In Loving Memory Of Phil Owen

UPDATE: FEB 27th, 2024

It is with the greatest sadness in our hearts that we let you know that our dear friend, Philip Norman Owen, graduated from this earth early this morning and entered eternity into the arms of our Father in heaven.

Although we're devastated by the absence of him here with us, we know he is at peace and sitting in the presence of Jesus with the greatest heroes of faith, singing songs, fitting right in.

The family is taking this time to be together and begin plans for Phil's celebration of life.

The family is requesting contributions to this GoFundMe in lieu of flowers and memorial donations. All funds will go to directly to supporting Jess and the children as they begin to navigate the next part of this incredibly difficult journey.

If you would prefer to send an e-transfer, please message me for the e-mail address the family is using to accept donations.

We know the deepest desire of Phil's heart was to see his family taken care of, and we thank you for honoring his memory by making that possible.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. [...] For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13: 7-13

Phil, we love you. Thank you for loving us.

UPDATE: JAN 15th, 2024

Hello friends, family, and those who've joined with us from afar,

It's been a few months since our last update, and we're so thankful for your continued passion and support for the Owen family. They had a beautiful Christmas and want to thank everyone who reached out and sent love, prayers, food and gifts.

The reason for the delay in update is due to the fact that for months, all of Phil's biopsies were returning as inconclusive. Eventually, it was determined he did not have lymphoma, and was believed to have either melanoma or sarcoma, but all those biopsies returned inconclusive as well.

However, on Wednesday, January 10th, the family received the formal diagnosis.

Phil has been diagnosed with Granular Cell Neuroendocrine Sarcoma, a cancer so rare, that only 20 other people on the planet have it. Because of it's rarity, it's incredibly difficult to treat, and the prognosis given was not good.

However, if you know Phil, you know he is a man of great strength, and even greater faith, and that he's surrounded by a family and a community of great faith as well.

Along with Phil and his family, we are believing for the miracle of complete healing, and we invite you to stand and join with us as we declare God's word over his life.

His case is in the hands of one of the most respected and knowledgeable doctors at Juravinski, and we are so thankful for the care he's been receiving by his team.

Obviously, this has come as an incredible shock to the family and left them in a position of even greater uncertainty than ever before, emotionally, mentally and financially.

Please join us in rallying around them in so they can continue to navigate this season without carrying the additional burden of worrying about finances.

The family sends their deepest gratitude for all the love, prayer and support they've received so far. We are all humbled by the goodness and kindness of each and every one of you.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me

Psalm 23:4

Original post from November below:

My name is Lauren and I have the privilege of bringing the Owen Family's story to you today.

Phil Owen is a beloved husband, son, brother and father to three beautiful children, Deon (13), Ezra (7) and Lucy (1).

He became suddenly and unexpectedly ill in August and was just diagnosed with Lymphoma, with chemotherapy treatments to begin shortly and going on for anywhere from 6-9 months.

Due to the aggressive nature of the cancer and the treatment needed to beat it, Phil is (and will continue to be) unable to work to support his family during this incredibly difficult time.

We're hoping to bless their family with an amount to cover six months of living expenses (as well as unforeseen medical expenses that may not be covered by OHIP, such as supplementary at-home medications) so that Phil can go through his treatment without worrying about how his family will be provided for, and so that his wife Jessica will be able to transition to the role of full-time caregiver for Phil and the children without financial stress resting on her shoulders.

Phil is a pillar in his family and his community, and has spent his life bringing laughter, music, faith and joy to everyone he meets.

It is our honour to support him and his family now in their time of need, as they have served and supported so many others before.

After much interest, we've set up a way to make recurring donations separate from this platform. Please reach out to me personally if this you'd prefer to give in this way.

The family has been absolutely blown away by your generosity.

Thank you, from the bottoms of our hearts, for taking the time to read, share, pray and donate.

With deep love and gratitude,

The Owen Family & Friends