By by Judith Pascal and Robert Mohammed

Michael H. Phillip’s or “Mike,” “Mr. Mike,” “Soca Mike” “Michael,H”  as he was fondly called was an extraordinary person and fellow parishioner. He was an exemplary servant to this parish, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Caribbean-Canadian Catholic Church and Centre.

Mike was born in Tobago on October 15 1942. As a youth, he was a member of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). His religious life was rooted in him from an early age. Mike migrated to Canada in the early seventies.

Mike became a member of our parish during the leadership of Father Phillip Forde CsSp, in the early eighties.

He was the “official photographer” for all our parish event and was the photographer for the church’s OLD TALK magazine. The magazine which was published monthly, at a cost of $1.50.

• Chairperson – Annual fund-raising Christmas Dinner and Dance
• Planned the first Seder Supper along with Mr. Tony Ishmael, and Rev.Fr. Forde.
• Member of Parish Council, 1990s
• The financial accountant along with Sr. Margaret.
• He was the DJ / photographer. Kids Christmas Party, the Mad Hatters Tea party, the Mothers Day and Fathers Day luncheon, Annual Bazaar, Picnic and Sports Day committee, and Retreat committee
• In 1998 Michael H. Phillips was the very first recipient of the Outstanding Person of the Year Award.
• Photographer and major donor to the Sr. Kathleen Jackman Scholarship

His contribution to the parish was indispensable and without measure.

Outside the parish, Mike was a tireless volunteer and contributor.

• Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) fundraiser for The United Way CN Tower Climb.
• Scarborough Table Tennis Association
• Trinidad and Tobago. Toronto Fifty Plus and Dance Organization
• Ontario Steelpan Association (OSA)
• Toronto Caribbean Carnival: Junior Carnival, King and Queen Parade and a member of the organization’s Volunteer Committee

Mike was an Auto Mechanic by profession, but his hobbies included Photography, as Disc Jockey as “DJ Soca Mike”, computers and dance.

Many knew Michael H. in different capacities and in the many ways he touched your lives. We will miss Mike’s calm and mild-mannered temperament and his willingness to help wherever necessary. He was always the best dressed for formal occasion; we always admire his African outfits and hat.

He left us with so many pleasant and loving memories to forever hold dear in our hearts – siblings, cousins, godson, neighbours, and many friends.

Although he had no children of his own, he was a father, guardian, and mentor of his friends’ children.

A Native Chief once said, “There is no such thing as a good man, but some men try their best to be a good man.” Michael H. Phillips was one who spent his life trying to be a good man and succeeded.