Phil Oliver -  (died March 2019)

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Phil Oliver retired early from scientific work in industry, followed by a short period teaching physics, his degree subject. During the "cold war" he was one of those chosen to occupy a bunker in North Cheshire, in the event of a nuclear war.

Phil joined Bury Ramblers in the late 80's and led his first walk, Kinder Scout (14 miles) in 1990. He became group Social Secretary in the early 90's, organizing the annual hot pot supper, dinner and summer weekends at various bunkhouses, including the famous Jesse James Bunkhouse in Llanberris. Long distance walks were accompanied by Jack Smith. One day on the Offas Dyke Path they had arranged to be picked up by the lady from their B and B after the day's walk. Standing at the appointed place a car stopped and the lady driver gestured to them to get in,so they did. She then said "where are you going?"-not their B and B lady!

Phil had a passion for the Scottish Highlands and in May 1995 organized the first "Scothol", to Kinlochewe, where he was given a surprise 70th birthday party by the group. Perhaps surprisingly his choice of car was a Lada until they were no longer available.

Phil became Group Chairman in 2000, replacing Tom Oldham who had held the post for more than twenty years. He was a regular walk leader until 2002, leading his last walk for the group in June of that year. He continued as chairman until the AGM in March 2008 and eventually moved to Scotland, to his son's, and finally a care home with views of his beloved Scottish Hills to the north.

A Celebration of Phil Oliver'a Life (1925-2019) was held at the Red Hall Hotel, Manchester Road, Walmersley, Bury, on 25th May 2019, with Phil's family and many of his friends from Bury Ramblers present.

At Phil’s funeral in Inverness donations were invited for Chest, Heart and Stroke (Scotland), Third Floor, Roseberry House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5EZ
(Over £200 was donated to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland by people who attended the celebration of Phil's life on 25 May.)

For some photos of Phil, mainly from Scotland, click here