Philip Rodney LeNeveu Black - 69, Truro. Husband, father, brother, teacher and friend, Philip passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, November 13, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Janice (Harrington); children, Emily (Michael Gerdau), Trista Freier (Christian) and Keelan (Katie Gi); grandchildren, Kai and Ivy; sisters, Susie Quackenbush (Ross), Sandie and Lisa; seven nieces and nephews.
Born in Montreal to parents Rodney and Norma (LeNeveu) Black, Philip led a life filled with family, laughter, science and music. After childhood Orff and piano lessons, as a young teen Philip asked to begin guitar lessons; an enduring passion for guitars and guitar music of all sorts was born. Guitar (after guitar) joined the ranks over the years and music spanning from the Renaissance to Zappa poured from Phil’s hands and came to life through his voice. A lifelong musical learner, his formal education included a Bachelor of Science (Biology) from University of Waterloo followed by a Bachelor of Music Performance and a Bachelor of Education from Dalhousie University. All this informed a long career as a music teacher teaching generations of Nova Scotians to appreciate the joy of music and giving them the confidence to experiment, create and perform musically.
In 1980 Phil met his lifelong love Janice Harrington and they were married in 1982. The journey of building their beautiful family of five began in Halifax before Philip’s classroom teaching assignments took them first to Great Village, then to Truro. Wherever they were, Philip ensured the family home was filled with animals, puns, and song. When not at home or at school, Phil could be found patrolling the ski hill or playing in various rock and jazz bands.
Japan, Germany, Australia - there was no place Philip couldn’t sit with his guitar and become part of the cultural landscape. Music is truly a universal language and he had it running through his veins. Philip touched the lives of his many students, and constantly entertained friends and family with his creativity, storytelling and mischievous humour, always threaded through with his musical virtuosity. He will be missed and celebrated with tears and laughter in equal measure as we mourn his loss.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Philip’s family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Friday, November 18, 2022, and Celebration of Life Service 1 p.m., Saturday, November 19, 2022. Private interment has taken place in Bible Hill Cemetery, 41 Warren Drive, Bible Hill. If so desired, donations in Philip’s memory to Canadian Cancer Society are welcomed. Private messages of condolence may be sent to Philip’s family by viewing his obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com