CHARLES WILLIAM PHIPPS August 2nd 1945 – September 5, 2008 63 years
A life short, but well lived. Born in Vancouver, Chuckie graduated from UBC and dedicated his life, personally and professionally to teaching math and sports. Charlie lived and loved sports, all sports 24/7, including rugby, tennis, basketball and baseball. The Tackle Terror, nicknamed the Tuna, he wore #73 for the UBC Thunderbirds from 1964 – 1968. He coached many winning football teams at Hugh Boyd Secondary School, where he taught math and physical education for 34 years, ultimately winning 4 Provincial Football Championships.
Charlie was also a part of the Steveston pipeline along with Bob Murphy, Matt Phillips, Ian Anderson, and Doug Staveley that not only coached but officiated football. He also found the time to serve as BCFOA President. During his later years, he officiated for the Pacific Northwest Football Collegiate Association, traveling as far as Oregon to referee each week during the football season. Was considered to be one of the best to ever work the umpire position.
Coaching golf and basketball nudged between student ski field trips fleshed out his commitment. He remained a scratch golfer until weeks before his strength left. A beautiful skier, each winter Chuckie traded clubs for poles and skied every day of the season during his retirement, truly loving Mountain Hosting guests for Whistler Blackcomb. The Tuna remained a teacher and organizer for all his days.
He is an Honorary Life Member of the BC High School Football Association. Charlie was determined to leave everything on the football field, golf green or on the hill.
Dear cantankerous Chuckster had a great life, a warrior to the end.