Oct. 12, 1960 ā Oct. 16, 2025
After a courageous eight-month illness with pancreatic cancer, Philip Osanic passed away with his family by his side on Oct. 16, 2025, days after his 65th birthday. Phil is lovingly remembered by his two cherished children, Nicholas and Christie; wife, Lisa; brother, Len (Susan) of Delta, B.C.; and his mother, Nina (predeceased by his father, Serge) of New Westminster, B.C., as well as numerous close friends in Kingston, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Phil was born in Edmonton, but raised in Burnaby, B.C. Phil worked 10 years for the Canadian National Railways while putting himself through university at UBC, earning a BA degree in 1987. Phil was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for 11 years, twice representing Canada on the Bisley Rifle Team at the annual international marksmanship championships in Great Britain. Later, Phil won the National Civilian Service Rifle Championships three years in a row. In addition to shooting, Phil served as a Musketry Officer and Marksmanship Coach for six years.
Phil earned a Law Degree from Queen's (class of '91). After working on Bay Street in downtown Toronto, Phil returned to the small-town charm of Kingston in 1994 to set up a private law practice, which he then operated for 30 years. In 2002, Phil earned a Master of Laws and soon after he started his teaching career at Queen's for 22 years at the Faculty of Law and the J.R. Smith School of Business.
He really enjoyed teaching bright, hardworking, enthusiastic students. Nothing made him happier than hearing from former students about how Phil had influenced their career path into law and how he made a difference in their university experience. For five summers, Phil also taught International Business Law at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, where he was able to "travel with a purpose" by teaching and touring all of the historic spots in Europe. Phil was deeply passionate about history and a true believer that, "If we don't learn from history, we will repeat it".
Phil's number one love in his life was his 1969 Chevy Nova, which he bought when he was just sixteen years old. He would race his Nova at Shannonville to clock how fast that 502 engine could really go and, yup, it went fast! Phil also loved golf and many weekends were spent on the golf course with Nic. Trips down south with Lisa were tolerated as long as the resort had a golf course. He attended many rock concerts with Christie, and he loved to let his inner teenager free by blaring music when nobody was home. Phil was a huge AC/DC fan and was super proud when Len started touring with "Rock or Bust ā Canada's AC/DC Experience" out west.
Phil had an artsy side to him too. He wrote poetry when he was younger and he was a very creative and gifted artist. His paintings were varied, whether it be of a forest, a field of sunflowers, P51 Mustang bombers (which was his favourite painting), or Lisa's favourite: a turquoise-coloured ocean with white sand that he painted for their 25th wedding anniversary. Phil was an amazing gourmet cook to his family and friends. Bobby Flay was his idol, and he spent Friday nights watching his shows. He would make pickles and pickled onions every August. Phil lived by the motto: "Work hard, play hard," and he had no plans to give up the "work hard" part so soon, until he was struck by cancer.
It was extremely difficult for Phil to give up teaching this fall. Phil's family gives heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the many friends and neighbours who helped them get through the very terrible last few months.
