Philip Anthony (Phil) Rhodes

29th August 1956 - 30th December 2023
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Service Details
J Fraser & Sons' Chapel
cnr Esk and Doon Streets
Invercargill
Friday 5 January 2024, 10:30AM
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RHODES, Philip Anthony, (Phil):

With broken hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Phil, surrounded by his loving family at Hospice Southland, on Saturday 30 December 2023, aged 67 years.

Dearly loved husband and soulmate of Karen. Much loved Dad of Nick and Rhi, Natalie and Lachy. Dearly loved Grandad of Ethan, Evan, and Emilia. Loved brother and brother-in-law of John and Lyn Rhodes, Ray and Karen Harpur, Murray and Merrilyn Harpur, Robert and Sandra Philpot. Beloved son of Gilbert* and Anne*. Loved son-in-law of Ken* and Shona Harpur. Dearly loved by all his nieces and nephews and friend to many.

“Now flying free with his birds”

A service to celebrate Phil’s life will be held in J Fraser and Sons’ Chapel, cnr. Esk and Doon Streets, Invercargill, at 10.30am, on Friday 5 January 2024. Private cremation thereafter.

No flowers by request, but donations to Hospice Southland would be gratefully accepted and may be left at the service. Phil’s wishes are to “Remember a celebration of a good life lived, so please wear bright colours”.

Messages to 8 Regent Street, Invercargill 9812 and tributes may be left on Phil’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes where a livestream link of the service will be available. (*denotes deceased)  

Messages

Very sad to hear of Phil’s passing. Very fond memories of working with Phil at the Southland Times..
Thoughts are with you Karen & Family.
Brenda Maley-Vear , Invercargill
So incredibly sad to hear of Phil’s passing. Always enjoyed his kindness, gentle nature and cheeky laugh and so many vents and chats working at ICC. Thinking of all Phil’s special people.
Anjee, Invercargill
My good friend Phil.. gone way too young! So many happy memories of our time with the Marist soccer team. Phil was the rock solid man who kept our club and friendships strong for 40 plus years. Sincere condolences to Karen and the wider Rhodes and Harpur families.
Phil, you are a friend to so many and your bright presence will be missed immensely .. Rest peacefully buddy.
Dennis, Jane and family
Dennis Prendergast, Wellington
My sincere condolences to you all, wishing I could be there on Friday, I will be thinking of you all. Sending hugs & my thoughts. Xxx
Karyn Madden, Invercargill
Dear Karen, Nick and Natalie
We are deeply saddened to hear that Phil has passed away. Deepest sympathies to you all and your extended families.
It’s been 50 years since the Rhodes and Smith families emigrated from Manchester to Invercargill and have many memories of settling in and exploring our new country. Phil and I had forgotten how cold Manchester was in the winter and we ventured back there for Christmas in 1979 – we were so glad to get back to Invercargill for some warm weather!
Once we joined the Marist soccer club lifelong friendships were formed and so many fun times were had by us all.
It was an honour to have Phil as best man at our wedding in October 1982 and for me to be in your wedding party four weeks later.
We hope that all the special and cherished memories you have of Phil are of some comfort you at this sad time
Much Love to you all


Gerard and Ann Smith, Christchurch
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of this dear, gentle man. Phil was endlessly kind, patient and good natured. He was a treasured colleague to so many at The Southland Times and ICC. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Eirwen Harris Mitchell (formerly Tulett), Lauder
Was very sad to hear this news.
Phil was one of the most genuine person we have had the pleasure of working with at ICC
Special thoughts with the family at this time
Donna & Kerry Kawe, Invercargill
Dear Karen and family,
I was very sorry to read that Phil had died.Please accept my sincere condolences to you all at this sad time.
Maree Howden, Queenstown
I was saddened by the news of Phil's passing he was a pleasure to work with and a true gentleman to all who came into contact with him, thoughts and prayers to his family and friends
Joe and Catherine Wilson , Invercargill
Philly you were the best Team Leader anyone could ask for..we had so many laughs and had so much fun..you more like my big brother, than my boss😊. I am so sad to hear of your passing, but will treasure our last visit just before Xmas. I hope you are having some long awaited laughs with Stephen Ridden. Much love to Karen and family xx
Leeanne Hitchcock, Invercargill
To Karen and family
So sorry to hear of Phil’s passing.
Have many happy memories of working with Phil at The Southland Times
Carolyn and David Johnstone, Invercargill
Karen and family, kindest thoughts and condolences at this sad time
Ann Gill, Invercargill
Very sad to hear of Phil's passing. Fond memories of the years playing footy together at Marist. Also remember going to his parent's place in the middle of the night to watch the FA Cup final! Phil was always fun to be with. Glad we caught up at the reunion a couple of years ago. My condolences to Karen and the family.
Greg Wye, Blenheim
Very sad to hear of Phil's passing. My condolences to Karen and the family.
Vv Gayle, Bullarto, AUS
Very sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. I remember him the first time I played for Marist. Great clubman and someone I looked up to that’s for sure. Thoughts are with the family. Kind regards Derek Turnhout & family
Derek Turnhout, Alexandra
Thinking of you Karen and sincere sympathy to you and your family in your loss of Phil
Annette Collinson, Invercargill
Sincere condolences to Phil's family and friends. I fondly remember Phil's enthusiasm for spending time in the outdoors, and many fun birding trips with Phil in the late 1990s, including one particularly freezing cold night camped on a shellbank in the middle of Invercargill estuary waiting for the right tide to catch and band wading birds.
Jamie Wood, South Australia
Condolences to the family on your loss. I was very sad to read of Phil's passing. I have fond memories of our playing days at Marist. Rest in Pease Phil.
John Burke
John Burke, Invercargill
I was saddened to read of Phil's passing. Phil was an amazing hard working colleague and friend from the Southland Times for many years .
Sending strength and hugs to Karen and family.
Marianne Voight, Winton