George Phillips (16 Sep 1924 - 5 Jul 2021)

George was quite a character and will be sorely missed.

So sorry to hear the sad news.

In fond memory of George

Dear Ian and Julie
I have fond memories of George as an integral part of the "Taunton" set. When my Dad and Anne moved down to Somerset, it began a long and lovely friendship with George and Olive. I had by then known Ian for a good number of years already and it was good to get to know George and Olive too. On my visits down to see Dad and Anne I would often go round to spend an evening with George and Olive. Despite his image as being quite stern, what I remember most was the laughter, both George and Olive being great company and George's sense of humour always hitting the spot as well as his knowledge of current affairs. I also remember his impeccable tea-making every time I visited Comeytrowe Rise - real tea leaves and George was insistent that the water must be boiling when poured into the pot! There were also many enjoyable meals out at various pubs and Oake Golf Club and numerous evenings at West Field Close where there was much entertaining conversation and debate! Those days are a few years past already but they were happy days and are memories I shall always treasure. Thank you George.

Loved seeing Auntie Olive & Uncle George, especially when you Ian were at University. Reunited together forever

In memory of Uncle George

In memory of Uncle George
Lynn & Graham Barker

I’ve been remembering when Uncle George and Auntie Olive would return to South Shields and visit us. I fondly remember him as an intelligent man - a deep thinker, with a wry sense of humour.
Re-united with Auntie Olive.

George and Olive reunited forever. God Bless

Dear Ian and Julie
We didn't know George all that well I suppose, just the few occasions at Dad and Anne's during their get togethers, or maybe a special occasion at the pub for a meal. I did know George well enough though to work out he was a thinker, quick witted, with the driest sense of humour, and a cool guy, no doubt! I'm sorry to say we won't be able to join you at George's funeral as we will be travelling back from the Isle of Wight at that time. We will be thinking of you all though, and will raise a glass to George on our way back. Love and best wishes, Graham and Hazel.x

I knew George in a work capacity but we had wonderful chats about his past, we enjoyed a few cups of tea and biscuits over the last few months and generally he allowed me to be involved and help him and Olive. The twinkle in his eye showed a
great personality beyond the dementia and his devotion to Olive was clear. Was very pleased to know him.

In memory of Uncle George

My dear dad suffered from some form of dementia for the last four or five years of his life, but he was unable to accept that there was ever anything wrong. Let us hope that one day there will be a breakthrough that will enable this awful condition to be vanquished forever. In the meantime, the fight goes on.

The face that you showed the world was often very different to the face that you showed privately to those who knew you really well. Sometimes, even you would acknowledge that you could be grumpy, unfriendly, even somewhat intimidating towards others who did not know you. Yet deep inside, there was a softer, gentler, quite emotional soul. It wasn't always easy to find that part of you, and some people never found it, but for those who did, you rewarded them handsomely.
You were ambitious and inspirational in your work and completely devoted to my mum and me throughout all your life, so that we never wanted for anything.
I remember the drawings you would do for me as a child and the twinkle in your eyes as you gave them to me. You constantly encouraged me to work diligently and to strive for the highest standards in everything I did. I loved you, Dad, and I always shall...