In Celebration of
Philip Eberhardt Moate
December 12, 1927 - March 19, 2026
Philip Eberhardt Moate died peacefully at his home in Mississauga at the age of 98, in the company of loved ones after a long and full life. He was predeceased in 2020 by his beloved wife of 65 years, Shirley Lowery Moate. He is survived by his sons Steven and Lawrence and is lovingly remembered by Matt and Kate Vanderburgh, by Judy Ludwig (considered by Phil and Shirl as part of the family), and by many dear friends.
Phil was born in Arlington Massachusetts, just outside Boston, where his mother’s family had long historical roots. He grew up in Montreal (Town of Mount Royal), and Toronto (Forest Hill). He graduated in 1949 with a B.A. from the University of Toronto (Victoria College, where he was the Gold Medallist in Philosophy). He received his M.B.A. in 1951 from Harvard University.
His positive experience at Harvard led to a life-long interest in the business world. He had a successful career that included, among other things, senior executive roles with a pioneering Canadian multinational corporation. His business travel took him all over the world and included five years when he was transferred to England, accompanied by his family. In later years, he described himself rather humbly as an “all-purpose corporate executive”. He was known for his ethical approach to complex and dynamic problem solving, always believing that whatever the goal, the importance of people remained paramount.
He met Shirl at Lake Champlain in Vermont, where both families had summer cottages. Together, they raised their family in Toronto. He set a wonderful example to his sons, and they are grateful for their times with him, and for the many things he taught them. He was supportive of all their endeavours and was a positive force in their lives.
He was a devout Christian. For many years he was an active member of the Christadelphian Church. He put particular focus on activities that helped spread the Gospel and make it more accessible, and on the promotion of Christian unity. His family prayers at the dinner table at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas were always beautiful and testified to the depth of his faith and his gratitude for the Christian hope.
In retirement Phil and Shirl enjoyed many happy years at their winter home in Florida at Boca Grande and, later, at Placida. Phil was very active, pursuing nature photography, tennis, and sailing, as well as socializing with their wide circle of winter friends from across the globe.
He was exceptionally intelligent, with a remarkable strategic and pragmatic sense, but he never went out of his way to highlight his accomplishments. He mentored many people privately as they navigated challenges in their careers or in life. He always had time to help. He consistently took an interest in the world around him, and even in his last year was making insightful observations about business, economics (Bitcoin for example – he viewed it as a precarious confidence scheme) and world events.
He was a good man who brought his best to everyone, and to every situation. He will be missed by many, but he now rests in peace, held in love in God’s consciousness, awaiting the promised resurrection that he steadfastly hoped for. His memory will be a blessing.
The family is thankful for the many people who reached out in his last year and who reminded him how much he was loved.
In accordance with his wishes, the funeral will be private.
Phil was born in Arlington Massachusetts, just outside Boston, where his mother’s family had long historical roots. He grew up in Montreal (Town of Mount Royal), and Toronto (Forest Hill). He graduated in 1949 with a B.A. from the University of Toronto (Victoria College, where he was the Gold Medallist in Philosophy). He received his M.B.A. in 1951 from Harvard University.
His positive experience at Harvard led to a life-long interest in the business world. He had a successful career that included, among other things, senior executive roles with a pioneering Canadian multinational corporation. His business travel took him all over the world and included five years when he was transferred to England, accompanied by his family. In later years, he described himself rather humbly as an “all-purpose corporate executive”. He was known for his ethical approach to complex and dynamic problem solving, always believing that whatever the goal, the importance of people remained paramount.
He met Shirl at Lake Champlain in Vermont, where both families had summer cottages. Together, they raised their family in Toronto. He set a wonderful example to his sons, and they are grateful for their times with him, and for the many things he taught them. He was supportive of all their endeavours and was a positive force in their lives.
He was a devout Christian. For many years he was an active member of the Christadelphian Church. He put particular focus on activities that helped spread the Gospel and make it more accessible, and on the promotion of Christian unity. His family prayers at the dinner table at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas were always beautiful and testified to the depth of his faith and his gratitude for the Christian hope.
In retirement Phil and Shirl enjoyed many happy years at their winter home in Florida at Boca Grande and, later, at Placida. Phil was very active, pursuing nature photography, tennis, and sailing, as well as socializing with their wide circle of winter friends from across the globe.
He was exceptionally intelligent, with a remarkable strategic and pragmatic sense, but he never went out of his way to highlight his accomplishments. He mentored many people privately as they navigated challenges in their careers or in life. He always had time to help. He consistently took an interest in the world around him, and even in his last year was making insightful observations about business, economics (Bitcoin for example – he viewed it as a precarious confidence scheme) and world events.
He was a good man who brought his best to everyone, and to every situation. He will be missed by many, but he now rests in peace, held in love in God’s consciousness, awaiting the promised resurrection that he steadfastly hoped for. His memory will be a blessing.
The family is thankful for the many people who reached out in his last year and who reminded him how much he was loved.
In accordance with his wishes, the funeral will be private.