John Walter "Jack" Phipps
Remembered

John Walter Phipps, known to friends and family as Jack, and one of the earliest members of the CAHS, passed away on 2 August  2021. An accomplished artist, Jack was a technical illustrator for many aviation companies throughout his life.
Jack, born in London, Ontario, to Charles and Pearl Phipps (née Woodside), the youngest of six children died on 2 August 2021, at home in Toronto in his 93rd year.  

Jack graduated from the Ontario College of Art (OCA now OCAD) in 1953. His first job was at Cockfield Brown in advertising graphics. From there he went to Orenda Engines as a technical illustrator on the ill-fated Avro Arrow. He also worked for de Havilland Aircraft, then Boeing, and lastly Bombardier, rising to be Chief Illustrator when, as he said, he never got to illustrate anything anymore.

In 1968 he married Margaret Victoria (Vicki) Child and gladly embraced the addition of five-year-old Alison to his family, followed by Meredith's arrival in 1969. Retirement brought him the pleasure of volunteering at the Royal Ontario Museum. He was recognized by the ROM in 2019 for his 2,124 hours of service. Jack and Vicki travelled often, with an emphasis on art and architecture.  They also enjoyed winter getaways. At the cottage, Jack sailed his boats in the Sparrow Lake Sailing Club's races, and he became Purser of the club. He loved his family deeply and was so proud of both daughters, teaching them to muck about in boats and appreciate British and Canadian humour.  Jack also adored his cats Tinker, Pye, and Cleo. Jack read widely about British and military history, astronomy, Canadian politics, fine art, and aviation. In the 1950s, he obtained his private pilot's licence. Jack purchased and flew a Fleet 80 Canuck, CF-DPL, two-seat airplane, known as "Chippsair," with his closest friend, Lindsay Child.

As a cartoonist par excellence, Jack drew wonderful, personalized cartoons for family and friends. He also created a Canada Post First Day aviation cover in the 1980s.
 
Jack was one of the early members of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society and was issued membership number 25. He provided 9 scaled drawings of famous Canadian bush aircraft for the CAHS Journal as well as several aircraft sketches for the Toronto Chapter’s Flypast newsletter.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the ROM's Volunteer Department or the Canadian Aviation Historical Society (Toronto Chapter) are appreciated.