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William Philip McNally

November 13, 1942 - February 11, 2021

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   Surrounded by his loving family, Philip McNally of Hoath Head, passed peacefully at Chapman House Owen Sound on Thursday, February 11, 2021. Cherished husband of 55 years to Gail McNally (nee Morrison). Adored by their children Anne McCarthy (Glenn) of Chatsworth, Heather McNally of Cambridge, and Todd McNally (Debbie McKeown) of Lisle. Deeply missed by his five grandchildren: Taylor Savage (Michael), Curtis McCarthy (Carly), Kelly McCarthy, and Sarah and Alishia Livingston. Doting great-grandpa to Braylynn Livingston. Survived by his brother Paul McNally (Elaine), mother-in-law Muriel Morrison, and in-laws Mary Jane Elder (Terry), Bill Morrison (Cathy), Rick Morrison (Beatrice), Ted Morrison (Anna) and John Price (Barb). Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents William and Ruth McNally (nee Taylor), father-in-law Irvine Morrison, and brother-in-law Perry Morrison.

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   To suit “Uncle Phil's” larger than life personality, this summation should probably be written in all CAPS! He had a ROARING outdoor voice, a need to be heard, often yelling “Shut the front door”, and used colourful language. His loving grandchildren lament that he was a cantankerous teacher and a backwoods socialite. His early years as a truck driver delivering feed or transporting livestock familiarized him with every local farmer. He worked tirelessly for Clark transport, Walter Falls Milling, Coca cola, Allen Boyd, Al MacKinnon, Harold Sutherland and R.F. King for many years.
   From his roots attending SS#12 , Phil would have been proud to be appointed the Mayor of Hoath Head and nothing would have suited him more than to see Hoath Head separate from the Township of Meaford.
   He first glimpsed the love of his life, Gail, crossing a street in Owen Sound. He had a mate call her up and pretend to be him and asked her out to the Keady dance.  He was a great dancer and loved his country music: Meryl Haggard, Johnnie Paycheck and Coal Shed Willie to name a few. He was a bright, young entrepreneur starting out with the purchase of a 200 acre dairy farm west of Bognor, where they managed dairy and beef and started a family. Three children were brought into the world: Anne, Heather and Todd. He was a tireless worker and his philosophy was “to accomplish something every day.” They dairy farmed with Dorset sheep, chickens, pigs, miniature ponies and Percheron horses on the side. Angel and Marshmallow traveled more around the Hoath Head area then most humans. They also adored their two cats, Pumpkin and Pepper, and a special Shihtzu named Precious.  More than his love for animals Phil adored his grandchildren. He was a remarkable tractor operator, and started a private towing service for them when they found themselves in the ditch, where the company motto was “don't tell Grandma or your Mother.” He could always keep a secret! On the expansive farm, he bestowed on his kids and grandkids his work ethic where care of animals and constant fence mending was required.
   When the family could get him away on a vacation they travelled in their 26 foot camper to the west coast from Owen Sound to Alaska, California and also occasionally visited relatives in BC and Saskatchewan. Monday nights were always reserved for getting together with the Downings eating snacks and watching his favourite show The Voice. Food was always a passion for Phil as “Ma”  is a wonderful cook and baker. He especially loved anything lemon, from tarts to pies and cakes, although raisin pie was also his favourite. In his later years his grandchildren marveled at his odd combination of snacking; cheese whiz on toast with apple butter.
   Phil would become a great grandfather and his love for his “baby bee”, “Bumble ”, and finally “Miss Bee” would be one of his greatest joys. She was the only person he would let steal his chair. Although a loud voice has been silenced the echoes of his life and love for them will resound in each of their hearts.

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   Cremation has taken place and arrangements entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. A visitation, open to the public, will be held at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday February 17, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Online registration for the visitation is now available through the funeral home website. Due to Covid protocols, masks and social distancing are mandatory. A private family funeral service, officiated by Reverend Chuck Moon, will be held Thursday February 18, with interment to follow at McLeans Cemetery, Bognor. A live stream of the service will be available, commencing at 11:00 am. If desired, memorial donations to Chapman House would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com

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