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 held on Sunday, February 23rd, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the BREAKWATER room in The Waterside Inn, 15 Stavebank Road South, Mississauga (Port Credit), Ontario. Eulogy/service with shared memories will commence at approx. 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Philip’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
Doug & Kim, Phil & Krista and Family
On behalf of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Family, our condolences to the Tachauer Family on the passing of your beloved father. I have very fond memories with Phil as we participated in numerous QOR Parades & Ceremonies, Legion functions and especially the Parades in Europe.
Things that we had in common were our beloved Montreal Canadiens (Habs) and Military Music. He was very proud of the accomplishments of his family in the Military and Military Bands.
He will be dearly missed.
In Pace Paratus
Retired RSM CWO (ret’d) Brian Budden, CD
President & Health & Welfare Chairman
QORA (Toronto Branch)
My husband Ed and I got to know Phil since we walked our dog by his house in Clarkson and always got a big hello and a friendly wave. He was good storyteller and will be sorely missed. Clarkson won’t be the same without him. Our deepest sympathies to his family.
My condolences
Doug & Kim, Phil & Krista, and family..
Sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Cameron was able to get a wonderful 4 generations picture with his grandpa, dad, himself and the great-grandson in recent weeks. That is a beautiful treasure for sure.
He was very accplished!♡
Thinking of you and keeping you in prayer in this season of grieving. God bless.
Doug, Kim and Philip , Krista
So sorry for your loss He will be sadly missed by all that knew him. Uncle Phil was very special to us all.
My mother Leone would spend hours on the phone talking about the early Tachauer days in Mt Dennis. Phil’s Military service and his military band contribution list is incredible and a special accomplishment to be very proud of. I have to think that he has inspired many that knew him with his love for military bands that was passed on to him & his brothers at an early age from their loving father David Henry Tachauer
God Bless
Doug, Kim and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. From our conversations he sounded like quite a character. Including his love of marching bands, there’s no doubt he left en enduring legacy for you all to cherish.
Phil, May the winds be on your tail, the turbulence light and the fuel sufficient for your flight.
Our sincere condolences to all the Tachauer
family.
Vincent and Anne Buttigieg
Phil, I shall always remember your kids entering the Drill Hall playing “The Saints” Smooth flight!