Philip Ralph STAAL

STAAL, Philip Ralph Peacefully at the age of 59 on October 11, 2009 in Ottawa, with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born October 2, 1950 in Toronto, Ontario. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife of 30 years, Grace, and by their sons Andrew Philippe and Nicholas Rainier. Cherished son of Ralph and Isabel Staal of Waterloo, Ontario (now residing in Toronto). Beloved brother of Helen (Peter Ramm) of St. Catharines, Kathy (Al Mitchell) of Toronto and Ingrid (Ian Perry) of Nanaimo. Fondly remembered by the Ballen, Laserna, Whitwell and Grillo families. Admired and loved uncle of many nieces and nephews. Philip grew up in Fredericton and Waterloo, and from an early age was fascinated with complex machinery and technology. If you needed anything taken apart, deciphered or fixed, Philip would always be there to help. While happy working with the most advanced equipment, he also loved the outdoors. He enjoyed canoeing, sailing, hiking, skiing and was devoted to his roles as a scout leader and hockey father. Philip obtained his undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo, his M.Sc. at Dalhousie University and his Ph.D. in physics at UBC. Philip was passionate about his work with the Canadian Department of National Defence starting with his 18 years at the Defence Research Establishment Atlantic in Dartmouth, N.S. His next posting was a 3-year term as a Canadian science diplomat in Washington, D.C., followed by 9 years with Defence Research and Development Canada in Ottawa. In 1990 Philip was the first ever civilian graduate of the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto. His work took him all over the world, and included extensive collaboration with colleagues in Australia, Britain, New Zealand, and the U.S. He leaves his family, friends and co-workers with many fond memories. Friends and relatives are invited to visit the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A celebration of Philip's life will be held Sunday, October 18, 2009 in the Chapel at 3 p.m. followed by a reception. Memorial donations may be made to UNICEF Canada or to Scouts Canada. Published in the Ottawa Citizen from 10/14/2009- 10/16/2009