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DAVID LESLIE MORRIS
Born: Apr 27, 1942
Date of Passing: Aug 28, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDAVID LESLIE MORRIS
Happily, at home and sitting at his regular spot at the table, Dave passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026. Beloved husband of Nancy for 63 years, Dad to Keith (Tracy), Gary (Kathy) and Judy (Richard) and Ampa to eight awesome grandkids, Cameron, Cooper, Carter, Sydney, Sarah, Oliver, Calla and Tommy. He leaves a lot for us to live up to. As one grandson said, he was his family’s number one fan. Right until the end.
Dave grew up in Winnipeg’s West End, where from a young age he showed his drive and determination to do more. As a child he won a trip to Niagara Falls for his sales as a paperboy, he worked as the peanut man in parades, and took every opportunity presented to him. When his uncle advised him there was no future in the railroad he joined the insurance industry, (but never lost his passion for trains).
Insurance was a career he loved and had a passion for, and he worked right until the last day. Dave was incredibly proud of the business he built.
Dave was much more than just work and had many passions to match. He dipped his toe into politics running campaigns for others, fundraising and serving as Chair of the School Division when Charleswood was rapidly growing.
Dave and Nancy moved to Charleswood in the 1960s when the neighbours were mink farms, and then to their beloved home in the 1970s. They loved living in Charleswood and hearing the joy and laughter of kids from behind the trees at Roblin Park.
The backyard and the back deck were their dream, and Dave shared on his last day what a beautiful day it was sitting out on the back deck. Possibly the only place that made him happier than the back deck was being at the cottage at Sunset Beach or out on the sand at Grand Beach. Endless summer days from his childhood until last month were spent on the boardwalk at Grand Beach.
Throughout his life, Dave was devoted to the community. As a child he benefited from community programming at the YMCA, and local church. He paid that forward for years.
From early years of volunteering with St. Paul’s United Church, to Charleswood United Church and finally following Rev. Grant Smith to Headingley United Church, faith and community were incredibly important to him.
With his father-in-law he was a member of the local Masonic lodge, and continued to support their programming.
Dave was a charter member of the Charleswood Rotary Club and was dedicated to attending each week and leading the club in singing O Canada. He and Nancy hosted eighteen Exchange Students over the years who became members of the Morris Family. When Nancy served as District Governor he proudly had cards made for himself that said "Just the Driver". He and Nancy truly believed in the Rotary motto of Service Above Self and lived it to the fullest.
Hockey was another passion for Dave, who spent years as part of the ownership group of the Winnipeg South Blues. Sunday nights were family dinner, before running out to the rink to watch the game. When asked if owning a Junior A hockey team was profitable, his response was it was pleasure to spend the money for kids to continue to live their dream. He emphasized sportsmanship and fair play. He loved to hear from all his grandkids about their activities from dance, to curling and of course hockey.
Even when in the hospital earlier this year he was staying up to date with Jets, and watched the Stanley Cup playoffs with family around him. When hockey ended, he moved onto following the Blue Bombers, and any live sport on TV.
With kids and grandkids spread across the continent, the family will be holding a Funeral Service at St. Charles Headingley United Church, Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at Breezy Bend Country Club at 2:15 p.m.
If you would like to honour Dave, there are two easy ways. Make a donation to the Rotary Club of Charleswood Charitable Foundation (RCCCF Inc.) that supports the important work Dave championed, Polio Plus, Assiniboine Forest, Westgrove School and local scholarships.
The second is to sneak off when Nancy isn’t looking and enjoy a big piece of chocolate cake.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 05, 2026
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Dear Nancy and family, We are so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. We were lucky to have shared many years as neighbors at the cottage. We will cherish the friendly waves across the back lane, the chats, the borrowing of tools, but most importantly the friendship. Dave will be greatly missed by our family. - Posted by: The Advice Family (Lake neighbours and friends) on: Oct 02, 2026
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Dear Nancy and family. My deepest condolences to you. Dave was bigger than life and he will be missed by many. I have fond memories of Rotary gatherings over the years … especially Lobster Night … and the opportunity Rotary provided to Ken and myself to host a few exchanges students over the years. - Posted by: Debbie Buckingham (Friend … through Rotary) on: Sep 19, 2026
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I got to visit with Mr. Morris through my job. I was always happy to see him as he was a wonderful man to be around. My visits with him were always met with a welcome. One conversation with Mr. Morris, where he made people feel blessed just to be in his company. I did not get to fully know him. He just made people feel comfortable, relaxed and calm. We had wonderful conversations. Mr. Morris shown me so many pictures of his family, and was always happy and in the most highest spirits. My condolences to you all. - Posted by: Catherine B (Home support worker) on: Sep 13, 2026
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Dave Morris was a champion of early learning and child care in Manitoba. The partnership between Morris Insurance and the Manitoba Child Care Association dates back to 1984. Morris Insurance offered a one-of-a-kind Group Comprehension Liability Insurance Plan (later adding on Directors & Officers Coverage) for licensed early learning and child care facilities in Manitoba. This group plan grew from 4 participants at the onset to over 400 centres and 335+ licensed Family Child Care Providers! Dave was epitome of professionalism, kindess and knowledge. He graced the Child Care Benefits meetings with his insight and his wonderful stories! Those in our child care community that knew him, will miss him tremendously. Thank you, Dave for all that you did for your community and for our sector. Jodie Kehl - Manitoba Child Care Association - Posted by: Jodie Kehl (Professional Colleague) on: Sep 10, 2026
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For more than 30 years, I had the privilege of knowing you, not only as my former father-in-law, but as a mentor, a trusted friend, and a parent figure in my life. Even after life changed your kindness toward me never wavered. You had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and cared for. Whether it was a thoughtful email, a picture of your adventure, a quiet dinner together, or simply asking how I was doing, you showed your love in small acts that meant more than you could ever know. I will always treasure our last dinner together, your excitement about visiting Nancy, and the plans for the things you wanted to do. I never imagined those conversations would become such precious memories. Thank you for being the person you were. Your compassion, generosity, and humanity shaped the person I became. You will be deeply missed, and I carry your kindness with me always. Rest peacefully. Your life made a lasting difference in mine. - Posted by: Dini Muns (Friend) on: Sep 09, 2026
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Love to you all , Nancy, Keith, Gary and Judy and families. I’m glad I was able to have a visit in 2023. Both Nancy and David were wonderful hosts. Please give Nancy a special hug from me. I remember your dad fondly. Judy Russell - Posted by: Judy Russell (Family) on: Sep 08, 2026
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I have many fond memories of the Morris family. Growing up on Robindale I was always invited and welcomed into the Morris home, along with my sister Pam. I remember the comings and goings of friends to Keith and Gary as I played with Judy. I especially remember Keith hanging me upside down by my feet at four years old and thinking it was so much fun. Trick or treating with Judy and I brought out deep discussions with our Dads about their own political stands, conservative vs liberal. Didn't matter, we all had fun on Halloween. I remember both Mr.and Mrs. Morris had a natural loving nature to any child that entered their home. My condolences to Keith, Gary, Judy and family for your loss. Cindy Martin, 149 Robindale Road. - Posted by: Cindy Martin (childhood friend to Judy.) on: Sep 07, 2026
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Dave, with Morris Insurance was a champion & friend to Manitoba’s field of Early Learning & Child Care. I had the honor of being at the table when Dave attended MCCA’s Benefits Committee. He lit up that Board room with not only business but stories of life, often humorous or thoughtful. I think he made everyone in the room feel seen & special. My sincere condolences to Dave’s family, work family, and people he met along the way! He will be missed. - Posted by: Sue Sydorchuk (MEMBER - MCCA) on: Sep 06, 2026
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Nancy, our sincerest condolences and know we are thinking of you and your family. Dave definitely does leave all of us, so much to live up to! He was always a friendly face in whatever storm one was facing, a strong and extremely competent business person and a solid Charleswood Rotary Club, Mentor. I will especially miss his support and infectious optimism! We have lost a great one! Dave, you will never be forgotten. Heaven has gained an Angel. - Posted by: Leslie Inglis (Friend in Rotary) on: Sep 05, 2026
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I was so sorry to hear that Dave passed. You have our deepest condolences. Dave is an exceptional person who gave back selflessly and will be missed! - Posted by: Martin Braun-Labossiere (Rotary) on: Sep 05, 2026
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Very sorry to hear of your loss. - Posted by: laurie mckenzie-tann (Former employee) on: Sep 05, 2026
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Our Condolences, Nancy, on the passing of your dear Dave. He was definitely larger than life and achieved much in his life. May God be with him till you meet again. - Posted by: Louise Dahle (Friend) on: Sep 05, 2026
