Obituary of Phillip Alexander Dodds

Surrounded by the love of family and friends, Phil went gently on Friday, January 15, 2010. Phil will be missed by his wife Shirley; sons Bob (Pam) and Dennis (Gayle); grandchildren Kyle, Samantha, Maddy, Ceiligh, Connor, and Seamus; sister Barb Conley; step-mother Anne Dodds; and Shirleys family: Wilbert (Alice) Bray, Irene (Jim) Stirton, Norman (Agnes) Bray, and numerous nieces and nephews. Phil grew up on a farm near Tugaske, SK, which, as he often said, is located midway between Eyebrow and Elbow.? Phil joined the RCMP in 1957, and trained at a time when horsemanship was still part of the curriculum at Depot. Phil had postings in Winnipeg, Regina, Vancouver and Lethbridge, before finally returning to Regina in 1973. He retired in 1990 as Staff Sergeant in charge of F Division Ident. That same year, Phil followed Shirley to Inverness, Scotland on a teaching exchange. At first, Scotland was a challenge for the newly retired Mountie. Upon leaving at the end of the year, however, Phil had a host of new friends and stories. He and Shirley traveled extensively during their 47 years together. Curling was a passion of Phils for many years and in his prime, he represented his province three times at the Canadian Police Curling Championships. Phils great love since retiring has been farming/cowboying at Lark Hill Farm in the McLean area under the close supervision of Wilbert and Ron Bray. Phils extensive land holdings sustained his herd of two cows, and the two horses required to manage them. Phil took part in the re-enactment of the NWMP March West in 1999, riding 400 miles in period costume. He also enjoyed the view from the back of his trusty steed, Brandee, during the NWMP Commemorative Ride from Red Deer to Rocky Mountain House. Phil and his friend, Lloyd Ferguson, enjoyed many adventurous miles together, transporting Morgan horses to and from the U.S. He was a humble man " material things meant little to him. A new pair of jeans from Peavey Mart, a good horse, a square meal of meat, potatoes and raisin pie, and he was content. After 33 years of service, Phil wrapped up his retirement speech by saying: I may not have lived the good life, but I lived a good life.? A Memorial Service will be held for Phil at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2010 in the RCMP Chapel, 5600 11th Avenue, Regina, SK, with Rev. Kim Antosh officiating. Inurnment in the RCMP Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in memoriam, to the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, 225-1874 Scarth Street, Regina, SK, S4P 4B3.