April 12, 2013 – We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of our colleague, mentor and friend, Philip Somerville, on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. Phil was a long-standing member of the MANA Canada team, filling the roles of Quali-Pro Business Manager, Eastern Business Manager and New Product Development Manager.
Born January 27, 1959 in Hamilton, Ont., Phil grew up in Simcoe, where he worked with his father on their family orchard before pursuing a Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Guelph. Phil spent his entire career in agribusiness, a close-knit society of ground-roots, community support and family. With his passing, the industry has lost a talented advocate, benevolent colleague and dear friend whose sincerity and warmth will be deeply missed.
A devoted family man, Phil enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his wife, Melissa, and their three children, Adam, 25; Grant, 22; and Emma, 16. He shared his passion for hockey and his love of music and nature with his children, and encouraged them to discover and pursue their own interests and passions.
Phil had many friends who shared his enthusiasm for sports, music, old tractors, World War era history and vintage aircraft. They are among the many people whose lives Phil touched. He was an amazing father, loving husband, devoted son and brother, and incredible friend who will be greatly missed.
A funeral service was held in Ancaster, Ont., on Thursday, April 11. The family would greatly appreciate that in lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation be made in Phil’s honour.
In honour of Phil’s memory, MANA Canada will be making a donation to the Canadian Agri-Business Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships to deserving students who wish to pursue post-secondary education in agriculture.
A trust fund for the Somerville family has been established with the Royal Bank of Canada. All donation cheques can be made out to “The Philip Somerville Trust Fund” and mailed to the HR Department of MANA, 3120 Highwoods Boulevard, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27604. All proceeds will go directly to Phil’s wife and three children.
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