Phil passed away peacefully at his home in Souris, Manitoba on Wednesday December 17, 2025 at the age of 86.
He was born in Oxbow, Saskatchewan on June 16, 1939. He grew up on a farm in Glen Ewen, Saskatchewan area. He started School at Orangedale School in 1945. He could only speak German when he started. He never talked about those early days other than his one brother and three sisters looked after him at school. He went on to Glen Ewen school for elementary and one year of High School. He left school in 1955 to help his mom farm. He talked about his farming days throughout his life; it truly was where his heart was.
In 1959 he did what most young men did in Southeast Saskatchewan he went to work with Regent Drilling on a drilling rig. He did that for three years. He always remembered what leases he worked on, the people he worked with and the people he lived with, many became lifelong friends.
In 1962 he married the love of his life Barbra Hall of Carievale Saskatchewan. Through this marriage they had two sons Dennis (64) Bryan (67).
In 1962 Phil moved to Melita, Manitoba where Barb worked. He quickly moved away from the oilfield and got a job with Ken Cobb at his GM garage working in Parts. Shortly thereafter Ken asked him to sell cars. This started his career selling Automobiles for 41 years from 1963 to 2004.
For most of his selling days he sold GM vehicles with some small stops selling Dodge and Ford. He worked at Cobb Motors in Melita, Foley Motors in Estevan, Lang Motors in Souris, Fowlers in Brandon, Bradleys in Moosomin, Tweeds in Killarney, Cubbons in Souris, and Murray’s in Brandon. Phil loved his time selling cars. He was always happy when he was helping someone find the right vehicle. You could find him working seven days a week if there was a customer. In his early days he spent time on the road going from community to community talking to people and selling vehicles along the way. He liked people and the long time friendship and return customers he had through his sales made it special for him. Even after retirement he still liked to talk about the car business.
In his younger days he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his boys, and went on several vacations in the summer. He followed both boys during Hockey and Baseball season.
He travelled and saw most of Canada, England, Scotland, Europe,Mexico and several USA states.
You could always find him on coffee row, he enjoyed visiting and teasing the odd person.
In his later years his focus was on grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always wanted to know what they were up to. He was genuinely interested in what they were accomplishing. He was very proud of all of their accomplishments.
He is predeceased by his parents; Johann and Magdalena (Schied) Klein; Inlaws John and Margaret Hall; Brothers John, Andrew, Fred, Martin and Joe Klein; Sisters Elizabeth Klein; Helen Bennett; brothers-in-laws Elwood Bennett. Gordon Greig; Sister-in-laws Mary, Flora, Annie, and Lena Klein.
Phil is survived by his wife, Barb, of 63 years; Sons Dennis (Judy) Klein of Climax, Sk , Bryan (Lori) Klein of Souris, Mb.; Grandchildren, Terren (Dayton) Halderman Frontier SK., Travis (Taylor) Klein Medicine Hat Ab., Kyle Klein Brandon Mb., Brooklyn Klein Brandon, Mb, Hunter Klein Brandon,Mb: Great Grand Children Tenley, Tylan and Kian; Brother Jacob Klein Brandon,Mb.; Sister Katherine Greig Regina,Sk.; Brother in law, Garry (Vicki) Hall, Red Deer Ab.; Sister in Law, Bonnie (Darryl) Folk Regina, Sk.; Numerous Nieces and Nephews.
The family would like to Thank Dr. Cram and the staff at Souris Hospital for their continued care.
Private interment will be at Rosewood Cemetery, Brandon, Manitoba. Celebration of life will take place on Friday May 15th at 2:00 at Kowalchuk’s Funeral Chapel in Souris, Manitoba followed by lunch at the King Edward room located at the Murray Building.
In Memory of Phil donations can be made to the Souris-Glenwood Christmas cheer or to the Souris and Area Harvest Foodbank. Both donations c/o Municipality of Souris-Glenwood. Box 518 Souris Manitoba R0K 2C0.
We are deeply saddened to hear of Uncle Phils passing. He was a great uncle and a good man. We loved to visit and spend time with him and Aunt Barb when in the area. There was always a warm welcome, good food and a great visit. There are so many wonderful memories which hold a special place in our hearts. We are thankful we got to see him this past June for a nice visit. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him and our sincerest condolences go out to the family.
Love
Kelly and Barry Rose
Abilene, Texas
My deepest condolences to Barb & Family.
Phil & I worked together for years at Cobb Motors in Melita. I have many good memories of those years.
We are so very sorry to hear that Phil
has passed away. Such a difficult time for you Barb and your family. Our thoughts are with all of you.
-Robert & Marilyn Pearce
Barbra and Family: We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of Phil’s sudden passing. Please know I am thinking of you and my heart felt condolences.
Helen H
It was such sad news to hear of Phil’s passing.
Phil, Barb & the boys were such a large part of our life in Melita. We shared so many memories of him at Cobb Motors and gatherings at our home & theirs. I’ll always remember Phil for his kindness, integrity, sense of humor and his bear hugs. It’s hard not to think of Phil without smiling.
My thoughts go out to Barb, Dennis, Bryan and their families.
Phil is going to be greatly missed.
Sincere Sympathy,
Debra Minnis
Our deepest condolences Barb, and Family, on Phil’s passing.
I have very special memories of our trips to Penticton with Your family.
So grateful to have been able to see You both recently. Phil will be truly missed…
Wanda & Dave
Sincere condolences to Barb, Dennis , Bryan and families on learning of Phi’s passing, such a classy nice person. They were part of the Melita communitte for a number of years, but I had several lovely visits whith them at the Hartney Care centre when my brother was there so got to know Lorie a little too. My Phil’s memory be a blessing for all who knew him.RIP.
So sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you Barb and the family.
Barb and family
My heartfelt condolence on the passing of Phil. Phil sold me my first car and will always remember that in my heart.
Kim Staples Stewart.
My sincerest sympathies to Phil’s family.
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Sending you love, strength, and comfort during this difficult time. We always loved to have a chat and we know how much he meant to so many. He will be deeply missed.
i was young when Phil was in my Dad’s garage and i have a fond memory of him. I came by often and Phil always had time for a laugh!