"Flying Phil" St. Luke is community icon in the Parkville and greater Oceanside region. (submitted photo/Mariah Wilde)

By Ian Holmes

Local legend

Options proposed for ‘Flying Phil’ St. Luke memorial in Parksville

Mar 10, 2024 | 5:49 AM

PARKSVILLE — How to permanently memorialize an iconic community-first legend is in the hands of the public.

An online poll is determining a “Flying Phil” St. Luke memorial for the well known community ambassador who passed away in January 2023 from cancer at the age of 70.

Jennah Stavroff, longtime admirer of the infectious St. Luke, formed tandem with Parksville artist Doug Giebelhaus to coordinate installing a permanent memorial in Parksville.

She said an original idea of a large bronze statue was abandoned.

“It didn’t really suit who he was and what how they felt about him…We have heard from the people and listened, and some people are just not on board with the idea of some kind of pricey, big, imposing statue.”

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With the $80,000 statue concept scuttled, four ideas have since emerged: a chainsaw bench, mural series, driftwood sculpture bench, and re-branding the Parksville Beach boardwalk in Flying Phil’s honour.

The early favourite is the boardwalk concept, which is planned to be accompanied by a memorial plaque.

“It’s quite simple and affordable, I think if that could be brought on board there would be a whole lot left over for the Fire department, the SPCA, the Special Olympics and all of these charities that Phil really gave a lot to and was involved with,” Stavroff said.

Donation options for the permanent memorial project can be found here.

The plan is to select a commemorative site for St. Luke by early July and then work with the City of Parksville on the logistics of making it happen.

Stavroff expects a costed, detailed plan will be presented to Parksville City Council in the fall.

Parksville Museum will receive several items, including, St. Luke’s size 15 shoes and other special personal possessions from his family, Stavroff noted.

“They’d like to have a small display exhibit on him. We would love if people could tell their Phil stories to us through the website, so we can collect them and submit them.”

“Flying Phil Day” takes place annually on March 7 in Parksville, St Luke’s birthday. (Doug Giebelhaus/FlyingPhil.ca)

St Luke, a beloved member and advocate for the diversability community, was a Special Olympian who volunteered for many local organizations and community events.

From hanging out at Parksville’s waterfront, visiting local businesses and constantly chatting with people, St. Luke was highly visible in the community known for walking around 30 kilomters a day.

He was hard to miss at a towering 6’7″.

Recalling St. Luke’s interactions with thousands of people, Stavroff said he was well known for his huge smile, love for animals and constantly offering his signature thumbs up.

“The more I learn of him, the more I believe he’s worthy of being remembered.”

The City of Parksville has additional information on memorializing Phil St. Luke.

St. Luke was honoured in a Celebration of Life last June at the Community Park.

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ian@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes