Obituary of Philip Russell Wyman

Philip Russell Wyman, 75, Laggan, passed away peacefully at home on July 23, 2022, following a battle with cancer.

Born at home in Young’s Cove Road, N.B., he was the son of the late Walter Russell and Phyllis Ruby (née Gibbs) Wyman. In earlier years, Phil worked as a radio operator in Battle Harbour, Labrador. Following he attended St. Thomas University, Fredericton (B.A.) and Dalhousie University, Halifax (B.Ed.). During his time at Dal, he met the love of his life, Fran. They moved to Pictou County in 1976, where they both served as educators for many years. Phil’s teaching career was mostly focused on special education and resource teaching.

Phil was active in the community and enjoyed sharing his knowledge through the local 4-H Club, canoe and driving instructing. Following treatment for prostrate cancer in 2001, he joined the Pictou County Prostate Cancer association, where he served as a Director and Dragon Boat representative for the annual Race on the River for many years. Phil served as a Director for Northumberland Wind Field, pursuing his passion for clean energy.

 Throughout his life, Phil was a welcoming host and loved creating delicious meals and breaking bread with friends. His cherry pie was legendary. During the past year, he delighted in receiving visitors, as it brightened his day to relive past adventures.

Surviving are his wife, Fran (née MacGillivray); daughter, Monica (Stewart) Jordan, Halifax; sons, Ben (Diana), and Will (Sarah), Ottawa, Ont.; grandchildren, Meghan, Emily, Alfred, James, Vincent, and Eleanor; sisters, Ellen Templeton and Grace (Doug) Sewell; in-laws, Rose Roney, Leo, Jean, Sandy, Margo, Ian and Stephen MacGillivray; many nieces and nephews.

Phil’s family is most grateful for the support and care received from the Pictou County Palliative Care team, Continuing Care workers and VON nurses. These excellent supports granted Phil his final wish to pass in his beloved Laggan home with his wife by his side. The love and support of friends and family sending well-wishes, food and visiting over the past year is greatly appreciated, thank you.

The family will receive visitors 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August 11 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral service will be held 11 am Friday, August 12 in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Lismore with Father Colin MacKinnon presiding.

Phil believed in helping others and his body has been donated to the Department of Medical Neuroscience Dalhousie University, to aid in education and research.

Donations may be made in Phil’s memory to the Pictou County Prostate Cancer Support Association, Pictou County Palliative Care Society, or the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

Family request masks be worn at visitation and funeral service.