Captain David Philpott

In Loving Memory of Captain David Philpott

1923 – 2023

Captain David Philpott died peacefully at the Miramichi Regional Hospital on July 10, 2023, at the age of 99, with his children at his side. He was a Sea Captain who travelled the world extensively, keeping the Miramichi his home.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on October 8, 1923, David was the son of  the late Hester (Thompson) and the late David Philpott. He is survived by his four children, whom he loved dearly and encouraged throughout his life, daughter, Barbara (Stephen) O’Reilly of Bartibog Bridge and his three sons: David (Sherry) Foothills , AB , Dr. John (Toronto, ON) and Greg (Janice Daley) of Lower Newcastle.  He leaves behind six grandchildren: John (Cassandra) and Christine (John Lyons) O’Reilly, Erin and Monica Philpott and Sarah (Connor Lovely) and Davie Philpott, as well as four great-grandchildren: Emily, Liam, Brett and Norah.

He was a devoted husband, preceded in death by his loving wife, Mona (Hayes), as well as his parents and adoring sisters, Libby and Hessie and niece, Nancy. He was the much-cherished uncle of  nieces: Libby Gail, Karen and Nina as well as nephews: Patrick, David, Nicholas and Brian.  He kept in touch with his Australian cousins, in recent years with his iPad. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

A man of deep faith, David enjoyed his early years in Bangor, NI. His nautical career began at the age of 15 as a sea cadet in England in 1939 and spanned over sixty years retiring at the age of 79. During WWII he served in the British Merchant Navy,  aboard ships that bravely transported fuel, food and troops across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as the Mediterranean Sea. He survived being torpedoed by a U-boat on the SS Brontë. David emigrated from Northern Ireland to Canada in the 1950s, embracing his new country and customs. In 1958, he become a Master Mariner (Sea Captain) of many ships with varied cargoes, ending on oil tankers.

David was a man of many passions. He possessed an insatiable curiosity, remaining a lifelong learner. He read voraciously, enjoying a variety of literary genres often reciting poems from his elementary school days.  With a green thumb and a fondness for animals, he took great pride tending his gardens at his previous Wellington Street home. A skilled chef, he enjoyed recipes inspired by his travels. Music and singing brought him immense joy, frequently serenading  his friends at Parkland. An active lifestyle was paramount to David with daily walks his favorite form of exercise, a practice he maintained into his 100th year.

The Philpott family would like to thank Drs. W. MacGillivray, A. Shrestha and G. Losier. We greatly appreciate the care given by the Extra Mural Program and the caring staff of Parkland who helped make his independent living possible. Sincere thanks to the Miramichi Regional Hospital, particularly units 4, 2 East & West,  and the wonderful, sensitive palliative care staff.

By request, there was no visitation.  A service to celebrate his life was held at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King St. Miramichi, NB on Friday July 14, 2023, at 11:00 AM with The Reverend Father Dan Bastarache as Celebrant. Music for the service was provided by Soloist, Joanne Lynch and also included recorded music.  The entrance song was "Eternal Father Strong to Save".  Other songs included:  "Prayer of St. Francis", and the recessional was "Carrickfergus".  The eulogy was presented by son, Greg Philpott.  The First Reading was read by great-grandson, Brett O'Toole.  The Second Reading was read by grandson, John O'Reilly. Prayers of the Faithful were by Margaret McCallum.  The Honorary Pallbearers were:  Brian Joynt, David Howell, Nicholas Howell, Pat Hayes, Paul Gregoire, Stephen O'Reilly, David O'Reilly, and Peter Young.  Interment took place at St. Michael’s Cemetery. A reception followed after the interment.

As expressions of sympathy, a kind gesture towards another, or donation to a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St. Miramichi, NB, telephone (506) 773-3492. Additionally, messages of condolence may be shared online to www.adamsfh.ca

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