Phil A. W. Dean Passes
Obituary:
Suddenly at University Hospital on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in his 83rd year.
Phil is survived by by his wife Margery ("Midge") who will miss him forever.
Wise patriarch of Michael (Margaret) and Erin (Simon) who will miss their Dad, his sage advice and "Timmy the Talking Toe".
Loving grandpa of Kris (Faye), Meghan, Patrick, Ryan and Dane. Great-grandpa to Wren and Cassian.
Phil was born in Middleton, Lancashire, where he first met Midge at Infant School. They went to the same schools and church and married at age 21 when he was studying for his PhD at Imperial College, London, England. Then off to Canada to do a post-doctoral fellowship at McMaster University, intending to stay for a couple of years, but they loved it so much they stayed and became proud Canadian citizens, eventually settling in London, Ontario. He loved his job as a Chemistry Professor and later an Associate Dean of Science at the University of Western Ontario, and after retirement he became an Emeritus Professor and continued to write papers with some of his colleagues who will miss his self-deprecating sense of humour, tuneless whistling and useful discussions. He studied around the world, several times in Australia, taking Midge with him, and they felt very lucky as 2 kids from a small mill town in Lancashire to be privileged enough to see such wonderful places. They would have been married for 61 years on January 2, 2026.
At Phil's request cremation has taken place and there will be a private ceremony later at his cottage on Manitoulin Island.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Operation Smile Canada would be appreciated. Phil had an infectious smile and loved the idea of helping children to smile too.
Special thanks go to the personnel in UH Emergency Dept. for their help and kindness.
