Gordon Morrison
Posted Apr 7, 2017 | 6:40 PM
February 9, 1928 – April 5, 2017
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Gordon Fonda Morrison on April 5, 2017, surrounded by his 2 daughters, at the age of 89 years. Gordon was born on February 9, 1928 in Shellbrook, SK and was the third child of Harry and Esther Morrison. He went to school at Sturgeon River School. Dad got to grade six and left school most likely to work on the family farm. He moved to Prince Albert in the 1950’s and worked at the Saskatchewan Sanatorium as an orderly working with patients with tuberculosis. It was there he met Evelyn Marshall and they were married on June 28, 1958. Gordon changed careers sometime after their union and began his life-long career as a travelling salesman. He worked for Northern Grocers, Scott National, Hudson Bay Wholesale and then Buckwold’s in Saskatoon. Dad took great pride in “being able to sell bubble gum” to many wonderful people in the rural areas of North and Central Saskatchewan making connections with the people in the small communities and creating friendships with the many people he called on. His greatest accomplishment in his career was to travel over 2 million miles without having one accident. Quite a feat considering the weather and road conditions he often worked in. Gordon and Evelyn had two daughters. Donna was born in 1959 and Sharon came along in 1964. He devoted his life to providing the best he could for his family. Life was simple and they didn’t have a lot, but because he was away so much, when he finally came home, he would spend his time with his family and connect with friends. His girls have cherished memories of summer holidays camping in Waskesiu and visiting extended family in Castlegar and Trail, BC. A final road trip to Yellowstone National Park before the girls grew up and moved away tested Dad’s driving skills in the mighty Montana mountains and larger cities. In 1986, Evelyn passed away suddenly and Dad carried on working. He rekindled a friendship with Hilda Hilt and they were married on March 25, 1988. Shortly after their marriage, Gordon decided it was time to put away the traveller’s bag and finally retire. It was then that he and Hilda enjoyed time fishing, playing cards with friends, and going to old time dances at the Seniors Heritage Centre. Their greatest accomplishment was their garden and flowers. Family and friends were blessed every year with the abundant fruits of their labors and enjoyed the beauty of their yard and garden. Those who knew Gordon knew that he enjoyed sports, particularly hockey and baseball. Dad rarely missed a Blue Jays game on TV and had “colorful” play-by-play about what the players should and shouldn’t do to win. He enjoyed NHL hockey, but found a passion for the Prince Albert Raiders. He was a life-long season ticket holder from the Raider’s inaugural year and moved into the role of minor official to be a goal judge. In 2011, Dad was honored as one of the Raiders’ 40 Special Contributors celebrating 40 years of the Raider Hockey Club. Gordon also was a member of the Associated Canadian Travellers until the club’s folding early this year, due to the membership being low and the change of times phasing out the career of travelling salesmen. Gordon is survived by his second wife Hilda (Hilt); his daughters Donna (Boris) Boruch and Sharon (Greg) McKay; his sister Maime (Lewis) Ernst; his sister-in-law Jean (Ivan) Grewcock; and his six grandchildren Meaghan Boruch (Brennan Klatt), Heather Boruch, Brennan Boruch (Willow Gorsalitz), Zachary McKay, Ian McKay and Krysten McKay. He is also survived by Hilda’s children and grandchildren Darwin Hilt, Cindy Rimmer, Melanie (Kerry) McGowan, Nigel and Randi Rimmer and Kendra and Pierce McGowan; and Hilda’s sister Eileen (Richard) as well many friends, nieces and nephews. Gordon was predeceased by his parents Harry and Esther Morrison and stepfather Joe Agrey; his brothers Frank and Jack; his first wife Evelyn; and his granddaughter Abigayle McKay. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 10, 2017 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 – 28th Street West, Prince Albert, SK with Pastor Mark Bergen officiating. To honor Dad and his favorite teams, we encourage you to wear Blue Jays or Raiders gear. In lieu of other tributes, the family would love you to honor his memory by donating to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Donna and Sharon would like to thank Dr. Rye and the staff of Prince Albert Homecare, Nelson Care Home, Wheatland Lodge and Pineview Terrace for their care of Dad in the past 13 months. You made a difficult time much more bearable.
REST IN PEACE, DAD. YOU ARE LOVED AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).
- Date : 2017-04-05