Arthur Ralph Morrison

Obituary

Passed on October 14, 2023

April 25, 1925 to October 14, 2023     Peacefully Dad left us to join Mom on October 14, with his daughters by his side.

Art was born 98 years ago on April 25, 1925 to parents William Harold and Mabel Morrison. Youngest of 12 children, he was the only one to be born in hospital. His mother was in poor health so his sister Blanche was especially close to him. He was the last surviving member of his generation, predeceased by wife Edith, parents Harold and Mabel, siblings Blanche, Horace, Kent (Helen), James (Anne), Dorothy (David), Charles aka John (Mary), Mabel, baby Morrison, Edith (John), Kathleen (Ross), Marjorie. In-laws; Mary (James), Hazel and Carolyn.

He is survived by his daughters Cheryle (Don) and Sandra (Paul); grandchildren Cherianne (Crystal), Ian, Erin (Cameron), Jeremy (Diane) and Danny (Denise). Great grand children William, Ryan, Teagan, Kadence, Michael, Kailey, Chanda and Kyla. Brother-in-law Art and numerous nephews and nieces and their families.

Dad lived a long and full life; family, farming and mechanics were his passions. He was proud of what he had achieved over the years. As a boy growing up, he used horse drawn transportation to attend school at East Rosser where he attended until grade eight. He was excited to see travel into space and watched the first men to walk on the moon.

In 1946 he married Edith Buckley and they lived at Gordon in his garage and at the farm, where he worked for his father running the family farm. Mom and Dad loved to travel and they visited many parts of Canada, the USA and Europe over the years. They especially liked camping with the Manitoba Sunny Sams with their RVs during the summer months and then they would become Snowbirds with trips to Arizona and Florida during the winter. Dad always liked having new equipment that he didn’t have to repair, whether it was a new car or farm equipment. Since he didn’t have sons, he taught his girls to run all the farming equipment along with him. Mom ran the combine, Dad hauled the grain and which ever girl was available was plowing the field at the same time. Later when his sons in law joined the family, they quickly learned how to run a tractor and became part of the operation. He was happy when the farm received its Century farm designation in 2019.

Dad had a great interest in mechanical things. He built and designed many things for use around the farm, from his elevator and buildings to pieces of equipment. His shop under the banner of Morrisons Garage was always busy. If family needed something special, he would go out to his shop and come back with the necessary part or machine. Even into his 80’s he would create things to help out with Sandys hop operation. He purchased a large metal lathe and gifted friends and family; including his dentist and chiropractor with fancy small hammers. Truly he fulfilled the definition –

“A farmer is a man outstanding in his field”

A graveside service has been held at Lilyfield Cemetery where he joins his love, Edith in eternal rest. His family thanks the caring staff at Rosewood Lodge during his final days and Selkirk Hospital.

If anyone wishes donations may be made to the Interlake Community Foundation in memory of Art Morrison. A legacy fund will be established to support senior care in his memory.

Please celebrate his life by a toast to his memory. Everyone who knew him, would know he was ready to offer a drink to his guests whether it was Wednesday Coffee time or evening visits.

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