Mr Philip A.J. Townend (Civil and Environmental Engineering MSc 1987)

Provided by Mrs Pauline Nixon

Eulogy for Philip Andrew Joseph Townend (formerly Nixon) read by Dominic Murphy.

Hello I'm Dominic, a friend of Philip. I first met Phil at the Sixth Form where we quickly became the keenest of rivals at everything. We then became friends, based on respect for each other's efforts and achievements.

Even though he did outstanding things in his time, for instance, scoring the 2nd highest overall mark in the end of year University Exams, I think Phil would have done even greater things in the years to come.

If we all can be inspired by what Phil would consider to be the most important part of his life, his deep belief in God, then we can believe he has finally achieved his greatest possible goal and is now watching over his family and friends.

Philip was born in Radcliffe near Bury and was educated at Saint Wulstan's Primary School, Fleetwood and then Saint Joseph's College, Blackpool where he was taught by the Christian Brothers. He then went on to UMIST (Manchester), gaining his Civil Engineering degree. After this, he decided to change disciplines and went to Imperial College, London, to study Structural Engineering, specialising in Bridges and Concrete Structures. He obtained his MSc and was a Diplomat of the College (DIC). He went on to work for many prestigious companies and use his knowledge to the full.

In his youth he was a cross country runner, cyclist and also enjoyed skiing. He was an excellent artist, painting this portrait of Jesus that we have brought here today, at around 20 years of age.

Philip was on the reading rota at this Church and he would practise his readings meticulously beforehand. He was very supportive of the Fair Trade ethic and would enjoy helping Tony and Sheila with their events. He got great satisfaction in the fact that he was helping poorer people in other countries.

Philip designed and engineered his own speakers for his hi-fi system, which he named the Stradivarius of speakers! He had a keen passion for cars, particularly Volvo and Saab.

He went on numerous occasions to Medjugorje, on holiday and pilgrimage, even during the Bosnian war. He was due to go there on the Friday following the diagnosis of his illness. He had bought a new video camera for the trip a few months earlier.

Philip also took his Mum on day trips to the Lake District and last year, took her on the Virgin Trains Pendolino, to go on the London Eye.

He was intelligent, upright, well spoken, well mannered, helpful, kind and giving, dedicating his life to his faith, chosen career, Mum, Sister and Nephews. He conquered adversity in his health, achieving excellent qualifications and good jobs.

A word from Philip's Mum

Philip was my encyclopaedia with all the knowledge he had gained. He was my best friend and I shall miss him terribly. Philip had spells of illness, but shining through was a good man and brilliant engineer, specialising in bridges.

He had great faith which no doubt saw him through difficult times and helped him bear his last illness. His devotion to Our Lady of Medjugorje was unfailing and enduring, it gave him great strength.

Philip I hope you are listening, I am so proud of you and Thank You for being my Son.

Philip was my encyclopaedia with all the knowledge he had gained. He was my best friend and I shall miss him terribly. Philip had spells of illness, but shining through was a good man and brilliant engineer, specialising in bridges.

He had great faith which no doubt saw him through difficult times and helped him bear his last illness. His devotion to Our Lady of Medjugorje was unfailing and enduring, it gave him great strength.

Philip I hope you are listening, I am so proud of you and Thank You for being my Son.