David Morrison

David Frederick Morrison, “Moe” aged 78 years died on September 4/20, the birthday of his son, also named David. He filled his life with sports and was the Captain of many teams in football, basketball and hockey. He chose school over a hockey career with the New York Rangers farm team. He graduated from The University of Western Ontario in 1965 with his strongest majors in the game of Bridge and spending time with treasured friends at the “Ceeps” pub. He spent his summers at camps for young people as the much loved “Canoe Tripper”, taking kids as far north as James Bay. He worked in the Steel Industry, Electrical Manufacturing and Waste Management. He could not wait to move to Muskoka and did so immediately upon early retirement, fulfilling a dream held from childhood and his camping experience in Algonquin Park as a youngster. He camped in “The Park” with special friends for over 50 years and was a Master Canoeist.

David married Margaret Carson in 1966, two weeks after she wrote her last exam at University. He had been writing poetry to her and travelling hundreds of miles on many weekends to see her for “just too long” and they agreed that there was to be no more waiting. They were married for 54 years but the poetry did not last past the wedding. In August of 1969, he brought his beautiful daughter Janet home from hospital and promptly took her to meet all the neighbours. He took her to his office, to activities with his friends and had her playing lacrosse with him at age 3. His pride and love for her only grew over the years.

He happily welcomed “Kenny” as her husband in 2003. He felt he could trust Ken with his cherished daughter which says all that need be said about his love for Ken. In June of 1971, his first son John was born. They became best friends! John looked like David, thought like his Dad and engaged in hours and hours of conversation with him over the years. David was an honorary member of John’s large group of friends whose mantra became “What is the best beer?....Moe’s beer.” John followed his Dad in his love of sports, camping and adventure. David fell in love with John’s wife Judy, as he said, before John did. He counseled John he should grab Judy quickly and they were married in 2001.

In September of 1985, David wholeheartedly welcomed son David (D2) into the family. As D2, a teenager, struggled to find his place in a new family David was ever confident that his place would be solidly and forever established. David took great pride in D2, believing that it took courage and character for D2 to join the family group and succeed. D2 brought Stephanie home and David was enchanted, saying we would all be enriched if Steph joined our family which happily she did 23 years ago.

David was the ultimate volunteer. He volunteered with great commitment and love with Community Living in Mississauga and South Muskoka for over 35 years and this brought him great pleasure and a treasure: his third son Michael. David worked alongside Michael in workshops, helping Michael learn to assemble fishing gear, to ride the bus and get off at the right spot and how to barbecue hot dogs for his friends on the ParaOlympic swim team. Michael will carry his Dad in his heart and on his shoulder as his mentor and cherished “Daddy” forever.

David considered himself blessed beyond measure by his 7 grandchildren: Drew, 18, Princess Megan, 15, Bennett, 15, Jack and Isabelle, 12 years, Olive, 12 years and Elliot 6 years. He was filled with pride about each of their special gifts and considered them the icing on the wonderful cake that was his life. His love for each of them was without measure. He believed they would all do great things.

David’s parents, Billie and Pud Morrison did a wonderful job of nurturing a good man and he was close to both of them. David has always been supported in life and living by his sister Lynn and has been proud of his role as “big brother” to Paul. He loved them greatly. He considered they gave him gifts in his niece Jennifer and nephews Michael and Stephen. Thank you to Stephen who was such a help to his Uncle Moe this past year. He loved and enjoyed his Brother-in-law Doug who predeceased him and his sister-n-law Maureen. David’s love and carefor Margaret’s Grandma Carson and her Mom and Dad were beyond description.

David was a man who was treasured by family and friends and his dog Carson. He loved fiercely, had strong opinions, and was confident that Margaret could manage well without him. She is not so sure about that. He leaves behind his Dickie Lake buddies but is enjoying a happy reunion with dear predeceased Teddy, Gerry, Weiner and George. Cheers guys!

We will have a grand Celebration of Life in the Toronto area come next summer and hopefully after severe Covid restrictions. The kids and I will arrange it and be in touch with folks so get ready to toast and share great memories/funny stories about David/Moe. I will look forward to that.

We are having a funeral on our front lawn for family and local friends on Thursday. The grandkids will all participate.

For those who are inclined and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David’s name to the Huntsville Hospice

https://www.hospicehuntsville.com/