poor countries in South America, Haiti and Afghanistan. His involvement was Professional and often Personal, as he made lasting friendships with some 'real' people of the country, which remain to this day.
In keeping with his curiosity and fascination with history, he became obsessed with exploring the wilds of Labrador. A co-worker at CIDA - Jerry Kenny - introduced him to a book - "The Lure of the Labrador Wild". He was hooked, and for several years after that, Summer vacations meant elaborate planning - solo or with company, as he defied the elements, black flies, bears, darkness and the constant threat of injury or death in the middle of nowhere. Eventually he gave up on those trips, and wrote a book instead - outlining his harrowing escapes and successes.
When both he and Beth retired, they settled for yearly cruises in exotic places. Their last cruise in 2019 was to Iceland and Greenland - with 3 granddaughters in tow!
Family was always special to Philip. He looked forward to visits from any of his children or grandchildren - who were always the smartest, best looking kids on the planet! We will miss you, Dad - unique and always proud husband, father, grandfather, constant supporter and friend! As they say in Jamaica, until we meet again - WALK GOOD!
Digital Guestbook
JUDY WEIR
Margaret McGarry
My condolences to you Beth and to your children. We will miss seeing Philip at Kanata United Church. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Philip be in peace and joy.
Ron Shandro
I have fond memories of the year Leigh, Phil, and I spent as room mates at the U of A. Phil loved to slam doors, to the frustration of our land lady. Phil also showed his dexterity with catching milk cartons in mid air which results in his nick name of “Lurch”. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Louise Valle
I am so sorry to learn of Philip’s passing. I enjoyed learning from him and working with him. He was a wonderful colleague, a wonderful human being. This is a great loss. Condolences to his family.
John Beggs, CIDA colleague
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Philip for several years in CIDA. Always hard working, always pleasant with a smile and greeting. My deepest sympathies.
Joh Beggs
Aurora Loiselle
My condolences to Philip's wife and children, your Dad is likely now in a better place for his rest. He was one of the nicest in CIDA, always ready for a nice interaction and interesting conversation showing curiosity and intelligence and calm. A real loss for us still alive.
Iain MacGillivray
Sorry for your loss dear Beth and family. Wonderful to learn more about Philip and he special your lives together were. In a small way, I was fortunate as a co-worker at CIDA to share an office with him for a time -- two 'specialists' working in the Americas Branch, he in large energy projects and myself in support of agriculture and food. We loved chatting in my native Spanish and I was always struck by his deep commitment to helping others and sharing his knowledge with deep enthusiasm. Till we meet -- rest well my friend.
Valerie Sirois
I really didn’t know Philip when I was at CIDA but got to sit by him at a CIDA alumni luncheon and was so impressed by him. He spoke of the trips planned for the two of them and I was so touched. He was so young .. such a loss. May he rest in peace.
Nicole Bouchard
I spent years listening to Gerry Kenney and Philipp Schubert relating their adventures in Spanish. I could not place a word, as my Spanish was not good enough, but I sure learned a lot about the North and the way to obtain permanent visas for visiting artists. It was a lot of fun. I am so sorry.
Valerie sirois
I didn’t know Philip when I was at CIDA but sat nex to him at a CIDA alumni luncheon and was so impressed. I was touched by his plans to travel with his spouse.
Gone way too young. May he rest in peace
My most heart felt condolences to Philip's family. They have lost a most amazing man and human being. Philip was my cousin. During our youth, so many things kept our visits very infrequent, but as my high school graduation was approaching, I asked Philip if he would be my escort. He agreed more enthusiastically than I hoped. Philip was fun, confident, a real gentleman, and the epitome of a friend. Sometimes during your life you meet someone who is special. Philip was that special person, in so many ways. Beyond his superior intelligence, bravery, high energy, his humor, what I appreciated about Philip most was his compassion. Philip will be missed until we're together again.