Earlier this week, I published a Guest Post by Anabel Marsh on ‘Hidden Histories.’ Her thoughtful, provocative post led to much reflection, including “Who does your town/city honour?’ It’s a great question.
Vancouver Island, where I currently live, is home to influential and well-known actors, artists, athletes, journalists, musicians, philanthropists, politicians, Prime Ministers, scientists, Nobel Laureates, writers and more. Many are honoured on our island in a variety of ways.
One small section of this island is home to a local hero who does not neatly fit into one category. Phil St. Luke (aka ‘Flying Phil’) may not be well-known outside of his surrounding area…but within his community he is much loved and celebrated. Phil is frequently featured in local news stories, has a Facebook Fan Club Page and YouTube video. He leads his town’s annual Canada Day Parade, and his birthday, March 7, is known to locals as ‘Flying Phil Day.’
I first heard of Flying Phil from a previous island resident who had grown up with Phil being a huge part of his community. This man had made a return visit to the island so that his young son could also meet Flying Phil.
What’s so unique about Phil? A former Special Olympian originally from Vancouver, Phil has lived in the Oceanside area since the 1970’s. Unquestionably he has become the community’s unofficial ambassador. He is well known by generations of Oceanside residents for his daily rounds through the town’s streets, coffee shops and businesses where he warmly greets everyone whom he meets. His big smile, his exuberance, his desire to do good and his volunteer work with multiple community programs have been an inspiration to many.
Phil’s relentlessly optimistic outlook is contagious. Common quotes about Phil include “He brings sunshine wherever he goes”, “His presence fills every room he enters” and “Phil is somebody who mingles with everybody.” Gordon Johns (Courtenay-Alberni Member of Parliament) recently posted this about Phil, “He brightens our days and enriches our lives.”
Phil has affectionately been called “a walking landmark.” Numerous community members have advocated for a life-sized bronze statue of Phil to be commissioned and erected in Oceanside. To date, official plans have not been confirmed for the making of this statue. Phil’s playful response, “People want a statue of me, and I’m not even dead!”
I’m proud to live in an area that deeply honours such a unique and inspirational ambassador. It is my belief that erecting a statue dedicated to this local hero would be a well-deserved tribute to this man and would say much about the community that surrounds him.
You can read and watch ‘good news’ stories about Phil here:
and here:
and here, here, , here, here, here, and here!
This post has been written as part of ‘We Are the World Blogfest’. WATWBF seeks to “promote positive news stories that show compassion and the resilience of the human spirit”. The intention is to increase our awareness of daily kindnesses that receive little recognition and are so often strangled by negative news stories around us. I believe that Phil St. Luke is an excellent example of such kindness and resilience.#WATWB #WATWBF
Just from your description I really like Phil. We often hear of the famous personalities who win Oscars or Noble prizes, but we seldom hear about people like Phil beyond the borders of their community. One of my pet peeves has been about the lack of recognition for the people who are extraordinary in everyday tasks. Thanks for highlighting Phil. It was a refreshing story!
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Thanks, Fran! Anabel’s post really got me thinking about ‘who we honour’ and ‘why’. I am very proud to live in an area that recognizes and celebrates Phil St. Luke for all that he gives to his community. I am sad for the multitudes of Phils out there who give to their communities in a million ways and are left to feel underappreciated.
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What a lovely story, and well deserved recognition. Hats off to Phil.
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Thanks, Karen – I agree that Phil’s recognition is well-deserved. When I think about all of the things that I love about living on Vancouver Island (and the list is long), I always think about how our small communities come together and celebrate each others’ strengths and uniqueness.. I’m currently working on a Guest Post on ‘Social Integration’ and once again, I’m grateful that our small communities provide an excellent example of this concept.
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Hi Donna! Phil sounds like a very SMART 😉 guy! And as you say, an optimistic person is contagious. How wonderful that your city is honoring him! ~Kathy
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Hi, Kathy – I had never thought of it that way. I agree. Phil’s influence on our community and surrounding area is very SMART (Sustainable/Meaningful/Aware/Responsible/Thankful). I appreciate you sharing this!
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What an uplifting story. Thanks for sharing.
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Hi, Suzanne – Thank you so much for stopping by. I’m off to read about Boca Grande, Florida now!
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The world could use more people like Phil.! Thanks for sharing this wonderful story, Donna. Have a great weekend!
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Hi, Jill – Thanks so much for stopping by. I agree that more people like Phil (and more genuine news media about kindness, resilience and community spirit) would help tilt our world towards peace.
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I adore the idea of a walking landmark. What a cute and interesting story. You just never know what you might find out when you start looking.
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Hi, Ally – I had the privilege to hear of Phil, and meet him, before I saw any of the news stories or media about him. You are right — once I began looking, the articles were numerous!
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Proud Canadian that I am, I have no problem with the collection of royals astride horses sprinkled about our cities, but a statue that honours someone for being kind and generous, and you know, just an all round great human being… sign me up 🙂
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Hi, Aimer – I totally agree. I believe that approving, making and displaying a monument of Phil would speak volumes not only of this amazing man, but also of the community’s history, spirit and values. My fingers are crossed and my advocacy is high!
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What a wonderful community ambassador – it’s a delight to get a peek into the world of Flying Phil.
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Hi, Deborah – Phil is a wonderful ambassador! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I’m off to view Natsai Audrey Chieza’s Ted Talk now!
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He sounds like a great guy, so jolly and with a good heart for helping others ♥
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Hi, Dee – Thanks for reading and commenting. I am proud to live in an area the recognizes and honours Phil. He is one very inspiring person!
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Flying Phil is a delight! Your community is made richer by his presence and I definitely hope he is honored with a statue one day (hopefully when he’s still alive and can enjoy it 🙂 ). I love how you took Anabel’s post and then wrote about a local hero of your own.
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Hi, Janis – Flying Phil is an absolute delight! Come back to Vancouver Island for another visit and I can introduce you!!
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I’d love that!
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Me too!
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A true local hero!
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Hi, Anabel – I totally agree. Thank you for the inspiration!
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I’m glad my post sparked something else off!
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Thanks, Anabel – Your post is very inspiring and provocative. I love the diverse range of comments that it has generated!
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A wonderful man. Thank you for sharing this.
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Hi, Cathi – Phil is a wonderful man. Thank you for reading!
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What a lovely guy – wouldn’t it be nice to leave a legacy of “she brought sunshine with her wherever she went” when it’s time for us to leave this earth. It’s simple things and uncomplicated people that life is really all about – the more we over-think things, the less happy we are.
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Exactly, Leanne! A legacy like that would mean a life very well-lived!
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Donna, I had not heard about this well known local person until you wrote about him. In fact, when I read the nickname “Flying Phil,” I immediately thought about a different Flying Phil, a politician who was famous/notorious in British Columbia in my childhood — Flying Phil Gaglardi. Here’s a Vancouver Sun article about him: http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/canada-150-flying-phil-was-provinces-most-prolific-public-works-builder
It was fun chatting with you today!
Jude
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The world needs more Phils 🙂
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Thanks so much for stopping by Joanne. I totally agree!!
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He is a really special guy!
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Hi, Kate – Thanks so much for stopping by. I greatly appreciate it. I’m always left to wonder how many wonderful local heroes/ambassadors are left unrecognized.
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Hi Donna. Loved reading about Phil. We need more of these good news stories highlighting people like him. Truly a breath of fresh air. Wonderful post
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Hi, Miriam – Thank you for your kind words. I greatly appreciate them!
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What a great testament to your community and the value they place on this gentleman who brings happiness and fun! A treat to read, Donna! Wish we had more like Phils in our communities!
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Thanks, Terri – I admire both Phil and the community that surrounds him. I agree that we all need more of both. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I greatly appreciate it!
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Absolutely loved this feel-good story Donna! Exactly what I needed today. And another good reason to add to my ever-growing list of reasons that I want to move to Canada when I sail homeward.
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Hi, Lisa- Thank you for your kind words. Canada would be honoured to have you. Come join us (especially in BC)!
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How great is that! Phil is an inspiration and such a success! As a former special education teacher, I’m always thrilled to see people like Phil changing the world! He is such an asset to your community – and he is so genuine! Thanks for sharing him! ~ Lynn
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Hi, Lynn – I agree that Phil St. Luke is an incredible inspiration. Thanks for your kind comments. I greatly appreciate them.
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What great story! Every town needs a Phil. Perhaps every town does have one!
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You make an excellent point, Marty. Perhaps every community does have an inspiring ambassador like Phil… just waiting to be recognized!
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Wow, Donna, you turn your words into deeds quickly! I remember you were going to look into meaningful people in your area and, voila, the week after Anabel shared her fascination with “hidden history” and remarkable women, you deliver this beautiful post. Every community should have a Flying Phil! And, maybe most of them actually do in one way or another?
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Hi, Liesbet – Thank you for your kind words. I agree that every area should have a remarkable ambassador like Phil. He makes a remarkable difference to a community!
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Awesome! TFS!
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Thanks, Amy.
Your comment did remind me that I often live under a rock. I needed to look up the abbreviation ‘TFS’. 🙂
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Hi Donna – lovely to read about your journey over to Beijing and to see your new life as ‘retirees’ – though I don’t think it fits exactly. Thank you for telling us about Flying Phil – I’m on the other side of Nanaimo, Cobble Hill area, being with an elderly cousin (Jenny who is 90 on Wednesday) – helping the family by being here – from England. It is a change – so saying I’ve heard about Flying Phil via the #WATWB will make people smile. Amazing man … cheers for now – Hilary
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Hi, Hilary – Thank you for stopping by and commenting. It’s wonderful to meet another VI blogger. I’m off to check out your website now!
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Hi Donna! You must live in a beautiful part of the world and how wonderful to have a living legend who is so positive and uplifting. I agree a statue would be in order that is for sure. Thank you for sharing Flying Phil with us at #midlifesharethelove party and hope you link up again next week! #MSTL
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Hi, Sue – Thank you for sharing this post on your Social Media. I greatly appreciate it!!
PS – You are most welcome to visit us in this ‘beautiful part of the world’ anytime!
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I really enjoyed reading about Phil. I often wonder how many of these characters are in towns and we just don’t know about them. Good on you for sharing his story. I’d love to be remembered for bringing a smile to everyone’s face. 😊
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Hi, Debbie – Thanks so much for stopping by. You make an excellent point. I believe that there are likely many ‘Community Ambassadors’ out there — just waiting to be recognized. I’d too love to be known for bringing a smile to everyone’s face!
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I already left a comment to say how much I enjoyed this Donna – I’ve also shared it on my social media now too – thanks for visiting our #MLSTL party and I hope you take the time to comment on and share some of the other posts.
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Absolutely, Leanne – I’ve already begun! Thanks so much for commenting (again) and sharing!
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This story made me smile. Phil sounds like an absolute treasure!
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Hi, Cherie – It’s great to meet you. I’m off to check out your site now!
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Thanks for the uplifting story, Donna. A statue would be a nice recognition.
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I totally agree, Natalie! Fingers crossed!!
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Wonderful story! Flying Phil is a reminder how little effort it takes to be joyful and kind to others and spread cheer!
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Hi, Linda – Thank you so much for stopping by. I agree that Flying Phil is an excellent model of so many great things. Being positive, being community-minded, not being in a rush….all top the list!
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I think it is wonderful that this man has such a kind spirit and he isn’t afraid to share his love for his fellow human being. Thanks for sharing this story and for being a part of #WATWB
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Thanks, Lynn – I agree. If we all celebrated the truly kind spirits in our communities…the positive change could be incredible!
I greatly appreciate you dropping by and commenting.
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Hi, Lynn – I agree–it is wonderful for a community to recognize and celebrate their members based on kindness and generosity. I wonder what changes would take place if all of our towns and cities did this? Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I greatly appreciate this.
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I hope Phil’s influence continues. Thanks for sharing and being part of our WATWB.
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Hi, Simon – Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I greatly appreciate it. Thank you also for the work that you do for WATWB — it’s a great community!
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