He quietly went about his day to day life, always in the background, helping out when and where he could.

Phil passed away on May 17, 2019. He was aged just 64 years.

He would effortlessly work behind the scenes at many community events, fixing the lighting, the sound or just keeping things ticking along.

Many would remember him from his time working out the back of the Retravision store on Hastings Street. He was the go-to-guy for your electronics or whatever you couldn't fix.

At his funeral service, his wife Sue summed up his life with a wonderful tribute starting with their first meeting.

"Phil and I met on Valentine's Day at the Wauchope RSL Club in 1982," she said.

"The 'snowman' could certainly stand out in a crowd - six foot four inches, crazy afro hair - he was a pretty easy target for a short arse like me.

"We dated for three years before marrying in 1985; Snowie was never one to rush a decision.

"The following year Kerryn arrived and three years later the family was complete with the arrival of Tracey.

"Any wonder the man was quiet. He didn't stand a chance with three woman in the house. Even the dog was female."

Music was one of Phil's great passions. The couple enjoyed several treasured trips away for concerts while Phil also enjoyed pumping out 'a pretty mean tune' in his shed.

"He would often say that it's not loud unless you can feel it," she said. "I'm pretty sure a fair bit of Wauchope felt his music, but it was one of his real passions."

Phil spent time with several community groups offering his expertise in many areas.

Sue said Phil suffered his first stroke in 2013 and, on paper, probably should not have survived but in his quiet, unassuming way he got on with his rehabilitation with a lot of help from his family, friends and an amazing medical team including Dr Greg Campbell.

"We got to have another six years with Phil - maybe not the old Phil - but he was certainly a strong presence within all our lives.

"Our family will certainly treasure all those memories we shared.

"Phil kept himself busy in the shed making some amazing furniture and timber work which our family get to share in our homes."

Sue said one of Phil's proudest days was when he got to walk daughter Kerryn down the aisle.

"While it was an emotional, love-filled day, we also got a new son, Caleb, whom Phil adored and a whole new family who have been so loving and supportive to us all," she said.

Sue singled out the Wauchope Men's Shed for a special mention, thanking them for giving Phil a new interest in life and accepting him into their group.

"My 'snowman' will be enjoying fast motorbikes, loud music and fixing something in heaven," she added.

Sue, daughters Kerryn and Tracey, son-in-law Caleb and grandchildren Zalliah, Miles, Ava and Kyden say they will always hold Phil in their hearts.

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