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Philip Thacker Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 10, 2017.

Philip A Thacker August 25, 1952 - February 27, 2017 Dr Philip Thacker, Professor Emeritus of the University of Saskatchewan, died much too soon of pancreatic cancer.

Although Phil never married, he had many families. His BC family consists of 3 siblings, Betty in Victoria, George and Margie in Sechelt and 4 much loved nieces and nephews, and the most amazing group of friends a man could ever wish for.

Phil's prairie family consists of 5 cousins, their children, their parents Ted and Mary who took him into their family while he lived in Saskatoon. Phil also had a family in the University of Saskatchewan Dept. of Animal and Poultry Science. Dedicating his life to research, teaching and mentoring students, he was a professor of swine nutrition and production for 31 years. Over his tenure, he acquired many awards but being selected professor of the year in 1996 and 2001 meant the most to him. He had his Kinsmen family in Saskatoon where he was president of the P.O.W. City Kinsmen. A deep bass, who enjoyed singing, Phil had a musical family, participating in several musicals and choirs.

Phil also had a family in China, where, for 20 years, in several universities, he mentored hundreds of students and assisted many professors in the development of the world class swine feed research centre MAFIC. One of his proudest achievements was being presented in 2004 with the People's Republic of China Friendship Award, the highest award presented to foreign experts.

Always generous, competitive, the life of the party, the master of jokes and puns, Phil will be missed.

Donations in his memory may be sent to the PA Thacker Swine Production Scholarship at University of Saskatchewan; Kinsmen Foundation (Saskatoon) or pancreatic cancer research.

A graveside service will be held April 8 at 11am at Carman Cemetery in Sardis, BC followed by a celebration of life 1pm at the Artful Dodger Pub 2364 200th St Langley BC. Details will be announced on a need to know basis.

In Saskatoon, a celebration of Phil's life will be held at Wood's Ale House, 148-2nd Ave. N on May 2 beginning at 4pm. For more information contact Milton Taylor at (306) 221-6458.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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14 Entries

February 22, 2019

Friend

Moira Day

Still remembered, still missed. Hope Phil can join us in spirit for the 75th anniversary celebration of the U of A Mixed Chorus this spring.

March 4, 2018

Gordon McNair

I met Phil through Kinsmen and always enjoyed my visits to any Kin Club & Telemiracle. Phil was always very active in Kinsmen, but I was not aware he had passed away. I only realized it when I saw that over $1.5 million was bequeathed by Phil Thacker (1987-88 President of Saskatoon POW City Kinsmen Club) to make a truly unbelievable record breaking Telemiracle. RIP Kin Phil. It was my pleasure to know you.
Governor Gordon McNair 1986-87

April 15, 2017

Sarah Mackenzie-Dyck

Although I knew it was coming, still I was saddened to read of your passing. Thank you for your kindness and friendship through the years. Kate and I have many wonderful memories especially socializing around that great pool at your house in Saskatoon. You are missed

March 26, 2017

deb wilson

Every night during the performances of "South Pacific", I would wait for my favourite part of the show when Phil's wonderful deep voice sang "there is nothing like a dame". He was a good friend, a lovely man (and one of the best partners for a jive). I am grateful to have know him.
Deb Wilson (ex-Saskatoon)

March 11, 2017

Derek Anderson

Phil and I have been collegues since 1978 at the U of A and our paths have crossed many time. The anticipation of a meeting at a conference or national meeting alway brought a smile to my face as I anticipated the classic one liners told with a sparkle in his eye. His excellent organizational skills were significant assets to what ever organization or institution he was dealing with. He made Expert Committee on Animal Nutrition meetings,Banff Pork Seminar, Canadian Society of Animal Science conferences and Western Nutrition conferences a joy to attend. We shared swine interests in our jobs with Alberta Agriculture.He was a great friend to our family and will be greatly missed.
God will get a smile and chuckle from the presence of Phil and his humor.

March 10, 2017

Kara

Thank you Phil for teaching me one of the most important lessons - the lesson of an open mind. God speed your kind soul.

March 10, 2017

Leanne LaBrash

When I was Phil's student I was simply a student working towards becoming a competent Animal Science student. Phil taught me Introduction to Animal Science where I fell in love with my major of choice. Later on Phil taught my swine production classes where I moved from falling in love with Animal Science to becoming convinced I could be competent, successful and happy in this field. Little did I know at the time that in Phil's classes I was also learning to be a strong Animal Science teacher. Later when I became an instructor I worked to emulate my strong successful teachers as I created my own teaching style. Phil was one of those teachers I emulated. Cheers to Phil and his ability to teach, build confidence and create competent professionals. His students and my students have strong fulfilling careers because of it.

March 10, 2017

May you eternally score on the breakaway, Phil! The Soils team will always miss their heart and soul......

March 10, 2017

Tim Golumbia

It is with deep sadness I read of Phil's death. I met him through Kinsmen in Saskatoon and always enjoyed socializing with him. He will be remembered for his sense of humour and generosity of his time....

March 10, 2017

Donna Hay

Heartbreaking news. R.I.P. dear Phil.
When you sang, your deep, resonating voice was such a pleasure to hear.
I was happy and proud to know you both professionally and also on a personal level.
To your family, I wish peace in the coming days and want them to know that you made a difference to many with your sense of humour and your smile as well as what you brought to the College of Agriculture at the U of S.
God speed my friend and if there is a choir in heaven, I know which section you'll be in.
Donna Hay

March 9, 2017

Phil's name is one I have not heard in many years, and I much regret that. I wish I had kept in touch: I think I missed a lot. My profound condolences to his family and to all who managed to hold him close.

March 9, 2017

Moira Day

To an old friend from University of Alberta Mixed Chorus days with a basso profundo voice to die for, and a "devilish" sense of humour - and later, a valued colleague at the University of Saskatchewan for many years. Thanks for the memories, Phil, and for enriching so many lives along the way.

March 6, 2017

Doug Maclennan

I will miss you old friend

March 4, 2017

Brenda Scragg

I will miss Phil's smile.

I and so many others mourn the loss of a kind, kind soul.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

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