Philip Dickinson

Phil was my lifelong friend. For those that knew him he was a 'gentle giant', going by several alias's, Phil D, Big Phil, Big Man and of course Phil.

Studying towards his PHD he became the victim of a very aggressive cancer which he sadly lost his battle against only weeks after diagnosis.

I can honestly say that Phil was a real gent, he loved life. He loved his family, and was especially looking forward to becoming an Uncle for the first time. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him, a great friend.

Our friendship began at junior school, where Phil's Mum was our dinner lady. We just seemed to hit it off from the very start; we quickly had similar interests and would continue our friendship throughout our education years even though we went to different secondary schools. We grew up fast, living very close to one-another we were always at each other’s houses, and of course getting into mischief. Our friendship only seemed to grow as we both respectively went on our separate career paths. Phil’s career led him to medicine, specializing in Dietary disorders and diabetes. He was well respected by his peers and colleagues, and was fast becoming a leading researcher in his field. An inspiration to others and a credit to his proud parents and sister.

Phil had always had an interest in keeping fit, and would embark on a body building regime he took extremely seriously throughout his life. I respected his dedication and the time he devoted to his gym work, something I could have never aspired to. We would often have long conversations (usually regarding girlfriends!) about life and where we were going, in fact it was Phil that gave me the impetus to change my career path, something I’m forever indebted to him for. Although Phil didn’t marry, or have children, he was the perfect father figure, and if he were here today he would be my daughters god father for sure. Sadly he was gone for my Wedding, but not forgotten; we raised a glass for the big man. Now as I look back at our friendship, I often find myself telling my baby daughter about ‘my mate Phil’. She’s too young to understand, but one day she will, and I’ll tell her all about the big man and how the day he left us changed my and everyone else’s lives forever………

I have so many memories, all of which I will treasure forever, so if you have any memories and stories about the ‘gentle giant’, please share them with us, they will only add to the memories of this amazing man.
Take care my friend, gone, but never forgotten!