A large crowd is expected at Parksville Community Park on Friday, paying tribute to a man dubbed the city's unofficial ambassador. (submitted photo)

By Alex Rawnsley

flyin' phil

‘It’s a party:’ Parksville ready for celebration of beloved community ambassador

Jun 9, 2023 | 3:54 PM

PARKSVILLE — He was cherished by all who knew him, and a celebration Friday evening will give community members a final chance to say goodbye.

“Flying” Phil St. Luke passed away in mid-January after a battle with an illness, leaving behind a legacy of community spirit, pride and an infectious personality.

In his honour, a celebration of Phil’s spirit is being held at the outdoor theatre at Parksville Community Park on Friday, June 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“We waited until nice weather to do something outside, in the community park, on the stage,” Deb Tardiff, City communications director, said. “We are excited about being able to do it and it is a true celebration, it’s a party, and we’ve said a couple of times that Phil loved to dance so that’s exactly what we hope people will do.”

It’s the first celebration of its kind Tardiff can remember in Parksville, an honour reserved for a man who was a tour de force in the community.

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St. Luke was known for walking around, waving at passersby, visiting area businesses and never forgetting someone he’d met. Those traits and more will be remembered during the celebration.

Tardiff added she knew Phil through various community organizations.

“Volunteering with the Parksville Fire Department and their food drive, my husband and I would always be on the same truck with Phil. He was always concerned my husband was the ‘old guy’ he’d call him, ‘the old guy shouldn’t be lifting bins’, well he’s not that old. Phil was very caring.”

A handful of speakers will pay tribute to St. Luke, including Mayor Doug O’Brien, Phil’s brother David and representatives from organizations where Phil volunteered considerable time.

Mt. Arrowsmith Pipe Band will be among the list of performers.

“They asked to perform at Phil’s event, a couple of speeches then the Apollo’s which are a local group, they’ll be performing from 7:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., we’re just looking forward to the party,” Tardiff added.

Those heading to the park are asked to bring a chair, blanket and even an umbrella with the potential for some light showers in the forecast.

A public fundraising campaign which is aiming to immortalize Phil with a statue will also be on-site with a range of mementoes available by donation.

The fundraising efforts to date have occurred through a GoFundMe setup, raising just over $6,500 to date.

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