Phillip Joseph Major

Day is done
Gone the sun
From the lake
From the hill
From the sky
All is well
Safely rest

~ Taps (Song of Remembrance)

It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of our beloved Phillip Joseph Major. Phil chose a dignified departure surrounded by loved ones Thursday, October 20, 2022, 5 pm at Perley Health Residence age 59, after a long struggle living with Friedrich's Ataxia.

Dear son to Magella and Russell Major, brother to Stephen(deceased), Bruce(deceased), Christine and Brian. Brother-in-law to Andre Perrin and uncle to Nicole and Alexander.

Thank you to all of his dedicated Personal Support workers who ensured he was able to live independently with love and support for many years including trying times during Covid. Thanks also to friends and family who took the time to help Phil fulfill his dreams to travel the world and live to write about his courageous adventures to 28 countries.

His final moments were spent being recognized for his steadfast determination, global inspiration and ability activism. A legend, whose legacy lives on in all of those who loved him dearly.

Intergalactic nomad!

Donations: In-lieu of flowers, donations to the StopGap Foundation are appreciated.

Service Details:

Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022
Place of Interment: Notre-Dame Cemetery, 455 Montreal Rd. Ottawa, ON K1K 0V2 Phone: 613-746-4175  - Section RR, lot 12E - near Montreal Road entrance. Note: Gate is open despite construction in the area.
Time: 2-2:30 pm
Visitation: none
Celebration of Life Reception following interment:
Location: Clock Tower, New Edinburgh 422 Mackay Street, Ottawa, ON- Wheelchair accessible entrance and bathroom available
Time: 3 pm - 5 pm

The Coming of the Ship
...Now when he reached the foot of the hill, he turned again towards the sea, and he saw his ship approaching the harbor, and upon her prow the mariners, the men of his own land.

And his soul cried out to them, and he said:
Sons of my ancient mother, you riders of the tides,
How often have you sailed in my dreams and now you come in my awakening, which is my deeper dream.
Ready am I to go, and my eagerness with sails full set awaits the wind.
Only another breath will I breathe in this still air, only another loving look cast backward,
And then I shall stand among you, a seafarer among seafarers.
And you, vast sea, sleepless mother,
Who alone are peace and freedom to the river and the stream,
Only another winding will this stream make, only another murmur in this glade,
And then shall I come to you, a boundless drop to a boundless ocean.
~ Khalil Gibran