William McMORRIS

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McMORRIS: Suddenly but peacefully, William Adams McMorris of Boissevain, Manitoba passed away in Russell, Manitoba on May 21, 2009 at the age of 91. Bill was born on a farm north of Deloraine near Dand, Manitoba on March 10, 1918. He attended Dand School At the age of 17, he left home and went to work for farmers in the Dunrea-Margaret area for several years. During this time, he also was employed by the municipality in road construction and maintenance. In 1942, Bill took his Basic Training in Brandon and then enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He served as a mechanic and was stationed in Winnipeg, St. Thomas, Ontario and Brandon. Upon leaving the Air Force, Bill returned to farm-work in the Dunrea area and it was there that he met Verna Todd, who was teaching at Buttrum School. On July 12, 1947, Bill and Verna were married at Knox United Church in Brandon. They farmed south of Dunrea and were active members of the Rowland community. Bill served on the Rowland Church Board as Treasurer. In 1961, they purchased their farm north of Boissevain. Bill’s love of farming was very evident in his hard work, cheerful attitude and care of the land and animals, including his Registered Polled Herefords. He shared Verna’s love of gardening and growing fruit trees and flowers. Bill enjoyed working with machinery and coming up with creative ways to fix things and make them work efficiently. When Bill and Verna moved to Boissevain in 1978, he worked part-time for several years at Boissevain Farm Equipment, the Case-International Dealership. Bill loved building and in his retirement years, he had time to devote to his carpentry. He was always ready and willing to help family and friends with building projects. He also made many special items for our yards and homes. Bill also loved sports. As a young man, he played ball and hockey and later became an avid watcher of hockey, baseball and football on TV. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play various sports and always cheered them on and encouraged them. He was always eager to play with them whether it was baseball, hockey, learning to golf in his 70’s or playing mini-stick floor hockey with his great-grandkids in his 90’s. Bill had a great sense of humour, was quick-witted and had a smile for everyone. He took time for others and always visited with everyone. Children had a special spot in his heart! Family was very important to him, and he enjoyed getting together for special occasions and family activities. Bill was honest, kind, gentle, considerate, respectful and loyal. He worked hard, kept active and always enjoyed serving and helping others. Bill taught us by his example. Life changed in January of 2009 when his beloved wife of 61 1/2 years, Verna, passed away. Bill was also predeceased by his parents, Jack and Maggie McMorris, his sister and brother-in-law Marie and George Donald, his sisters-in-law, Bea McMorris and Martha McMorris, and niece Georgina Hart. Bill is survived and will be deeply missed by his daughters, Donna (Delmar) Reid of Russell, Manitoba and Muriel (Stan) Good of Boissevain; grandchildren Lorissa (Orland) Cook of Russell, Devin (Maria) Reid of Winnipeg, Scott (Kristi) Good of Brooks, Alberta and Julie Good of Brandon; great-grandchildren, Rylan and Reid Cook of Russell and Carsyn and Chelsea Good of Brooks; brothers John McMorris of Souris and Marshall McMorris of Deloraine, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A memorial service was held on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at St. Paul’s United Church, Boissevain with Rev. Colin Grambo officiating. Interment followed in the Boissevain Cemetery. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Boissevain Communities in Bloom in care of “Town of Boissevain”, Box 490, Boissevain, Manitoba, R0K 0E0 or a charity of your own choice. Killarney and Boissevain Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 27, 2009