Philyp Yaroslaw Kolyn

With an emptiness in our hearts, we are announcing the passing of Philyp (Phil) Kolyn on February 10, 2022, at Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital in his 70th year.

Phil was born August 20th, 1952, in Toronto, Ontario. His life was full of ups and downs for the past 69 years surrounded by family and friends. Phil had a heart of gold. He made an impression whether good or bad everywhere he went. Though some who knew him well would say he looked tough and scary on the outside but, he was a teddy bear on the inside.

After battling many years with congestive heart failure, diabetes and kidney disease Phil succumbed peacefully with his wife Nancy by his side.

Phil spent his first eight years of his life in the greater Toronto area. He had fond memories of riding the TTC for hours with his brothers, helping his dad in their restaurant and getting into some mischief. Phil’s mischievous mind, sense of humour and inquisitive nature started off young. One of his recurring stories was of him getting in trouble for setting the United Cigar Store on fire by playing with matches. He also got in trouble for breaking the barber shop glass window with a rock. A group of kids were fooling around out front, and the rock broke the glass; all the kids took off running, but chubby little Phil wasn’t fast enough and was caught.

Phil moved to Bracebridge, Ontario with his family in 1960. His mischievous ways continued when he set the field on fire on the corner of Toronto Street from playing with firecrackers. Thankfully Phil matured without losing his sense of humour and love of playing games. He met Nancy in 1974 and the two were married on October 31st, 1975.

Phil had the gift of gab, he always tried to take centre stage. He was the life of the party.

Phil was best known for his flooring skills for over 30 years. If you happened to not know him from the variety of companies he worked for as a flooring installer; he may have driven you in a taxicab. He loved the variety, fun and conversations he encountered while driving customers all around Ontario.

Phil also loved hockey whether watching the Toronto Maple Leaf’s or the times watching his kids and grandkids play. He would reminisce of his time in the Friday Night Drunk Hockey League (FNDHL) or when he had to shovel the ice with full equipment on because there was no Zamboni or when he had worn Eaton’s catalogues on his legs because he didn’t have proper goalie pads.

Phil was a loving son, brother, husband, father, papa, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife and best friend Nancy of almost 47 years, his son PJ (Nikki) and his daughter Kristy (Sonny). Phil was adored and will be greatly missed by all his grandchildren (Tucker, Katrina, Jaden, Damyn, and his best little buddy Tyson). Although he wasn’t overly fond of her, our 150-pound fur baby Bella weaselled her way into his heart. Bella will miss her special plate at family dinners he would make her. Phil was the son of Peter and Katrina (Kay) Kolyn. He is survived by his brothers Ray (Helen) and Leonard. Phil will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Dr. Bawa and Dr. Moran for their years of support. Many thanks to all the staff at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital and Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital for your kindness and dedication.

At Phil’s request cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phil’s name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association.