For our family, Halloween is about scares and laughs. And, well… candy, too.
Our love of skeletons dates back to when I was manager of the Marsh Lake Community Centre and hung out with a dancing skeleton decoration every Halloween. My kids and I loved it it.
The story of Philippe started from a design project for my oldest son while homeschooling during Covid. He designed a digital logo for Skylark, our camper van. From a fiery ball in front of the van came the story of Philippe, the fabulous Frenchman, and how he died.
Philippe the skeleton has been with our family for a few years now. Last Halloween, instead of getting packed away, he came in from the cold after a cross-country ski. He never left. Even skeletons enjoy hot drinks in winter.
Philippe continues to make us laugh. Sometimes he makes our guests a little nervous and, occasionally, scream out loud. As a roommate, he’s quiet and respectful. We like having him around.
But don’t let us speak for Phillipe. He’ll tell you all about himself.
Let’s start with the obvious. How did you die? I was hit by a meteorite fragment on the Taku Arm of Tagish Lake. That was almost 25 years ago.
How did you come to live with the Morrisons? It was sometime during Covid. They found me in their camper van, the Skylark. Nice ride. Now I’m chillin’ in Whitehorse.
What is your relationship like with the Morrison family? Bien sûr, I’m the cat’s favourite person in the house. I play with him whenever he wants. The dog is okay, but he is no minou. The people let me be my truest dead self.
We hear that you love TikTok. What is your favourite video? ForGotham#batman#cat Who doesn’t love Batman and black cats?!
And you love games. What is your favourite? Chess. I’m a classy dead Frenchman.
What is your favourite drink? Hot chocolate after an afternoon of XC skiing. Creamy, thick drinking chocolate, just like in the Paris cafés.
What kind of music do you listen to? French orchestral music. Did you see the exquisite performance by French pianist Alexandre Kantorow of Ravel’s “Jeux d’eau” (Water Games) as the rain drenched Paris during the 2024 Olympics opening ceremonies? Magnifique!!
What is your favourite place in the Yukon? I was really enjoying Tagish Lake before I died. Did you know that it’s over 119 km long and 354.48 km2? Skating on the Windy Arm side is on my bucket list.
What has been your favourite evening? I enjoyed a lovely birthday party evening surrounded by fabulous women and great food. No one thought it was weird that I was hanging out with them.
What are you looking forward to this year? I overheard that the family is getting me a black cat for Halloween. C’est génial!Any parting thoughts? The Yukon is the best place to be, dead or alive. La mort est bonne. Happy Halloween everyone.
