Phil Limbert passed away on May 24, 2020 at his home in Fruitvale, B.C. with his family at his side. He joins the love of his life Opal in heaven with the Lord Jesus, who he faithfully served throughout his 97 years. Phil was born to Martin and Rose Limbert on February 11, 1923 in Agassiz, B.C.
He and his three older sisters grew up on the family's small dairy farm. Besides the usual chores on the farm, he developed his skills as an auto mechanic at the local garage. Following his WWII service in the Air Force he completed his Mechanical Engineering degree at UBC.
He and Opal were married in Agassiz, B.C. May 21, 1949. The couple moved to Trail where Phil began a 32-year career as a plant supervisor and design engineer with Cominco (Teck).
He and Opal raised five children: Wayne, Ray, Alan, Jeanine, and Denise. Phil became active in many community organizations, resulting in him being honored as Trail Citizen of the year in 1983.
His greatest service, however, was to the Catholic Church, through the Knights of Columbus, St. Michael's School Board, choir, Cursillo, and was instrumental in planning and designing St. Joseph's Church in Warfield.
Following retirement from Cominco, he and Opal moved to White Rock, B.C. where he immediately continued his service in Star of the Sea Parish. Once again, he contributed his engineering skills to the building of the beautiful new Good Shepherd Church.
Phil built and fixed countless items for his children and grandchildren. Each of the houses his kids moved into have design and renovation features of this handiest of men.
Opal became ill, and in 2014 they moved to Fruitvale, B.C. where Phil faithfully cared for her for six years. Phil lost his beloved wife of 70 years in January 2020. He is predeceased by his siblings Fern, Lil, and Jeanne, and by his youngest daughter Denise. He and Opal leave children Wayne (Marilyn), Ray (Kathryn), Alan and Jeanine (Scott), twelve grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Phil showed all he met and everyone who knew him how to live a life of dignity, service, honesty, and faith.
Phil and Opal will be buried in Gardens of Gesthemani Cemetery, Surrey, B.C on August 10, 2020, following a private family service.
As an expression of sympathy, kindly consider a donation to St. Michael's Catholic School, Trail, B.C.
Additional Photo(s):
