It is with great sadness that the family of Phillip Preston Wilcox announce his passing at the Hospital Roberto Rodriguez, in Morón, Cuba, on Monday, April 22, 2019, at the age of 58. Phillip was born on Grand Manan Island on June 10, 1960; the son of the late Brenton and Flora Wilcox.
Phillip is survived by his daughter Kasie Wilcox, Saint John; son, Shawn Wilcox, Fredericton, who he often called "the best kids in the world"; mother of his children, Lise Lavallée, Fredericton; sisters, Lana (Hugh) Parks, New Maryland, Theresa Wilcox, Parrsboro, and Rosalie (Waveney) Wilcox, Grand Manan, and brother, Vaughan Wilcox, Toronto, siblings who remember Phillip fondly as their "baby brother". Phillip was predeceased by his parents, and his brother, Danny Wilcox.
Phillip completed a training program for the Machine Shop Trade from NBCC in 1981. He received his red seal journeyman accreditation in 1987, in Edmonton, AB, and returned home to New Brunswick the following year. He graduated from UNB with a B.Ed., in 1991. Over a 21 year career, he taught at Fredericton High School, Devon Middle School and Leo Hayes High School, where he was a supportive teacher who loved to incorporate humour into his lesson plans. After taking early retirement for health reasons, Phillip returned to his roots as a machinist. He was the Grounds Equipment Manager at West Hills Golf Course, a position that combined his love for golf, building, problem solving, and being outdoors.
Phillip will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Faith Baptist Church, 525 New Maryland Hwy, NB, to share memories of Phillip from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 4:00 pm with Pastor Larry Matthews officiating.
For those who wish to remember Phillip by way of a memorial contribution and in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to PATHWAYS TO EDUCATION or to a favorite charity of your choice.