Persona

Phillips, Robert Howard Daniel

1921-2006

Robert Howard Daniel (“Bob”) Phillips was born in Regina on December 3, 1921. He attended school there, including taking one year of classes at Regina College. In 1941, he joined the army and served during World War II, leaving in 1945 with the rank of Sergeant, RC Artillery. He completed his BA (Hons) degree, with a double major in Economics and Political Science, from the University of Saskatchewan. In 1948, he began a career as a journalist, working variously for the Canadian Press, the "Regina Leader Post", and the United Press; in Canada and Europe. In 1960, he joined the staff of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, becoming its first research analyst and subsequently, director of their Research Division. In 1973, he was named editor and publisher of the "Western Producer", as well as general manager of Western Producer Publications. He married Tanyss Bell in 1951; they had two sons. Phillips was active in the Presbyterian Church as well as with both the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. He was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Regina (1988); was given the Citizen of the Century award from the City of Saskatoon (1989); named a Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada; awarded the meritorious service award, Nutana branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (2000); was a Member of the Order of Canada; and named a life member of both the Canadian Agricultural Economics Association and of the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists. Following his retirement from the "Western Producer" in 1986, he was partner in Bell Phillips Communications Inc, a family-owned publishing company. He died in Saskatoon in 2006.