Phil Thacker Memorial

Philip A. Thacker Obituary

Philip A Thacker August 25, 1952 - February 27, 2017 Dr Philip Thacker, Professor Emeritus of the University of Saskatchewan, died much too soon of pancreatic cancer.

Although Phil never married, he had many families. His BC family consists of 3 siblings, Betty in Victoria, George and Margie in Sechelt and 4 much loved nieces and nephews, and the most amazing group of friends a man could ever wish for.

Phil's prairie family consists of 5 cousins, their children, their parents Ted and Mary who took him into their family while he lived in Saskatoon. Phil also had a family in the University of Saskatchewan Dept. of Animal and Poultry Science. Dedicating his life to research, teaching and mentoring students, he was a professor of swine nutrition and production for 31 years. Over his tenure, he acquired many awards but being selected professor of the year in 1996 and 2001 meant the most to him. He had his Kinsmen family in Saskatoon where he was president of the P.O.W. City Kinsmen. A deep bass, who enjoyed singing, Phil had a musical family, participating in several musicals and choirs.

Phil also had a family in China, where, for 20 years, in several universities, he mentored hundreds of students and assisted many professors in the development of the world class swine feed research centre MAFIC. One of his proudest achievements was being presented in 2004 with the People's Republic of China Friendship Award, the highest award presented to foreign experts.

Always generous, competitive, the life of the party, the master of jokes and puns, Phil will be missed.

Donations in his memory may be sent to the PA Thacker Swine Production Scholarship at University of Saskatchewan; Kinsmen Foundation (Saskatoon) or pancreatic cancer research.

A graveside service will be held April 8 at 11am at Carman Cemetery in Sardis, BC followed by a celebration of life 1pm at the Artful Dodger Pub 2364 200th St Langley BC. Details will be announced on a need to know basis.

In Saskatoon, a celebration of Phil's life will be held at Wood's Ale House, 148-2nd Ave. N on May 2 beginning at 4pm. For more information contact Milton Taylor at (306) 221-6458.
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