Obituaries

Phyllis Margaret Quest passed away at Brightwater Senior Living (her care home), Regina, Saskatchewan, on July 7, 2023 at the age of 89. Sadly, dementia had taken so much from her but her death was peaceful with several family members present.

Phyllis was born on September 22, 1933 in Hawarden, Saskatchewan and moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where she attended Victoria School and Nutana Collegiate. She often told a story of riding on her brother Roger’s bike crossbar several miles into Saskatoon from her Uncle Ralph Haight’s farm where her dad worked. She did this for a few years, no matter the weather. Eventually the family moved to Saskatoon. After graduating she worked at Sasktel as an operator. She met Leonard Quest, a John Deere dealer from Lawson, Saskatchewan and they were married in 1951 in Saskatoon. They lived in Swift Current, North Battleford, Saskatoon and eventually in Regina due to Leonard’s failing health. While in North Battleford, Barbara Lee (January 1955) and Douglas Roy (May 1957) were born. David Guy (October 1958) was born in Saskatoon.

In 1959 they had a house built in Regina, 52 Mathieu Crescent, their first house ever. The home and yard were kept impeccably and following Leonard’s passing in 1964, the family continued to live there. Phyllis raised her three children in that house and actually lived there until moving into a care home in 2021. It was a sad day when she left that special house but numerous falls and failing health dictated a safer environment with staff to help with her care. Brightwater was a lovely place for her and she passed away in her own bedroom with all of her personal things nearby.

Phyllis was predeceased by her parents Alva and Dora Bushnell; her sisters Geneva Buker, Garnet Oliver, Gwen Walker and her brother Roger Bushnell. Her husband Leonard passed away on March 14, 1964 at the young age of 34 of kidney disease; son-in-law Bob Ryan died December 2006. She was also predeceased by a dear childhood friend, Louise Sommerfeld.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter Barb Ryan and her children Erica (Ryan) Honoway and their children Quinn, Bennett, Layne and Lincoln of Regina, Barb’s daughter Jillian (Andrew) Scheer and their children Thomas, Grace, Maddie, Henry and Mary of Regina, Barb’s sons Jon Ryan (Sarah Colonna) and kitties Ralphie and Cindy-Lou of Los Angeles, California and Steve (Haley) Ryan and their family Knox, Lilah and Anniston of Regina; son Doug (Jane) Quest and their sons Tate of Boston, Massachusetts and Reid (Sydney) and their daughter Olivia; son Dave (Sandy) and their family Taylor (fur baby Casey); and son Jordan (Megan) and their son Wells (pup Leo).

Phyllis, affectionately known as Nana, was so proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She watched kids sporting events for 50 years. She also attended many dance recitals and music concerts. She was so interested in everything they did. She cared for Lincoln “my Linc- ie” when he was recovering from a bone marrow transplant. She was so proud of that.

Phyllis worked at SaskTel from 1970 until she retired. There she met two friends who she always checked on regularly, Tammy Hubick and Sharon Sebastian, forever friends.

After retirement her love of gardening grew as did her beautiful plants. She always said she loved watching kids and plants grow. We will miss her so much but couldn’t wish her back once dementia took its toll. She was sweet, gentle and kind until the end, unforgettable in every way.

Private Family Graveside Service will be held. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations, in Phyllis’s memory, may be made to the Bob Ryan Scholarship Fund c/o University of Regina Athletics (under I want to support click on Football Scholarship then under comments type Bob Ryan Scholarship Fund)