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
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Philip Rodney LeNeveu Black 1953 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia