Dear Charles,

My heart sank when I discovered your loss. Knowing Phyllis, I always saw her still buzzing around in her 90s.

Please know how much she meant to colleagues like myself, first at MRC, then later at CLS. She was indeed a force. A consumate professional, a highly-skilled educator, supportive and generous with her time, decent and kind, clever and witty, modest and highly dedicated.

I will miss this wonderful person and boss.

Always in my memory.Goodbye Phyllis.

Irina Mouritsen

PS: Your Bacardi Rum cake is a staple forever.

Sending you love and hugs. Condolences to you and your family. Stephanie T.

Sending enormous love to all of Phyllis’s family. I have memories of Phyllis from when I was a child—all of her many talents and infectious laugh. Her incredible spirit and generosity will be missed.

Dear Charles and family, Bill and I were so saddened and sorry to learn of Phyllis’ passing. She had so very much to offer to all she met.

I first met Phyllis when working at the CBE and our areas at the time worked closely together , hers in ESL and mine in Continuing Education. Through that she learned that we had a cabin at Tie Lake and she asked if we would be interested in having her family come for a week. That was over 20 years ago, and they have continued to come each year and look after it as their own. I know they would see their family grow and change through the years as we have. And the lake will hold memories for them all. We are so pleased that Phyllis and the family have had that time together at our special place and we will hold that dear to us as well.

Sending love, caring thoughts and prayers your way for strength and support at this difficult time.

I was stunned to hear of Phyllis’s passing and my deepest condolences go to Charles and family. Phyllis and I worked with a number of equally dedicated education professionals in the early 1990s at Mount Royal College (as it was in those days) to build a powerhouse ESL department. Phyllis was always the consummate professional despite the challenges we faced in bringing ESL programming from the fringes of volunteer-based, community outreach classes to a viable path into post-secondary education. Our orbits have not intersected in over twenty years but I know we have lost a strong and passionate voice.

My deepest condolences to the Regier family. I had the privilege to work at Chinook Learning Services with Phyllis at the helm for over 12 years. I will always remember her graciousness and competence as a leader. Rest in peace Phyllis. You will be missed.

The first time I met, Phyllis was about 42 years ago at an ECS meeting for our children. She approached me to see if her kids could come to my house for before and after school care.. I was not looking at this at all. But if you knew Phyllis, she really knew how to make you feel like this was a good idea.

After all these years, it was a blessing in disguise . With our kids so close in age we really had a lot of fun. Stephanie said we had too much popcorn and we made toffee twice which really was fun. Not sure if we ate any.

Our sons Karm & Corey remain close to this day.

I felt bad after a while, taking money for such a perfect mix of our kids with laughter and many crazy projects the boys concocted. I said to Phyllis, I really can't take your money because this is so perfect for my children to have your kids here. Phyllis replied; ‘Sandy, I work you work.’ That was such an empowering interaction between us. I'll never forget.

I'm so sorry for your loss Charles & Karm & Stephanie & Aman. Our hearts are with you. Phyllis was an amazing and fantastic human. She touched many people in so many different ways. Love you all.

Ps. Phyllis, we still owe you and Charles a dinner.

Derrick & Sandy, Tanis, Corey & Brittney LaRiviere

Dear Charles, I'm so saddened to read about your great loss! My memories of Phyllis include conversations with the two of you as we enjoyed the delicious meals she prepared. Vic and I never gave you much notice as to when we would be in Calgary, but you always welcomed us readily and we loved the times we spent with you. She was a brilliant conversationalist and made us feel at ease and at home in her company. May God comfort you and give you peace as you celebrate her life with your family.

With love and sincere condolences,

Evy and Vic

Dear Charles, Steph, Karm and Aman.

What a privilege it was to come to know Phyllis. It was my lucky day years ago when we met in graduate school. From having a common interest in ESL and also having young children, our friendship grew to include our families. We have so many great memories of many wonderful meals together, overnight stays at your house, trips to Hidden Valley resort, Whitefish and Palm Springs. When she came to work with me at the CBE, my life improved with her tremendous efficiency and knowledge of the field of adult education and ESL. What a great gift she was to me. Phyl was so insightful and bright - conversations among us were always lively and interesting. She will always have a special place in our hearts and is already greatly missed.

Sheila, Don and family.

I was incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Phyllis - shedding many tears as I read her obituary as we drove through the mountains to BC yesterday.

Phyllis was instrumental in the transition my teaching career took as I entered the world of ESL. She took a chance on hiring me in January 2006 and for the next four years,I was able to learn so much from her about the community we served, instructional methodology, and how to be an effective manager of a very dynamic program. Becoming part of the team of Tuxedo was pivotal for me having returned to Calgary after working in BC and overseas. I loved the collaborative work environment that Phyllis led - and as a result ended up developing life-long friendships with many of these colleagues.

To be honest, Phyllis was a little intimidating to me initially. She was so efficient, such a clear communicator, always available, an effective mentor, a grammar guru, incredibly stylish and yet survived the demands of her day on her 2 mini-yogurts at lunch. “I save my calories for other things, Karen”, when I asked how she managed this regime. She was an extremely disciplined person. However, the intimidating factors did not hide the fact that Phyllis was a compassionate, insightful, sensitive and loving human being. I was so proud to be part of the team to nominate her for the LOLA award in 2009.

I felt fortunate to have Phyllis’ friendship outside of work and even after I moved into the regular CBE ESL teaching world. I was privileged to experience her amazing dinner parties and lucky enough to spend girls’ time together when we could let our hair down a bit. I followed her good travel and beer advice all the way to a special spot in Croatia during one summer’s travels. I would have followed Phyllis’ advice anywhere!

Phyllis’ passing has left a void - yet she’s left an amazing legacy for all those lucky enough to have known her. My deepest sympathies to Charles and family at this difficult time. I’m so sorry I will not be able to attend the gathering on June 23 but will lift a glass in her honour that afternoon. Rest peacefully, Phyllis.

When I think of Phyllis, I am reminded of the most approachable educational leader I have ever worked with. I felt she always had my back. When I re-entered the work force after my second child was born, Phyllis gave me a contract for 2 afternoons a week - enough for me to keep up my teaching skills and raise my young family. I appreciated her giving me a contract with a work life balance that would work for my family. She also had great concern over her flock of teachers. A testament to her caring demeanor as a leader. I remember her always with a smile, and cool shoes. RIP Phyllis. Sincere condolences to the family! Kimberley Rezazadeh - ESL Teacher, Chinook Learning Services 2002-2012.

Phyllis was like a light. She was so full of goodness and happiness and it was a joy to be around her. I worked with her at Chinook College back in 2005 and she was always so generous and good to people. I’m sorry to hear of her passing and I wish her family, heartfelt condolences

I am saddened to learn of Phyllis passing. I was fortunate to work with her when she was the manager at Chinook Learning Services with the Calgary Board of Education. She was an excellent leader and a wonderful human being. My deepest condolences to her family.

I am so very sad to hear about Phyllis. My first thought was that we never had that coffee date we had promised each other after Covid. From our first days as new teachers down at Bow Valley together, a good forty years ago, our lives intertwined in some capacity or another most of those years since. In fact, I taught ‘with’ or ‘for’ Phyllis during many of those years. We had children of similar ages, and we got together often for activities with the children in those younger years. Time and again, I have heard from many many teachers in the ESL community that ‘Phyllis was the best boss I ever had’, or ‘Phyllis was the best teacher I’ve ever observed’. Even more so, Phyllis could only be defined as a person of impeccable character along with a quick wit and a great sense of fun. Her advice was sound, and her insight with people quite remarkable. Her generosity of spirit always on hand. Charles, our hearts (Dennis, Toran and I) go out to you and all your family at this time as you mourn but also celebrate the gift of Phyllis in your lives, in all of our lives. Godspeed my friend. Godspeed.

Phyllis’s passing is like the end of an era for me. She was instrumental in shaping my career in Canada; being my strongest support system. Life does not always give a second chance, but Phyllis gave me my second chance at Chinook Learning way back in 2006. I stayed in regular touch with her and shall always hold her in the highest regard. She was a very dedicated educationist, impartial manager, graceful lady and a genuinely beautiful human-being. In her signature black attire, she would walk into the room, exuding sheer confidence and making heads turn with her charisma. Phyllis will never be forgotten; her influence will always keep her alive in our hearts and we shall remember her fondly, FOREVER.

RIP, dear Phyllis and thank you for coming in my life. My heartfelt wishes for the entire family!

Priya G

Please accept my most sincere condolences. Phyllis was a wonderful and deeply cherished woman who touched the lives of so many. In her role as my supervisor at Chinook Learning Services (CBE), she always ensured her door was open and I would often pop in for a quick chat (or to ask a grammar question!) I cherish my final memories with her while sharing lunch at Carburn Park during a "Chinook" meetup. May happy memories also comfort you at this difficult time.

With Sympathy,

Paula Klassen