The body of Gordon R. Philps, 59-year-old farmer and cattle trader, who was missing from his Clinton Township home since a week ago Tuesday morning, was found in the Grand River near Cayuga shortly before noon on Sunday. It was recovered by William "Red" Hill, Niagara Falls, who, together with several provincial police officers, assisted some 50 Beamsville men in the search.
Provincial police commenced dragging operations on Saturday shortly after Mr. Philp's car was found along the south river road five and one half miles east of Cayuga. His hat was also found on the river bank, weighted down, police said, by a heavy stone.
The Beamsville men took three boats with outboard motors to the scene early Sunday morning, and the police secured the assistance of Red Hill with his special grappling equipment. They had only dragged for a couple of hours when Hill's equipment recovered the body.
Dr. F.A. Vokes, coroner, of Cayuga, after examining the body at the scene, said death was caused by drowning and there was definitely no evidence of foul play. Mr. Philp's wallet and other belongings were found in his pockets. No inquest was ordered, he said, and the body was released to the family immediately.
Born in Wellington County, Mr. Philp came to the Beamsville district when 5 years of age, and was widely known as a successful farmer and cattle trader.
Surviving, besides his wife, the former Hazel Hagar, are two sons and two daughters: David and Donald, at home; Mrs. Lorne Elmer and Mrs. Ashley Elliott, both of Clinton Township; also two sisters, Mrs. F.B. Head, and Miss Lois Philp, both of Copetown.
Funeral was held from the Buck Funeral Home, Beamsville, on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, interment being made in Mount Osborne Cemetery.
Provincial police who took part in the search included Corporal William Gilling and Constables R.C. Pettigrew of Cayuga; E.G. Hope, Grimsby; Frank Cooney, Beamsville, Norman Fach and C.E.Wildfang, of St. Catharines detachment.
