Friday July 21, 2023 | COLWOOD, BC [Updated 9 pm]
by Mary P Brooke, editor and publisher | Island Social Trends
A local family has experienced an unexpected life disruption that has likely sent them reeling. As a media courtesy, we are reposting the GoFundMe posting by Julie Cordner about the Rendall family in Colwood.
Things we’d like to observe is that this was a local small business owner, Phil Rendall, who died. He was supporting his family — wife and three children.
This is the sort of situation where people often see their lives fall into disarray if their financial planning and social network are insufficient. It sounds like the communities of Colwood, SD62 school district and west shore will pull together on this.
As of 11:30 am on Friday July 21 there are already 427 donors, bringing the fund already to $84,294 and therefore nearing the $100,000 goal. [Update at 9 pm July 21: the total raised reached $101,884, surpassing the goal through 510 donations.]
We also note that social media makes this sort of ‘spread the word’ possible, in a rapid and responsible way that enables community support in modern society. As local news media, we record the moment and do our part to spread the word.
GoFundMe posting about Phil Rendall:
“On Monday, July 17th, Phil Rendall passed away completely unexpectedly in his sleep at 40 years old. Phil adored his wife Melissa and their 3 young girls, Mackenzie (11), Khloe (9), and Kaylee (5). He was a local business owner and his company Infinity Heating & Ventilation was well known in the community where he gave back regularly by sponsoring youth and adults sports.
“Phil, an avid sports lover, meant so much to everyone that surrounded him. Phil was heavily involved in the community through his kids sports and could be found most nights either attending or coaching one of their soccer games or watching his daughter play lacrosse. He had been part of The Thunder hockey team for 12 years and was a very passionate golfer. The Royal Colwood Golf Club was his home away from home. Everyone that knew Phil felt his warmth and generosity. To know Phil was to love him. He lived every day to the fullest and went out of his way to always make it fun for everyone!
“The sudden and unexpected loss of Phil has left the family with a huge hole in their hearts. Phil was the glue that held everything together. The last few days have been extremely traumatic for Melissa and the girls. Not only has she lost her partner of over 20 years, her best friend, her children’s father, and the love of her life, but also the sole income provider for their family.
“In addition to the cost of the funeral, there are many other expenses that need to be taken care of, such as supplementing the loss of income for the family. Melissa will need time to figure out what the future looks like. We are reaching out to the community for support to ease the burden for Melissa at this time.
“Thank you in advance for your support and generosity. We are grateful for any contributions you are able to provide.”
===== OTHER RECENT WEST SHORE NEWS:
- Local book publishing takes an upturn at Brookeline Publishing House Inc (July 23, 2023)
- Ready, set… SD62 prepares to launch trustee by-election for October 14 (July 21, 2023)
- Dr Philip Steenkamp continues the journey at Royal Roads (July 20, 2023)
- Sections: COLWOOD NEWS | LANGFORD NEWS | SD62 NEWS