Vale: Fr McCormack

We received news that Fr Phil passed away about midnight on 15 March. What follows is a repeat of an article that was included in the May 2023 edition of OVAtions. Rest in peace, Phil.

Fr Phil was born in Kimberley, in North West Tasmania. He moved to Hobart as a teenager to study at St Virgil’s College in 1957. He graduated from the College in 1962 and was a prefect in that year.

Fr Phil entered the seminary in 1963 and studied at both Werribee and Glen Waverley in Victoria, and went on to be ordained by Archbishop Sir Guilford Young at Devonport on 30 July, 1971.

Fr Phil served at parishes throughout the archdiocese, including the Cathedral (Hobart), Cygnet, Devonport, Invermay, Rosebery, Launceston, Taroona, Scottsdale, Queenstown, Wynyard, Latrobe, Circular Head and Mersey Leven.

Initially, Fr Phil chose to retire in Devonport, but a fall, which necessitated a hip operation, together with other health issues, necessitated his move to the assisted living section of Fairway Rise in 2022. 

Known for his down-to-earth attitude, sense of humour and warm personality, Fr Phil has given the Archdiocese of Hobart outstanding service. Fr Phil was known for his succinct sermons, trademark cap and support for the Sydney Swans AFL team - he still has nightmares about the 2022 Grand Final against Geelong and their latest encounter this year.  On entering his room at Fairway Rise, one is confronted by a framed Swans jumper signed by the great Tony Lockett – a gift to him on the occasion of his golden jubilee in 2021.