Phillip Maheu - Butcher

Phillip Graef Graham Maheu-Butcher January 1, 1942 — June 2, 2025 It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Phil, a dear husband to Linda, a loving father to Alicia (Albert) and Phillip Jr, a playful and adventurous grandfather to Nicholas, Damian, Alexandra and Olivia, and doting great grandfather to Sophia. He also leaves behind sister, Doreen and niece, Debbie, and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He is predeceased by his sister, Maureen. Phil was affectionally known as ‘Chico’ by many who knew him well (especially Carol!) He was born in Penetanguishene and lived in Shining Tree, Hamilton, Oshawa, Columbus and Norwood. Dad was a life long learner, taking interest in showing his horse, Little Joe in his youth, photography and developing his own film in his basement darkroom, rebuilding cars and bikes, home renovation, camping and canoeing on Eel’s Creek, sailing in Georgian Bay, cabinet making and fine woodworking, and most recently, tapping his walnut trees for syrup. Through his interests, Dad taught us to be curious, to make mistakes, and to keep trying. He also taught us not to do today, what can be put off until tomorrow. Or even next month. Dad and Mom married in 1969 in Columbus, Ontario and lived on Conlin Rd in Oshawa. A year later I was born and Dad stayed home with me in those early years, while Mom worked. He taught me how to break things, fix things and swear. He toured me around on his motorcycle, a 1968 BSA he chopped himself and in one of his MGBs. We three moved to Columbus in 1975, where Dad and Mom welcomed a baby boy, Phillip Jr. Dad taught (Little) Phil how to take a fish off the hook, how to paddle a kayak and how to put in a hard day’s work. During these years, Dad mostly worked in Hamilton and area as a Steam Fitter, proudly a member of Local 67. In 1979 he moved the family to Norwood, Ontario where he continued to work out of Hamilton, mainly at oil refineries and nuclear plants, commuting home for weekends. Although difficult for Mom and Dad to be apart, Mom claims it was the key to their marital success, having been married for almost 56 years, most of them happy, Mom would say. In Norwood, Dad enjoyed renovating our century home, and honing his exquisite craft of cabinet making and fine woodworking. Most of us in the family have been beneficiaries of his skilled craftsmanship. Delivery took quite a while, but the result was always perfection. (The imperfects wound up in the fire, and the fire never went out.) Dad retired in 2006 and then busied himself in the kitchen, proudly showing off his sticky buns, breads, cakes, and Olivia’s favourite, the coveted peach pie. He was a voracious reader, an audiophile with an extensive collection, still loved his cameras and continued to furnish our homes with oak, cherry and walnut masterpieces. Known for being a little eclectic, his next interest was a very old typewriter. He unfailingly posted a typed letter to me every month, usually detailing his challenges with the lawn mower, a cursed Tambour-lid jewelry box he was trying to build, (this struggle resulting in at least one trip to ER) and the wonderful ride he enjoyed on his Honda Shadow Ace750 motorcycle. These highly anticipated letters entertained and comforted me beyond words. He continued this practice for years, until an unfortunate motorcycle accident left him unable to finish his April 2021 entry to me. Miraculously, Dad survived his accident, with the help of a couple of brain surgeries and quickly healing spinal fractures. Of course, he could no longer ride (his greatest passion) and was relegated to the passenger seat, which he occupied grudgingly. Following his accident, Dad was fortunate enough to have the support of really wonderful doctors, nurses, PSWs, PTs and OTs, who helped him return to near original condition. We are forever grateful to those who helped us steal an extra four years of family gatherings, laughs, love, and memories with Dad. Dad, you’ve taken a lot of information with you that we still need. We hope that the lessons we learned working along side you will guide us through whatever is to come. A celebration of life will take place in the near future in Norwood or the area. Check back for the update. Please consider making a donation to your local hospital in memory Phil/Chico. Update: We hope that you can join us for a Celebration of Dad’s Life on Saturday July 26, 2025, from 1-4pm at the Norwood Community Centre, 88 Alma Street, Norwood, ON K0L 2V0

Phillip Maheu - Butcher

January 1, 1942 - June 2, 2025