Tachauer, Philip F.J.

TACHAUER, Philip Frederick Joseph – It is with profound sadness, that we announce his passing away
peacefully at Grand River Hospital – Freeport Campus, Kitchener, January 17, 2025, in his 96th year. He
leaves behind his loving children Philip A. Tachauer (Krista) and Douglas Tachauer (Kimberley). Much
loved grandfather to Cameron Tachauer (Andrea) and Steven Tachauer (Greg). Dearest great-
grandfather to Callum Tachauer. Predeceased by his loving wife of 40 years, Frances Eleanor (Falconer)
and his parents Florence (Streeter) and David Henry Tachauer and by sisters Marie, Rita, and Yvonne and
by brothers Edwin, Leon, Eugene, Stanley, Charles, and Leslie. Left to grieve are his sister Leone, and
brother Jacques. Philip was fondly loved and is remembered by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Especially loved by Marlene Morris-Taylor.
Born in the Mt Dennis neighbourhood of Toronto (formerly Township of York) on September 11, 1929,
Philip married Frances in 1950 and raised two children, living in Rexdale and then in Clarkson
(Mississauga).
Philip (Phil) supported his family through his commercial construction expertise, starting out as a house
building carpenter in his teens and working up through many facets of professional construction to titles
of Job Engineer, Project Coordinator and even Vice president of Construction. He could proudly recount
his contribution, by the physical evidence of many well-recognized buildings throughout Toronto and
southern Ontario. E.G.M. Cape & Co. and Pigott Construction, were amongst the companies he proudly
worked for. Phil eventually retired in 1991, after a successful career.
His ‘other’ career: Military service and military bands. As a proud member of the Tachauer family, Phil’s
lifetime love was marching bands and their music. Starting at the earliest possible age in the Boys Own
Trumpet Band in Mt Dennis (his father was bandmaster). Phil played snare drum and bugle/trumpet (or
as band master) in an astonishing array of marching bands – RCSCC Illustrious, Royal Canadian Legion
(Br. 31), 2nd Armoured Divisional Signals Regiment, 2nd Battalion Queen’s Own Rifles, Davenport Boy
Scouts Bugle Band, Toronto Optimists Drum Corps, Drum Judge – North American Drum Corps, 180
Squadron RC(Air)C, 700 Squadron RC(Air)C, Clarkson Lions Drum & Bugle Corps, Peel Regional Police
Pipes & Drums, Streetsville Pipes & Drums, Milton District Pipes & Drums, St. Andrews Mississauga Pipes
& Drums, Peel Regional Police – Chief’s Own Ceremonial Band, Volunteer Bandsman – Queens Own Rifles
of Canada Band and Bugles. Accompanying his adventures with military bands, Phil (affectionately
known as “Tash”) served in Land Sea and Air branches of the military: Royal Canadian Sea Cadets,
Canadian Army (Reserve) and Royal Canadian Air Force (Reserve), earning his commission as a Pilot
Officer in 1965. He proudly attained the ranks of Chief Petty Officer (RCSC), Corporal (Cdn Army) and
Major (RCAF). In 1985, Phil retired from the military, having earned a CD and Clasp for his long service.
Notably, he spent an additional 15 years in military uniform as a marching member of the Queen’s Own
Rifles of Canada Band and Bugles, representing the regiment throughout Canada and Europe.
As per the family’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A celebration of Phil’s life will be announced at a
later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Philip’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.