ROBERT JAMES MORTON

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ROBERT JAMES MORTON June 24, 1918 - May 19, 2013 A light went out of our lives on May 19, 2013 with the passing of our beloved Jim - husband, father, Gramps, and Great-Grandpa. His passing was peaceful at the Minnedosa Hospital completing a cycle having being born in the Minnedosa Hospital in 1918. Jim grew up with his parents John (Joe) and Mary (Spratt) Morton along with an older sister Martha Thornborough and brother Henry Thomson Morton II. They resided on the Morton homestead, 13-18-22, in the Elphinstone area of the Strathclair municipality. Schooling and all social activities took place in the small village of Elphinstone. At one time the Presbyterian Church was used as school classrooms. From an early age Jim was a part of that and the church remained a special part of Jim's life-becoming an elder and acting as clerk of session for many years. He was active in many community organizations such as the Manitoba Pool Elevators, an Elphinstone School Trustee, on the board of the Strathclair Co-operative and helped with hockey as a great canvasser and ticket seller. In 1943 he married Eva Catherine Sinclair and had one son John Byron who resides in Stonewall, MB. He and his wife Rita have four children, Evalee (Phil), James (Nicole), Brett (Melanie) and Mark (Brandi). They were very special to Jim as well as four great-grand-children, Anne, Maxwell, Matthew and Marcus. There was many nieces, nephews and in-laws who all had a special place in his heart. In 1967 Jim and Eva moved to Strathclair and resided there for about 30 years. Jim kept busy with a variety of jobs all dealing with the public. Just the right setting for him as he loved people and apparently a good many loved him back. His last work was managing the Strathclair water plant and town duties. At age 65 he said some young fellow needs this job and he started retirement (his version). In 1996 they retired to Minnedosa (Stewart House). He enjoyed the years in Minnedosa and made many friends. Just some of the awards Jim received were the Premier of Manitoba Volunteer Service, Don Wood Plaque, Kiwanis International, and Certificate of Appreciation from the Town of Minnedosa. He was recognized by the Strathclair Legion with a medal and loved his work with the Strathclair Lions Club. Jim would say I'm only doing what I like to do with friends and neighbors. Who needs awards for that. . You've just walked on ahead of me And I've got to understand You must release the ones you love And let go of their hand. Yes you've just walked on ahead of me Don't worry I'll be fine But now and then I swear I feel Your hand slip into mine.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 22, 2013