Philip was born in Edmonton, Alberta September 18, 1945. He was the first of 3 sons born to Eileen and Ted Schubert. He and his 2 brothers - Leigh & Leslie grew up on a farm just outside Edmonton. Being chosen as Valedictorian for his graduating high school class, suggests that he already had the qualities of hard work, leadership and curiosity - which were to later define his work, fascination with travel, and desire to learn other languages.
He decided to study Engineering, and attended the University of Alberta, in Edmonton - where he met Beth in 1965, a new student there, from Jamaica. They dated for a couple of years, but on graduation they both went their separate ways and lived full and interesting lives until FATE, brought them back together again.
They met in Alberta, married in Jamaica and proceeded to Brussels - where Philip had found a job working for Westinghouse Europe. Much to his delight, he was offered the opportunity to train and work as a Start-up Engineer at Nuclear Power Stations in France and Spain. Seven eventful years living and working in Brussels, France and Spain would follow.
By this time, our family was comprised of 3 children - David, Lisa and Neil.The challenges of foreigners living overseas were met head on, with preparation, planning and good humor. Returning to Canada after 8 years, Philip found a job at CIDA in Ottawa, where work involved overseeing Aid projects in some poor countries in South America, Haiti and Afghanistan. His involvement was Professional and often Personal, as he made lasting friendships with some 'real' people of the country, which remain to this day.
In keeping with his curiosity and fascination with history, he became obsessed with exploring the wilds of Labrador. A co-worker at CIDA - Jerry Kenny - introduced him to a book - "The Lure of the Labrador Wild". He was hooked, and for several years after that, Summer vacations meant elaborate planning - solo or with company, as he defied the elements, black flies, bears, darkness and the constant threat of injury or death in the middle of nowhere. Eventually he gave up on those trips, and wrote a book instead - outlining his harrowing escapes and successes.
When both he and Beth retired, they settled for yearly cruises in exotic places. Their last cruise in 2019 was to Iceland and Greenland - with 3 granddaughters in tow!
Family was always special to Philip. He looked forward to visits from any of his children or grandchildren - who were always the smartest, best looking kids on the planet! We will miss you, Dad - unique and always proud husband, father, grandfather, constant supporter and friend! As they say in Jamaica, until we meet again - WALK GOOD!
Philip Schubert was my best friend at CIDA.. No body know that but he did something for me that perhaps no one else at CIDA did. He supported me strongly, risking his own career perhaps, at the Human Rights Commission where I had made a complaint of discrimination. He helped me bring CIDA to it's knees and CIDA ( Global Affairs Canada now) had to offer me a permanent job which I did until my retirement in 2013. We were both engineers and I was his trusted consultant on several energy projects in Dominica while he was the project manager. He was incredibly kind and caring and devoted to equality and fairness for all peoples of the world. I am a visible minority. He ' looked after me' with incredible thoughtfulness. Philip was a true Canadian who fought subtly and at times openly for equal rights and equality of opportunity for colleagues like me. We would sit and talk about our world travels at lunch often. I loved and respected Philips for his courage, knowledge, friendship and his honest plain dignity. He will always be in our hearts. My 3 young daughters ( now in their 30's) knew all about his support and kindness during the 2 years I was fighting for my rights against ugly CIDA for 2 years in years 1998 -2000. I could not have won without his support.
My love to his family.