Cardinal, Philip Andrew Eugene; Passed away very peacefully at Caressant Care in Arthur, on January 9, 2010, with his wife of 61 years, Jean Mary (Wolfraim) at his side. Fondly remembered by his son Geoff and his wife Mary and his daughter Susan Cardinal and her husband Mark Simpson. Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Andrew, Virginia and Lauren Cardinal and his sister Margot Cottee and her husband Roy. A great fan and player of basketball and football, Phil excelled in sports at Glebe Collegiate in Ottawa. He joined the air force and later would go on to earn an engineering degree from the University of Toronto. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, a great sense of adventure and optimism, Phil embarked on many businesses. He started out in the propane business in Cornwall, converting the family car and truck to propane before anyone else did in Canada. He later made parts for the Avro Arrow project then went into heating and air conditioning. After many years in Toronto, Phil moved the family north to Barrie to build an industrial mall that soon housed Cardinal Marine. This signaled a new chapter in Phil’s life story as a building contractor as well as another adventure – navigating the Mississippi River in a new motor boat all the way from Baton Rouge to Barrie. In 1975, with Jean at his side, they founded the Breadalbane Inn in Fergus, converting the historic limestone Fergusson mansion from a nursing home to a first class country inn that won many accolades. The Inn inspired a new business on the side, photography, and best of all The Fergus Country Innkeepers Cookbook – an all-time favourite with family and friends. Ever resourceful and always keen to help young people, Phil quietly donated money to good causes and community initiatives. He was very proud of his family. Memorial Service for Philip will be held at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David St. South in Fergus, on Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at 11:30am, with visitation from 10am. Reception to follow. Memorial donations can be directed to Groves Memorial Community Hospital – CT Scanner Fund or a charity of your choice, cards available at the funeral home. (519) 843-3100. www.grahamgiddyfh.com.
