Canyons Aquatic lost a treasured friend this weekend with the untimely passing of Phil Carr. Best known as Sam's grandfather, Phil was as true a Canyons fan as there will ever be. From the day Sam joined the club, Phil could be found on the deck offering encouragement when needed, praise when deserved and consolation when necessary. A firm believer that all our kids had enormous potential, his love and affection was not limited to his own family, but to anyone who wore the blue and yellow.

Nowhere was Phil more in his element than at championship meets. Sitting with his wife Gillian, his program rolled up in his fist, he cheered for every Canyons swimmer whether he knew them or not. Heat after heat, hour after hour, Phil reveled with pride at each success. For the boys he'd offer, "nice swim, mate", for the girls, "good job, love", in that strong British accent. Good swim or bad, a Canyons athlete could always count on a kind word from Phil.

The Canyons Aquatic families join together to offer the Carrs and the Asencios our heartfelt condolences. This weekend as our swimmers take to the water, Phil will be there in spirit. When a Canyons swimmer leaves the blocks, rest assured he'll be watching. So if you listen through the swell of cheers when the race is getting on, you just may hear his booming voice echoing off the water. And when the race is done, win or lose, drop or add, each swimmer can look toward the heavens and know that Phil would be proud of them.

A service in remembrance of Phil will be held this Saturday (4/14) at 3:00PM at Eternal Valley Cemetery's Chapel Of The Oaks. Eternal Valley is located on San Fernando Road and Sierra Highway.