Miriam Kathleen (Kay) Phillips

Miriam Kathleen “Kay” Phillips (nee Edwards), died peacefully August 3rd, 2024. Her devoted husband Bud and other family members were with her.

Kay is survived by her partner in life for 64 years William “Bud” Phillips, their son, Dave Phillips (Debbie), as well as daughter, Deborah Phillips (Thomas Froese). She was the proud grandmother of three grandchildren: Hailey, Aidan, and Nicholas Froese.

Kay was predeceased by her parents, Manly and Miriam Edwards of Calgary, her brothers, Larry Edwards (and his wife Wynne), and Doug Edwards. Kay is predeceased by her in-laws Bill and Alberta Phillips, by Bud’s sister and brother-in-law Lorraine and Bill Dowding and Bud’s brother Lorne. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Barry, and his wife, Lena, as well as sister-in-law Norma Phillips.

Born and raised in Calgary to Manley Edwards, a District Court Judge and Miriam (Oatey), Kay had fond memories of her youth including the years her father was a Member of Parliament and they visited Ottawa by train, summers spent at Sylvan Lake, their family’s European tour and “marvelous times” in high school with football games and dances.

After high school she trained as a stewardess in the mid 50’s but quickly realized that that glamorous but unsettled life was not for her. Kay then attended UBC, transferring to U of A to complete her B.A. degree in 1959.

A member of the United Church all her life, it was however at a Baptist Church service that she met a handsome young student minister, Bud Phillips. Their whirlwind courtship led to a society wedding in Calgary January 1960. Dave was born in December 1960 and Deborah in 1963.

Bud, Kay, Dave and Deb lived in 12 different homes in 4 provinces and one US state, each home made beautiful and inviting by Kay (who never really wanted to live anywhere but Calgary!). In whatever congregation or School of Theology Bud served, Kay supported him tirelessly by being a welcoming and skilled hostess and embracing the vocation of “minister’s wife” with pride.

Kay worked as Office Manager at the BC United Church Conference office for over a decade where she kept things in order so others could do their best work -just like she did for Bud, Dave and Deb at home. In the 90’s Kay became a Travel Agent in Kerrisdale which

also utilized her fantastic organizational skills, attention to detail, and her uncanny ability to understand what people wanted and anticipate what they would need.

Kay loved to play bridge and curl at The Arbutus club, attend Current Affairs, Book Club, and Gourmet Group at the UBC Faculty Women’s Club, and volunteer at Brock House. The Bible Study group and Fireside Women at Pacific Spirit United Church (formerly Ryerson) were an important community for Kay. Her ministry through service was lifelong – in her quick little car Kay delivered meals, collected group members who didn’t drive, dropped off donations, or “swung by” to say a quick hello or deliver something for a friend. Not much was too far out of her way or too much of an imposition if someone needed a hand; Qualities she passed on to her children and grandchildren!

Kay’s generous, inclusive approach to relationships and knack for drawing connections between people were among her greatest strengths. She made friends easily, nurtured family ties loyally and held fast to relationships for many decades. Kay was known for her fun-loving spirit, inquisitive mind, and her enjoyment of a funny story - the Edwards clan loves to laugh!

While Kay never did learn to love the rains of Vancouver, she did cherish “her view” of the mountains, a walk on the beach with Bud, and counting the freighters in English Bay.

Kay will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

No public service at Kay's request.