Detective Inspector Philip Levesque (Ret.), a lifetime resident of Thunder Bay, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, November 25th at the age of 56 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Phil followed in his father Leo’s footsteps in policing, starting out as a Canadian Pacific Police Officer and later joining the Thunder Bay Police Service in May 1985. He served for 32 years and retired in September 2017 having achieved the rank of Detective Inspector.
Over the years, Phil served many positions within the Police Service including roles in uniform patrol, drug and criminal investigation, biker enforcement and intelligence. He was highly regarded as an accomplished and skilled investigator who was involved in many major cases.
He was dedicated to serving his city and his community in his everyday life, but Phil’s truest source of joy came from spending time with his family. Phil’s love of hockey encouraged him to spend countless years at the rink, coaching and mentoring his young son Justin. He always encouraged his daughter Jenna to pursue her higher education, and provided ongoing support. Attentive to serving others, Phil was always in the supporting corner of all of us lucky enough to have him in our lives.
An all-around family man, Phil loved spending time with family, hosting dinners, always ready to take family pictures and preserve the memories. As an all around athlete, Phil loved sports and was an avid Montreal Canadiens fan. He was a passionate music fan and shared his knowledge with friends and family whenever he had the chance. In recent years he was deeply saddened by the loss of many of his favorite musicians including, Glen Frey, Gord Downie, and Tom Petty.
Phil was a devoted husband to Brenda for 32 years. They shared many happy moments together watching their family grow, travelling, and seeing Phil’s favorite music hero’s live in concert. Phil shared a special bond with his brother JP. In 1988, JP married Brenda’s sister Colleen. Their children share more than a first cousin connection and Phil loved to watch them grow and support each other.
He was a loving and devoted son to Stella and Leo and a proud son-in-law to Pat and Rod MacPherson. Phil shared a close connection to his numerous cousins and loved sharing stories about growing up with them on Franklin St.
Phil will be deeply missed by his wife Brenda, daughter Jenna (Matthew), son Justin (Kelsey) and Mother and Father, Stella and Leo, and brother JP (Colleen, nieces Madison & Olivia), and numerous extended family members.
Phil lived a life focused on supporting those around him. Even through his personal battle with cancer he was thankful it was him and not his loved ones. He was a man of strength, integrity, and unwavering selflessness. We have all suffered a great loss.
“ I’ll stand my ground and I won’t back down” Tom Petty
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 1, 2017, when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass at 2:00pm, at St. Patrick's Cathedral celebrated by Rev. Msgr. P.M. Stilla V.G Services will be complete in the church. A private family interment will follow at a later date. Visitation for friends will take place one hour prior to mass time at the Cathedral.
Donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Research Fund in Phil’s honour.
