PHILIP JOHN GIES

BORN: OCT 14, 1943
DATE OF PASSING: JUL 10, 2025

PHILIP JOHN GIES
Sadly, and unexpectedly, on July 10, 2025, Philip John Gies passed away at St. Boniface Hospital.

He was predeceased by his mother Velma, father Wilfred, stepmother Helena, and his beloved wife of 53 years, Heather. He is survived by his son Michael (Joanna), daughter Kelly (Gordon), son Andrew (Tammy), and his cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Cameron, Owen, and Anya. Also forever missing him are his sister-in-law Gwenn, nieces, Wendy and Annie, nephew Duncan, and Mom's close cousin Ted (Janice) and family.

Dad was born in Brandon on October 14, 1943, and just as he had started school the family moved to his favourite place on earth, Flin Flon. Dad considered Flin Flon his home, spending his formative years there running around with friends, fishing, hanging out at Phantom Beach, playing baseball and hockey, and learning to play the guitar. The Gies' moved again to Thompson as Dad entered high school, where he met Mom. They dated on and off through the remainder of his time there, a brief hockey career at Brandon College, and his time in Winnipeg learning to become a pilot.

In 1966 Dad applied to Transport Canada and over the next two years successfully qualified in Montreal as an Air Traffic Controller in Dorval and Cartierville towers. Mom and Dad were married in 1967 and settled in Lachine, close to the airport as Dad moved to Montreal ACC as an IFR controller. They loved their time in Quebec, making many lifelong friends and starting their family. Shortly after Michael and Kelly arrived, they moved to Winnipeg where Andrew was born. In Winnipeg, Dad changed from his control duties, moving into automation at Winnipeg ACC. He spent the remaining years of his career working locally, nationally, and internationally to create and program systems that advanced ATC and administration. He filled every management position available to him here in Winnipeg before retiring in 2002.

Dad was a man who loved almost everything. He was the family historian, gathering and recounting stories with varying levels of truth and a mountain of photos to back him up. He had a lifelong passion for music, respecting all who played, enjoying live performances, and held a special affinity for acoustic guitarists. He bought and sold many cars, with each one holding a particular place in his heart. He and Mom treasured time with friends through so many card games, parties, camping trips, and holidays spent together. He loved to putter and take apart anything, but sometimes they never went back together. He loved to volunteer, help others, and always made time for friends near and far. The last decade was spent eagerly helping the Flin Flon Heritage Project and reconnecting with many people he always told us about. He never met a database or spreadsheet he didn't love. While Dad was a great father, helping with everything along the way and there is no way we could list them all, he was a superb Grandpa. He will be sorely missed by each of his grandchildren in their own way as there was no event, meet, game, outing, or practice he missed. He was incredibly proud of his family and never missed an opportunity to tell us so.

Dad's one true love was Mom. They were a fantastic team and did everything together. We were so lucky to have them as our parents, learning that every family occasion was important. While they travelled over North America and Europe, their favourite place was the cottage they built on Spruce Lake in 1997. Dad always said the cottage was happiest when it was full and we were so lucky to have been able to be there together as a family countless times, the last being just two weeks ago. So many memories were made there, and we will ensure that it will remain their legacy.

There is some peace in knowing that Mom and Dad are together again, yet we will miss him forever. He was active in life right until his passing and he lived every day with gratitude. Our thanks go to the incredible and compassionate staff at Health Sciences Centre ER and St. Boniface Cath Lab for the care they gave Dad. In lieu of flowers, we would ask that you take care of someone in need or volunteer or donate to the charity of your choice.

A private celebration of Dad's life will be held this fall.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 19, 2025
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

I went to high school with both Phil and Heather in Thompson. Phil was well liked. I have fond memories from school days of them both. My condolences to their family.
- Posted by: Dianne Dick (Bindle) (Friend) on: Jul 24, 2025
We were so sorry to hear the sad news of Phil and please accept our deepest sympathy. We knew Phil in Winnipeg and played bridge together with him and Heather. I also shared the love of music with him and we would play guitars and have sing songs with friends. He was always friendly and kind, and we enjoyed his company. Family was always so important to Phil and please know that we are thinking of you all. Treasure the memories. RIP Phil Carol and David Craig
- Posted by: Carol and David Craig (Friend from Winnipeg) on: Jul 20, 2025
The world lost a very good man. My deepest condolences to The Gies Family. May his memory live on.
- Posted by: Jamie Mistri (Friend) on: Jul 20, 2025
What a lovely tribute to Phil! There must be a first-class writer in the family. Well done! Bill Watson knew Heather when the MacDonalds lived in Port Colborne in the 1950s and were friends with his parents. Phil & Heather married the same year that Bill & Candy did and we all met up again to live in Montreal for a time. Yes, a great couple indeed, who raised a family that has made the world a better place. God bless you all!
- Posted by: Bill and Candy Watson (Friends) on: Jul 19, 2025
I worked for Phil when he was the Operations Manager in the Area Control Centre. Phil was always a very calm soft spoken guy and a pleasure to work for.
- Posted by: Paul Schroeder (Work) on: Jul 19, 2025
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