Philip James Geden (affectionately known by his grandkids as “Phlippy”), 82, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 5. Born on November 25, 1941, son of William and Rachel (McKee) Geden, Phil lived a full and multifaceted life from beginning to end leaving lasting impressions on so many that he touched along the way.
Phil was born and raised in North Bay, ON as the third of four brothers, truly enjoying his time on Lake Nipissing as a young boy and ultimately in his final years. After earning a Bachelor of Science from McMaster University, he decided to pursue his career in education where he served as a high school science teacher first in North York, then for the next three decades in North Bay before finishing his career as a Principal at West Ferris High School.
Phil went on to serve on the Near North District School Board for several years. Phil continued serving his community as the Chair of the Board of the North Bay Regional Health Centre during its construction and first year in operation. Phil reconnected with the love of his life Leslie Lander while attending their 50 year University Reunion at McMaster.
Phil always stayed busy with construction projects, building several homes in North Bay for his family. He also loved renovating them from top to bottom which he and Leslie enjoyed doing together in their home on the lake. He was always willing to share and explain the steps needed to satisfy his immaculate attention to detail through his woodworking and building endeavours. Although sometimes taken as him being stubborn and set in his ways to make sure it was “done right”, his intelligence and overwhelming patience always prevailed with his lessons being passed along to his family.
Phil’s keen eye was so often able to identify and bring forward the passion and individual potential in others which served him so well through his life as an educator, a leader, and as a father, a partner, an uncle, and a grandfather. Phil is survived by his loving partner Leslie (Lander), brother Dennis & Sandie Geden, sister-in-law Edna Geden, his son David, his son Andrew & Janice Geden (Payne), and their mother Brenda Geden (Dalziel). Also survived by his most dearly cherished grandchildren Jillian and Eric Geden who just adored “Phlippy”. Remembered by his beloved nieces and nephews Kathy (Cole) and Krista, Tim, and Tony, and pre-deceased by brothers Ed (wife Joan), and Larry (wife Edna).
Phil will be cremated and a celebration of life will take place in early June 2024 to honour his memory and life.