Philip V. Sorensen

In Loving Memory Of

Philip Victor Sorensen   
1951- 2024

Philip is survived by his wife Pam of 50 years; sons Andy(Erika) of Quesnel and Tim of Victoria.  Also, grandchildren, Zeph, Addi-Elise and Levi of Quesnel. He is survived also by William Benn’s wife Dianne of Victoria, sister Maureen(Rick) of Nanoose and brothers Gordon(Nina) of Victoria, Doug(Deana) of Seamans, and Rick(Colleen) of Campbell River. He is predeceased by his father William Benn.

Phil was born in Victoria March 5, 1951.  He attended the University of Victoria where he met his wife Pam.  There he attained a B.A. and Teacher's Certification.   Later in his professional career, he attained a Master's Degree in Education at the University of San Diego.  Phil taught Elementary School for 33 years in Port Alberni, 10 years of which he was also an Administrator.  One of his years, he taught on exchange in London, England, providing opportunity for the family to travel extensively around Europe, in their VW van.  Other travel over the years included Eastern and Western States, Eastern Canada, Mexico and Central America.  

Always involved in school and home sports, he coached soccer, track and field and floor hockey.  His best coaching was of late, with his 3 loving grandchildren in how to play pool.  As a child, he played soccer and baseball, then as an adult was active in tennis, racquetball, scuba diving, badminton and volleyball.  In recent years, he loved riding his bike early in the morning.  

For many years, Phil played floor hockey with his pals from Parksville Baptist Church, where he attended with his family and served in various capacities; playing guitar, ushering, superintending Sunday School and cleaning tables at Bethlehem Walk at Christmastime.

Every summer he went with another group of good friends on a fishing trip to the Broken Islands that he always looked so much forward to and enjoyed so very much.  He met his friends for coffee and tall tales every week, and met with long-time school buddies once a month in Victoria, to reminisce about the good old days.  

Phil and Pam resided in Qualicum Beach for 47 years, where they built 2 homes, with much of the work being done by Phil. Phil’s talents were many and he excelled at what he put his mind to, whether it was landscaping, vegetable gardening, building rock walls and fences, or making stained glass windows. They spent many "dates", over the course of many enjoyable years on the hunt for antiques, enjoying a meal out at the same time or travelling around in their second VW van.

With a passion for woodworking, Phil's creations were numerous; dressers, tables, cabinets, adirondack chairs, and a beautiful row boat.  During his time of retirement he created 5 gorgeous acoustic guitars, made with such care and attention, so characteristic of Phil, no matter what he did.

He was so very grateful for his adoptive, loving family, the Benns, and for his in-law family, the Farrells.  He so loved and was incredibly proud of his 2 sons, Andy and Tim, who followed in his footsteps in so many ways. He loved his grandchildren, and cherished every moment he had with them, and he loved his wife.  He loved his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We rest in the assurance that he is now with his Lord. He is much loved and we will all miss him exceedingly.  

The family's sincere gratitude goes to the many family and friends who visited, sent cards, and upheld all of us with their prayers.

A memorial service will be held at Parksville Fellowship Baptist Church, 550 Pym St. Parksville, on Saturday, February 17th, at 1:00pm.  Tea to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please give to the charity of your choice.

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