Elstan MORRIS

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MORRIS: Elstan Glorydd Morris. At 11:45 a.m. on June 22, 2011 our Dad passed away peacefully in Shoal Lake – Strathclair Health Centre surrounded by the love of his children. Predeceased 15 months ago by Joan, his wife and life partner of almost 61 years, he leaves to cherish his memory his seven children: Judy Morris (Roger Klym), Kerry (Shahedah), Jillian Martens (Herb), Roberta Watson (Dale), Kelvin (Annemarie Degrave), Daphne Hammond (Rick), and Kim (aka Tred) (Debra). “Grandgoose” will always be remembered by his grandchildren: Lana Watson (Ken McLaren), Dane Watson (Jenn Weinhandl), Reagan Morris (Becky), Glenna Morris (Ryan Cunningham), Elisa Martens (Steven Hudson), Tim Martens, Dana Hammond (Chelsie), Benson Hammond and Nathan Morris (Penny Buchanan) and by his great-grandchildren: Natalie, Chloe and Juliana Morris, Haley Martens and Calder Cunningham who arrived just four hours before Grandgoose’s passing. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Frank Morris in 2007 and is survived by his sister-in-law, Jean Morris as well as Joan’s sister, Enid Dawe and several nieces and nephews. Elstan, known as “E.G.” to a great many people and as “Wick” to the hundreds of students he taught, was born in Apohaqui, NB on February 26, 1923, the elder son of Robert and Elsie Morris. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1927 and he spent his youth in St Vital and North Springfield. He attended university at the former United College until the breakout of WW II when he joined the RCN and served as a wireless operator on a minesweeper on the North Atlantic and the English Channel. Prior to his discharge, he sailed from Halifax through the Panama Canal to Vancouver and while stationed in Abbotsford, BC, Dad met our Mum. He returned to Winnipeg to complete his BSc and begin his BEd at the U of M and in1948 he began his teaching career in Strathclair, Manitoba. Dad and Mum married during Easter Break on April 18, 1949 in Cloverdale, BC and they returned to Strathclair where their seven children were born and raised. Family was all-important to Dad and he worked hard to support his wife and growing family. Throughout his teaching and administrative career, he also pursued other endeavours. He spent 30 years as C/O of 317 Air Cadet Squadron and devoted many of his summers to Air Cadet camps across Canada. In 1963, he began Trail Amusements with his neighbour, Bob McTavish and the business continues today under the ownership of his middle son. In 1974, Dad and his brother purchased a “hobby farm” which he managed in his “spare” time. He was very proud of our mother’s decision to open the J. Sewing Centre in 1971, always lending a helping hand when needed. Dad retired as principal of Strathclair Schools after 34 years of teaching with 25 years as principal; he taught all of his children at one time or another and he retired in 1982 after his eldest grand-daughter had completed her kindergarten year. In 1990, Dad and Mum moved to Lake Winnipeg where they oversaw the building of their retirement home on property that his father had homesteaded in the early 1920’s and where he had spent many happy times. From an early age Dad was an animal lover and there was rarely a time in his life when he was without at least one dog. He trained many sled dogs and in winters he enjoyed taking children for rides with his dogs hooked to his racing sled. In addition to his travels during the war, Dad travelled to many destinations across Canada and to Mexico. A graveside service will be held at the family plot at Victoria Beach Cemetery on PTH 504 just north of Hwy. 59 at 1:30 PM on Friday, July 29, 2011 with reception to follow. Should friends wish, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society. We will forever keep precious our memories of the laughter, love and tears that we shared. Rest in peace, Dad.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 02, 2011