Obituary of MORRISON – Thomas Robert

May 21, 1921 – August 4, 2010 Bert Morrison, a long term resident of Fort Saskatchewan, a retiree at Mill Bay, BC and recently of Calgary, AB, died on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at the age of 89 years. “Bert”, born Thomas Robert Morrison, lived his childhood and early adult years near and in Belfast N. Ireland. One of four children, Bert loved to play, excelled at sport and was possessed of a sharp and creative mind. In his first employment his skill at drawing resulted in the scholarship and apprenticeship that led Bert to become a jig and tool draftsman. Bert met Irene when he was twenty-four, she sixteen. They married when Irene was eighteen (sixty-three years ago on August 1st 1947) and settled to work and live near Belfast. Bert along with ten Brits was soon recruited by a Canadian firm to work on an aircraft intended for deployment in the Korean War. He and Irene immigrated to Canada via the Queen E. ocean liner, arriving in Montreal in the early-50’s. Within months of arriving, the armistice agreement for the Korean conflict brought the contract to a sudden halt and Bert was offered passage back to Ireland, or fare anywhere in Canada. He and Irene chose adventure, travelling across the country and settling in Edmonton and then Fort Saskatchewan, where both worked at Sherritt Gordon Mines until they retired. In the “Fort” Bert was a well known fixture on the golf course and in front of many a dartboard. He loved to host friends at a party, take road and camping trips with his family and enjoy a simple life on a daily basis surrounded by family, pets and friends. Bert and Irene moved to Mill Bay, BC in the 80’s and spent more than twenty-one years loving ‘island living’. Age and health prompted the move back to Alberta in 2007 allowing Bert to be close to his much loved son Matt, his daughter-in-law Deb and two grandsons, Jacob and Samuel. Also close was his dear daughter Catherine and her husband Rick, who were with him at the end reminding him of a life exceptionally well lived. Bert was a much loved, extremely well cared for man who worried little and enjoyed much. We say goodbye with full hearts to a gentle and generous man and a kind and good father and husband. In Canada Bert is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Irene (nee Kennedy) and his two children, Catherine and Matt and their respective families. Other extended family is in Ireland and sends Bert on his way with fond memories of a happy soul. At Bert’s direction, cremation will occur with no service. Those who know him are asked to raise a toast in his honour as you recall his friendship. You may forward condolences through . In living memory of Bert Morrison, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W., CALGARY Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.