Obituary of Philip A. Irving

IRVING, Phil “Gunkey” -age 65 of South Maitland passed away October 2, 2024 in the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro.

Born in Woodside, he was a son of the late Roland and Jenny Irving.

Phil, my husband, my life, forever and ever amen. You will always be in my heart.

Phil “Gunk” first and foremost was a family man, he loved his family and everything he did, he did for them. He loved mowing and took pride in his work, believing always "do it right or don't do it at all". He had tremendous respect for veterans, putting up flags every Remembrance Day and ensuring the cemeteries he up-kept were well looked after. Every holiday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, he made sure the resting places of the community's loved ones were in order for their family's visits. Gunk enjoyed sports of every kind. He was a massive fan of the Calgary flames and Calgary Stampeders but had an overall love for hockey and football and the athletes that played the sports at every level. Gunk was always a very caring and loving man believing in the better side of people at every turn. Often when doing everyday tasks, like going shopping, he found joy interacting with others and making them smile. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him often found themselves engaged in conversation of every kind with him. A very outspoken and empathetic man, Gunk was a natural people person and had a way of leaving you with a smile after a chat. He was an incredibly intelligent man that loved to teach others. Gunk was a jack of all trades, and always took pride in finding solutions and fixes to problems,even if they weren't his own. He loved music, classics, country and classic rock. He would always have his MP3 on while working, to get him energized and enjoyed listening to songs anddancing with his wife. Gunk loved plants and gardening, as well as being outside and spending time with his family. Gunk was always there for anyone who needed him, any time or day, he would always make you feel heard and supported. He believed in doing the right thing and showed love, compassion and kindness to others whenever they needed it. Gunk was always a reassuring presence. He will be missed but fondly remembered and celebrated as being an incredible role model and man.

He leaves behind his wife of almost 40 years Linda (Archibald); children, David and Tammy; grandchildren; Brittany (Curtis), Nicholas (Makayla), Miranda, Mikey, and Megan; Great grandchildren; Ayden, Zachary, and Leah; brother-in-law James Archibald, Sister in law Peggy Groin (Pete Groin), Nephew, Gary Archibald, as well as several estranged siblings.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger funeral home, Shubenacadie. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to SPCA.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Phil may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com