Publicover, Philip Warren (Phil)
September 17, 1946 – January 12, 2021
We are heartbroken to announce Phil’s peaceful passing at home on Tuesday, January 12 with his
devoted wife Linda at his side. Born in Halifax on September 17, 1946, he was the son of the late
Warren and Alberta (Bertie) Publicover. Following graduation from St. Mary’s University, he joined the
Department of National Defence. This began a 25-year career as a public servant which included
progressively more responsible positions in Halifax, NS, Summerside, PEI, CFB Gagetown, NB and at DND
Headquarters in Ottawa where he retired as the Director of Staff Relations. Following his retirement he
started his own consulting firm – Publicover Consulting.
Phil will be remembered for his intellect, prodigious memory, joy of reading, generosity, kindness, his
love of spending time with family and friends and constantly reminding us that “Life is Good”!
He is survived by the love of his life Linda Wood, his brother Roy Publicover, Truro, NS; sisters-in-law
Shirl Dubois (Lew) and Sandy Theriault (Cyril) both of Oromocto, NB; adored nieces Michelle Ruigrok
(John), Saint John, NB, Shannon Dubois (Dean Huckla), Kanata, ON, Melissa McLaughlin (Allen), Geary,
NB and nephew Nick Theriault (Shae Salonen), Oromocto, NB. He will also be missed by his treasured
great nieces and nephews Alexandria and Victoria Ruigrok, Nolan and Evy McLaughlin, Owin and Tharin
Theriault and Julia and Gordon Huckla; other extended family and dear friends.
Phil fought his cancer with courage and determination and was grateful for the exceptional medical
treatments and services received from The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre. We would particularly like
to thank Dr. Dominique Bossé and Dr. Jason Pantarotto for never giving up on Phil and for giving him an
extra two and one-half years to live life to the fullest. As a thank you, Phil’s final wish was for his body
to be donated to the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine for educational and research purposes.
The family is grateful for the medical care he received during a recent stay at The Ottawa Hospital,
General Campus and would like to acknowledge the compassion of Dr. Anna Wilkinson, Osrick Martinez
and the rest of the 5 East team. Phil’s desire to spend his last days at home would not have been
possible without the support of an amazing Palliative care team. Special thanks to Dr. Lisa Cross,
Community Palliative Medicine Associates, Joseph Bushnell and Gina Vargas from Bayshore Home Care
Solutions, and Joan Green of At Home Hospice. We will never forget the many kindnesses of friends,
neighbours and extended family who were there to offer support in any way possible. We would
particularly like to thank dear friends Susan and Roy Smith, Ron and Eliane Brown, and nieces Shannon
Dubois and Allie Ruigrok for all that they did to help during Phil’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation – Cancer Research would be appreciated.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Philip Warren Publicover Tuesday January 12th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario