Philip Alva Schofield, 84, of Ventura, California, passed away suddenly on January 21, 2024.
Born in Cleckheaton (Yorkshire) England to Hilda and Lewis on August 6, 1939, his early childhood was marked by the deprivations of WW II. One of his earliest memories is wearing his 'Mickey Mouse' gas mask in his family's coal shed basement shelter. He attended Heckmondwike Grammar School, later to Sheffield Medical School, earning the MB, CHB (equivalent to MD). He spent a year working as ship's surgeon with P & O, eventually completing an around the world cruise. He met his future wife (Millie Ranger) on the final leg of the cruise. After emigrating to Canada, they got married in Chapleau, Ontario while doing a locum for the town’s only physician. Next, on to Nova Scotia for another short-term position, then after a year they moved to Mississauga, Ontario, where he established a four-man family practice clinic. After eight years and two children they moved to Ventura, to be near Millie's family and sunshine. In 1975 he entered VCMC’s Family Practice Residency Program for one year to complete state requirements. He initiated the Occupational Health Clinic for Ventura County in 1977, earning his master’s in public health along the way, and retiring in 2000.
He had a life well lived and traveled, contributing to many long friendships and interesting stories. One of his favorite past times was planning and taking trips, often to the Sea Ranch in Northern California and visiting relatives in British Columbia, and when not travelling he loved to watch international webcam feeds. He enjoyed working on his sailboat, Tommy T, spending many hours getting everything just right and cruising around the Channel Islands. He was generous natured and brilliant minded, this, along with his love of computers, led him to a unique opportunity of helping another sailor’s successful voyage through the Northwest Passage, relaying crucial live weather information at all hours of the day and night.
Philip is survived by his wife Millie, son Phil (Carolyn) Schofield, daughter Sandra (Ben) Hopps, grandchildren Hannah and Philip Schofield and Phoebe and Jacob Hopps. as well as nieces Sarah Bell and Susan Woodford in the U.K.
He requested no service and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to World Central Kitchen or Direct Relief International.