August 30, 1944 – February 10, 2025
The world said goodbye to an extraordinarily gifted man, in his 80th year, he died from complications of pneumonia in Sechelt hospital. He was predeceased by his parents, Charlotte Louise Phillips (nee Broughton) and Russell James Phillips. Born at the Grace Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Dave grew up in Vancouver. He travelled to Europe and the States, spent time in Montreal and northern Ontario, before coming back to the West Coast where he left a legacy of words, woodworks and landscapes. David attended UBC, majoring in English Lit. and History, and later was a member of the Westcoast writer’s ‘scene’. In the early years David and Canada’s concrete poet, bp Nichol inspired each other to keep going with their love of poetry. He wrote and published numerous volumes of poetry, and his works were included in the anthologies West Coast Seen (Talon books 1970), Storm Warning (McClelland and Stewart 1971), and Vancouver: Soul of a City by Gary Geddes (Douglas and & McIntyre 1986). He also performed readings at The Western Front, Simon Fraser University, Capilano College and various writers’ festivals, and was the subject of a short film by Gordon Halloran and Maggie Guzzi ,“Slow Motion Falling” - screened at the 1st Annual (Sechelt) Arts & Words Festival in 2022. He was a poet and a genius with language, and his works are preserved at the S.F.U. archives. David received vocational training at PVI, and worked as a master carpenter/builder throughout BC. He opened the retail furniture shop West Coast Rooms on Dunbar St. in 1974. David designed, built and/or renovated countless dwellings and structures for friends, family, and clients alike. You felt blessed if he built you a home – a manifestation of his mantra “Every day I make things.” He was an accomplished swimmer and summer camp councillor. He explored Howe Sound, Ruby Lake and Sechelt Inlet with various boats. For many years The Why Knot, a renovated aluminum lifeboat built by Gord Hall and resembling a miniature tugboat, was rigged for sailing, and graced the inlet for wonderful summertime fun. An observant gardener, Dave left a legacy food garden everywhere he lived - truly bountiful gifts to the natural world by way of his magic compost of seaweed and secret ingredients. An inspired chef, his amazing bouillabaisse was a joy to taste with the clams, mussels and oysters he loved to forage, and the fresh herbs and garlic he grew. He enjoyed listening to music, watching sports, and catching up with contemporary news. Most of all Dave enjoyed the company of friends discussing all manner of social/political and literary topics over a good meal. Survived by his spouse Maggie Guzzi, brothers Andy (Leanne) and Murray (Tanise). His nephews Eric and Dylan Phillips, and stepsons Mark Gardiner and Alexander Guzzi (Issabelle), grandsons Oliver Burgermeister , Meyer Payne, and many cousins, uncles and friends. He is pre-deceased by his stepdaughter Magdalena Burgermeister. An artist’s hands, making magic… The imagination engaged in everything he did. He lived the way he wanted. A charismatic man who loved to hold court and ponder the gloaming with a glass of chardonnay. You are deeply loved by many, our dear sweet David. His poem Wild roses… this time / the intelligent heart’s / fragrance/ renders me helpless A celebration of his life will be held, July 13, 1-4, 4603 Sunshine Coast Hwy. Mission Point Park, Sechelt, BC.
