Philip Klassen was born on February 5, 1916 on the farm, north east of Plum Coulee, Manitoba. He was the last child to be born to Maria (Hiebert) and Martin J. Klassen. Following his mother’s death in 1937, Philip operated the family farm in Plum Coulee and Sperling, Manitoba until he was enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1940 with the Ordinance Core. Philip served in the Canadian Army overseas in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe for 4 and half years in the Transport Division. He also served in Germany during the time of occupation. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #63 for 50+ years.

 After his honourable discharge in 1946 he worked for International Uranium for a period of one year. After returning to Winnipeg for a short duration, he met his wife, Marie Ponimets. They married in 1947 and moved to a farm in Waldhof, Ontario where they lived and worked for 27 years, building and operating a viable dairy farm and mixed operation. There they raised their three children – Raymond, Randolph and Karen.

 Philip and Marie also ventured into the pulp and paper industry selling timber to the Dryden Paper Company. Retiring early in 1971 from the dairy business, Philip and Marie moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba. They also kept close ties to Waldhof by having a summer residence there. During their retirement years they lived in many places in Western Canada, enjoying the friends they made along the way.

Philip and Marie enjoyed travelling, home life and visits from their growing family.

 Philip was a very happy and jovial person. His laugh was infectious. He liked to “tease” and “joke” with the person standing next to him – even though he did or did not know them. He enjoyed people and having conversation with them at the local coffee shop. He enjoyed talking politics, economics and loved life in general.

 He will be sadly missed by his wife Marie (Mary) of 65 years and his three children and their spouses; son Ray (Kathy) of Penticton, BC and their children Jennifer (Sev) and Kayla, son Randolph (Sharon) of Waldhof, ON and their children Cori (Riza), and Chelsie and daughter Karen Spence (Arthur) of Brandon, MB and their children Brandy and Shaun and their families.

 Funeral service was held on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Doyle’s Funeral Chapel, Carman. Interment took place in Greenwood Cemetery, Carman.

 If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of one’s choice.

 Doyle’s Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.  www.doylesfuneralchapel.com