LAWRENCE SAM MCMORRIS -

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LAWRENCE SAM MCMORRIS 1919 - 2006 Lawrence Sam McMorris passed away after a long illness on Saturday, December 2, 2006 a week after his 87th birthday. Sam was predeceased by his parents George and Margaret McMorris. Sam is survived by his wife Joan and their children, Eileen, Ivan (Penny), Evelyn Russell (Dave) and Ruth Beck (Dwayne) as well as their grandchildren Rory, Dylan, Adrian and Grace McMorris, Ben, Colin and Daniel Russell, and Rika, Deidre, and Samantha Beck. Sam is also survived by his younger sister Beth (Bill) and younger brother George (Gene). Sam was born in Edmonton, grew up mostly in Saskatoon before moving to Winnipeg in 1941. Sam graduated from the U of M Medical College in 1946, practiced briefly in Canada before joining Foreign Affairs as their staff physician in the post war years. He worked in London, Bonn, and Moscow, caring for British and Canadian Foreign Affairs personnel. It was in Moscow where he met Joan who was working for Canadian Foreign Affairs. Joan and Sam were married in London in November, 1951 returned in June of 1952 to Canada where he practiced for a couple of years in Neepawa, where Eileen and Ivan were born. He returned to Winnipeg for postgraduate training in pathology and was a pathologist at the Winnipeg General Hospital, later the Health Sciences Centre, retiring in 1991 after 35 years. He was an Associate Professor with the U of M Medical College for many years and also served a term as Chairman of the HSC Medical Staff Association. Sam and Joan were great travelers visiting Britain, Ireland, Europe, and Mexico, and the USA many times, in addition to numerous cross Canada car camping trips with their family. In 1988, Sam and Joan spent three months in Kenya where Sam served as an advisor to Nairobi University pathology department. Sam's happiest times were spent with his family at their cottage in Victoria Beach. He was constantly repairing or building something around the cottage and was always working on a project or two, necessary or not. A founding member and two time commodore of the Victoria Beach Yacht Club, he also served the residents of Victoria Beach as councilor and reeve for 29 years before retiring in 1998. He worked diligently to maintain the special qualities of Victoria Beach. In recognition of his service, in particular to the Victoria Beach Golf Course, the RM of Victoria Beach gave him a life membership at the Victoria Beach Golf Course. In his youth, Sam developed a passion for hockey and played junior for the Saskatoon Quakers and later for the University of Saskatchewan varsity hockey team. After his playing days were over he coached and supported Ivan and later still enjoyed watching his grandchildren play. He could watch and talk hockey for hours and was an ardent fan of the Canadian National Team and then the Jets. He was a Jets season ticket holder for their entire history and rarely missed a home game. Sam's last years were very dificult for him as he struggled with his declining physical and mental capabilities. His family would like to thank the staff at T3 at Deer Lodge for their compassionate care. In accordance with his wishes, Sam has been cremated. His remains will be spread in various favorite places at Victoria Beach at a later date. A memorial service is to be held at St. Andrew's River Heights United Church on Saturday, December 9 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held downstairs following the service. Flowers are gratefully declined. If you wish, donations can be made to the Manitoba Medical College Foundation, 727 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, R3E 3P5 or to the charity of your choice. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements. 775-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 07, 2006