In loving memory of Philip William Millard who sadly passed away on 7th November 2018 after a sudden illness aged 69.
Phil was born in Taunton, Somerset and was the beloved Husband of Carol and brother to Janet. Happily married for 48 years with 2 daughters Ali and Jo.
Phil was a big family man and loved nothing more than spending time with his three Granddaughters. Dani, Nicole and Olivia.
Phil loved family holidays and Italy held a special place in his heart.
Phil was a very passionate sports fan. He was a season ticket holder at Manchester United. He also loved cricket especially Somerset and England.
Phil enjoyed running in the 1980's when he completed 2 marathons. His PB was a very respectable 3:40!!! (he never let us forget this!) More recently enjoyed cycling and completed the London to Brighton bike ride with family and friends showing great determination by making it to the top of Ditchling Beacon.
Phil spent many hours on the side of a swimming pool firstly as a parent and then as a Swimming Coach for Tigersharks in Swindon. He was very successful inspiring hundreds of children. He was always able to get the best out of people. Two of the swimmers Phil coached went on to compete successfully in the Olympics.
He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
What a lovely person Phil was, always so helpful and willing to give his time up to help. He will be dearly missed by so many more than just his family as so many thought of him as family. It was a real honor to therefore be asked to carry you into the church. You will live on in our memories forever. Xx
Phil Millard is a part of many of my most favourite memories growing up. Obviously as a wonderful coach as many have mentioned but mostly because he was one of my best friends Dad. Which we all know can be tricky especially through out our teens when we were up to all sorts. Phil was one of my favourites in the friends dad department. He was always so kind and welcoming and full of fun and actually half the time as mischievous as me and Ali. I used to love the way Ali used to tell him off for things . I even remember trying it with my dad when I got home didn’t work out too well for me. I used to love staying over for sleepovers and always had a great time and great food thanks to carol. Weirdly one of the first things that came to mind was the first sleepover I had at Bevisland and possibly around the age of 10 me and Alison were out on the front lawn doing handstands and I was intrigued as to why the row of daffodils now with out flowers had been neatly tied in little bundles . Phil proceeded to explain and show me how it was done. I have been doing the same ever since. Another memory was an open meet we attended I think Exeter and Phil’s breaks had failed on the journey and I remember thinking he was a hero for saving my best friend by managing to stop the car safely. He was one of a kind and I am thankful For knowing him. One thing I do know is he was loved by many and Love knows no boundaries whilst Phil is no longer with us physically I am certain in spirit he is around his family he quite obviously adored and cherished.May these memories bring you comfort, the mark he has left on this world has been a great one ❤️
I was honoured to know Phil. He helped me train for my first Ironman race and more importantly inspired me to become a swim coach myself- mentoring me in the early stages. I will miss his energy, laughter and wit - standing poolside he always had something to say that brought a smile to those around him. Thank you Phil - you’re a good man and you will be missed.
God bless Phil will always be in our hearts and prays
I thought I'd share a memory that made Phil laugh so much. He was coaching at Milton Road in the 90s. He was demonstrating stroke technique on the side of the pool, with one arm by his side because he had less mobility in it. All the kids set off swimming normally, except my sister who decided he meant her to swim with only one arm! He was such an energetic man, one I'm sure so many will never forget.
I thought I'd share a memory that made Phil laugh so much. He was coaching at Milton Road in the 90s. He was demonstrating stroke technique on the side of the pool, with one arm by his side because he had less mobility in it. All the kids set off swimming normally, except my sister who decided he meant her to swim with only one arm! He was such an energetic man, one I'm sure so many will never forget.
I thought I'd share a memory that made Phil laugh so much. He was coaching at Milton Road in the 90s. He was demonstrating stroke technique on the side of the pool, with one arm by his side because he had less mobility in it. All the kids set off swimming normally, except my sister who decided he meant her to swim with only one arm!
He was such an energetic man, one I'm sure so many will never forget.
Full of energy in San Fran...
What an amazing,good,and kind Pearson Phil was..May you rest in peace..we will miss you.
Sending you lots of love at this sad time . With love from Paul,Ness and Harry xxx
So sad for you all. Such a special part of your family, who will be missed greatly. Sending you lots of love from Paul,Ness and Harry xxx
So sad for you all . He was taken from you too soon. Sending you lots of love from Paul, Ness and Harry xxx
So sad for you all . He was taken from you too soon. Sending you lots of love from Paul, Ness and Harry xxx
From all at Swindon Town football club
From all the staff at Swindon Town Football Club.
Phil, a great man who gave so much time and encouragement to young people. Thank you. You will be missed.
I was lucky enough to meet Phil and his family through swimming, where he became my coach. But over the early mornings and late nights, Phil became more then just our swimming coach, he was a friend, and we classed him as family!
He’s smile would light up a room, even at 6am! He always had an ear to listen to you and try and help in anyway he possibly could! And that was the same for everyone around him.
Phil May be gone too soon, but thank you for everything over the years! RIP xxxxx
A lovely caring man be sadly missed. The Gwynne family
Phil, a great man who touched our families life in more ways than we realised. He will be sadly missed by us all love Brian, Tracy,Daniel, Jodie & Kieran.
Phil , a great man who touched our families life in more ways than we realised.He will be sadly missed by us all. Brian, Tracy,Daniel, Jodie & Kieran.
Phil, a great man who touched our families life in more ways than we realised. He will be sadly missed by us all. Love Brian, Tracy, Daniel, Jodie & Kieran
A great man who touched our families life in more ways than we realised, he will be sadly missed by us all Brian ,Tracy ,Daniel ,Jodie & Kieran xx
Phil was friend to our family for over 40yrs, our children grew up knowing him as uncle Phil and his wife as aunty Carol. Phil will be greatly missed and remembered as a great bloke.
Some people you meet through life have an impact that means they are never forgotten and Phil is one of those to our family. Will always remember his patience and persistence with Gabriella-who I think drove him mad with her irrational fear of getting her ears wet, in finally getting her to overcome her fear, after which she never looked back and became a lovely swimmer-who would then regularly win the end of lesson woggle horse race. Such a lovely man thinking of you all at this difficult time. Much love. Xxx
Phil, what an incredible man. Thankyou for being a big part of my daughter Lyndsey's childhood particuarly her teenage years. You were always so supportive kind and inspirational and i will never forget that. You have touched the lives of so many and will be sadly missed. Elaine Ratcliffe
Always had a smile on his face. x
Full of energy in San Fran...
Great times , wonderful holidays together. Will miss our lengthy football ‘debates’ too. Gone too soon x
Legend xxx
Big Phil. A man with a giant heart. You made me feel so welcome as part of your family right from the word go. So many great memories in such a short space of time. Will miss that infectious smile and all those Manchester United chats xxx
That smile, that warmth, that sense of fun, that natural ease that made everyone you met feel welcome. So proud to have grown up with you as my ‘uncle’. You don’t know how much you’ll be missed xxxx
Memories last forever , and never ever die, true friends stay together , and never say goodbye. So many happy times - miss you mate. Love you and rest in peace Phil xxxx
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