Philip Stuart daCosta

In Loving Memory

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Phil daCosta on May 31, 2026, at the age of 74.

Phil will be remembered with immense love by his wife, Ruth, with whom he shared nearly 50 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories. He was the dear son of Ernestine Perkins and the late Stuart daCosta, the beloved father to Dara (Rob), Chandra, and David (Leila), a proud grandfather to Jack, Noah, and Isa, and a cherished brother to Christopher (Sandra), Michael (Michelle), David (Lisa), Moyra (Greg), and Matthew (Christine). He will also be deeply missed by his aunt Margaret Godfrey and extended family members, as well as many friends, former students, and colleagues.

Born in Mandeville Jamaica, Phil moved to Canada as a teenager, but Jamaica and the Blue Mountains remained forever woven into his identity and held a special place in his heart.

Phil married Ruth in Vancouver at the age of 24, and together they built a life in Ottawa, raised their family, grew businesses, travelled the world, and shared countless adventures.

An entrepreneur at heart, Phil founded and operated several businesses, including Elan Reproductions, Copy Wiz Instant Printing, Reportex Copy Centre, and Katari Imaging. After selling Katari in 2016, he embraced a new chapter teaching business at Jilin University in Changchun, China.

He loved music, meaningful conversation, lifelong learning, and connecting with others. Curious, kind, generous, and thoughtful, he had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued.

When Phil became ill, those who loved him gathered around him, a reflection of the many lives he had touched throughout his own. He was surrounded by family, friendship, music, and love throughout his final months.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of The Ottawa Hospital neurosurgical and oncology teams, as well as the doctors, nurses, volunteers, and caregivers at the Ruddy Shenkman Hospice for their extraordinary compassion, kindness, and care.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Phil's memory may consider a donation to the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research, The Prem Rawat Foundation, or the Ruddy Shenkman Hospice.

A Celebration of Phil’s life will be held on August 2nd.