Gordon Craig Phillips

We are devastated to announce the passing Gordon Craig Phillips. After a long journey with cancer, Gord moved on safe in the arms of his beloved wife Darcy on June 4, 2026.

From Gord's adoring Mom, Gayle Farr -

Gord was the most kind and loving man this world could ask for. He was an accomplished musician, passionate about surfing, mountain biking and an avid, expert camper. He enjoyed all his ‘bus’ kids as driver of Sooke District Bus 11. Even in his hard times he brought joy, friendship and comfort to those around him.

Gord is survived by his loving wife Darcy, daughters Pyper Bell and Fairyn Gayle, step-sons Calvin Avery Smith and Riley Dexter Smith, his parents Ellwood Stewart Phillips and Jean Gayle MacPherson Farr, brother Ian Stewart Phillips, partner Liz Balletto, Garrett, several Aunts, Uncles and dozens of cousins.

Gord, we will love and miss you forever till reunited with you one day.

From Gord's Wife, Darcy Phillips-

I Iook forward to sharing and hearing stories about the love of my life and best friend with each person who adored him too. I am thankful for Gord's deep, unconditional love for Pyper, Fairyn, Calvin, Riley and myself. I love laughing with him, making him laugh, being loved by him and loving him, getting the mail with him, road tripping with him and watching basketball with him. He is my biggest adventure. I loved creating a home with him, being at home with him, hearing him create music downstairs, nourishing a garden and a love for our community with him. I feel him everywhere, right by my side, at the river, at home, in our garden, in our neighbourhood and community, at Mayne Island, in the van, in the ocean and in the forest. Shine on my sunlight. Always. All ways.

In Loving Memory of Gord Phillips by Gord's Friend Alex Morriss

Gord Phillips, originally from Sania, Ontario, will be remembered as a guitar-playing, song-writing, surf-searching, mountain bike and nature-loving musician whose warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Living on the majestic shores of Sooke, Gord embraced life with curiosity, gratitude, and an appreciation for the simple moments that make life meaningful. A gifted musician and songwriter, he had a remarkable ability to transform everyday experiences into songs that resonated deeply with those who listened.

Through his music, Gord told stories about picking up the mail with the person you love, watching power lines drift by on a family road trip, chasing waves, exploring wild coastlines, and finding joy in ordinary moments. His lyrics reminded us that life’s greatest treasures are often found in its simplest experiences.

Whether performing on stage, around a campfire, or among friends and family, Gord brought an infectious positivity and genuine warmth wherever he went. His toe-tapping melodies, heartfelt storytelling, and easy smile had a way of making strangers feel like friends and friends feel like family. Audiences often left his performances feeling as though they had spent an evening catching up with an old friend—one who understood life’s ups and downs and always found something worth celebrating.

Beyond his music, Gord was a familiar and beloved presence in the community as the driver of School Bus 11 (and eventually by Bus 35). He greeted students, families, and colleagues with kindness, humour, and patience, bringing the same generous spirit to his work that he brought to every aspect of his life.

Gord’s love of nature extended from the ocean waves at Jordan River with his surf and foiling friendships and into the forests and trails he cherished. He could chat to anyone about swell and the next big wave. An avid mountain biker, he spent countless hours riding with friends at Broom Hill and Harbourview, finding freedom, challenge, and connection on the winding trails. In April 2023, during his cancer journey, he proudly raced in the Sooke Enduro, embracing both the competition and the camaraderie that made the event so special.What made Gord truly remarkable was not only his passion for mountain biking but his eagerness to share it. He was always willing to encourage a new rider, offer advice, lend a hand, or invite someone along for a ride. He understood that the best experiences were those shared with others, and many people discovered a love for mountain biking because Gord took the time to welcome them into the sport. The friendships forged on those trails became an important part of his life and remain among the many memories that continue to bring smiles to those who knew him.

The forests, beaches, ocean swells, and rugged beauty of Vancouver Island were not simply a backdrop to Gord’s story—they were part of who he was. He found inspiration in the natural world and shared that wonder through both his music and his actions, encouraging others to slow down, look around, and appreciate the beauty that surrounded them. Above all, Gord will be remembered for the way he made people feel. He brought people together through song, laughter, kindness, conversation, and a spirit of gratitude. His music leaves behind a soundtrack of cherished memories, and his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his generosity, creativity, adventurous spirit, and joyful outlook on life.

We celebrate Gord not for the life he lived—authentic, adventurous, compassionate, and full of heart.May we honour his memory by embracing the things he loved most: family, conversations with friends and strangers, open roads, winding trails, ocean waves, beautiful songs, and the simple moments that make life extraordinary.Though he is deeply missed, the songs he shared, the trails he rode, the waves he chased, the friendships he nurtured and the big love he had for his family will continue to inspire all who knew him. 

In lieu of flowers please slow down and get outside with your favourite people and let's all be a little more like Gord.