The Peterborough local grew up in the County attending Queen Mary Public School and Peterborough Collegiate Vocational School (PCVS).
Phillips was heavily involved in his community, always sharing his economic knowledge and lacrosse stories.
He has chaired the board of the Peterborough Art Gallery, the Peterborough Golf and Country Club and the police services board and had been provincially appointed to the Community Access Centre.
Phillips began teaching at Fleming in 1983, as he achieved his Master's degree part-time through York University. He was a professor of economics and the Dean of Business at the school.
“Tom’s dedication to his hometown was epic. He dedicated his life to making it a better place and he did that by being one of the most memorable academics this community has ever produced,” said Raymond Yip Choy, Fleming business professor. “But Tom’s real impact was with people. Not only was he a great teacher, he cared deeply about his students and they knew it.”
“He cared about his colleagues and was always available for support, advice or just a chat. We will miss Tom’s booming laughter and his never-ending stream of jokes,” continued Choy. “Tom Phillips was a giant in our community. I can hear him laughing right now.”
In 1988, he started teaching at Trent. Philips continued to teach on a contract basis in the years leading up to his passing.
“Tom was an integral part of post-secondary education in Peterborough and in Durham. He taught on both our campuses; led the development of our Careerspace; had a long and impressive career at Fleming; and was an active member of the Peterborough community, to which he was deeply committed,” says Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent University president. “I was scheduled to connect with him this term and now regret that we did not do this earlier. Tom will be dearly missed by all of us who knew him.”
A memorial ceremony was soon called for Sunday after Phillips’ passing on Thursday. Family, former students, colleagues, friends and everyone who loved Dr. Phillips gathered to celebrate his life at his favourite bar, Crook and Coffer.
