March 22, 1945 – February 12, 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Janie Phipps. Janie suffered an accident at home and succumbed to her injuries. With her husband and two sons at her side, Janie passed away at Vancouver General Hospital . She was predeceased by her parents, Gunnar Magnusson and Norma Magnusson. She is survived by her loving family: husband Paul Phipps of Castlegar, BC and sons Allan Phipps (Jill) of Sooke, BC and Tom Phipps (Mindy) of Langford, BC. and wonderful grandchildren Craig, Owen, Andrew and Charlotte. Janie also leaves to mourn her sister Anne Bradley of Copenhagen, Denmark, brother-in laws Bill Phipps (Barbara) of Campbell River, Bert Phipps (Jennifer) of Victoria, John Phipps (Rabina) of Nanaimo, BC. , and numerous nieces and nephews. Janie was born in Copenhagen, Denmark and moved to BC when she was five years old. Her parents settled in Nanaimo, where Janie completed her schooling. After Grade 12 Janie worked for Nanaimo Realty and Anderson Insurance in Castlegar. Janie met Paul Phipps when she was 15 years old; their relationship led to marriage in 1968. The young couple moved to Castlegar and built a strong life together in the community they came to love. Son Allan was born in 1971 and son Thomas was born in 1974. Janie enjoyed bowling, curling and golf and served on the executive committees of both bowling and curling for many years. She became a level two instructor in curling and ran many learn to curl clinics. She worked hard to support her sons as they took part in many activities including hockey and baseball. She was a team mom and team manager for many years in both sports. She greatly enjoyed her trips with Paul to Denmark, Iceland, California, Newfoundland, the Yukon, Eastern Canada, and Central Canada, as well as their many trips into Washington State with friends and to the coast to see the kids. Over her years in Castlegar, Janie developed relationships with many good friends. Janie was very proud of her two sons and their families. She will be sadly missed by all. At Janie’s request, there will be no formal public celebration of life. The family will have a private gathering in her honour at a later date. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the many heath care professionals connected to the Castlegar Emergency Centre, Trail Hospital, and Vancouver General Hospital Intensive Care Unit. Flowers are respectfully declined. Contributions in memory of Janie may be made to a favourite charity, the Castlegar Curling Club or the Castlegar Golf Club.