Obituary of Richard Clive Morrison

April 9, 1946 - May 12, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Richard Morrison in the very early hours of Monday, May 12, 2025 at the age of 79, surrounded by the love of his family.  He was the much-loved husband of Elizabeth (nee Jenkyns) for over 53 years and dear Father of Jennifer, and Karen (Kristian Bowie). Dearest Grandpa to Brooklyn Shorthouse, and Dearest Poppy to Lukas and Charlotte Bowie. He was predeceased by his parents John and Violet Morrison, and by his brother Robert Morrison.

Fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law - Barbara, Virginia and Sandy, and his nieces and nephews, and missed by his extended family of Morrisons, Jenkyns, Jordons and Bowies.

Richard was born in Toronto but grew up in Ottawa.  He was an accomplished musician - playing trombone as well as baritone and tuba in the Bell High School band. Richard also spent a summer as a naval cadet on the HMCS Haida - which cemented his love of the Navy and the sea.  He was never happier than on board a big ship, tossing on the waves. It was fortuitous, then, that he attended St. Mary's University in Halifax, graduating in 1969 with majors in political science and history, and the sea was ever present.

In 1971, Richard married Elizabeth, his high school sweetheart, and they spent their honeymoon travelling home to Halifax. Richard worked for the Department of Manpower and Immigration in Halifax, where daughter Jennifer was born, and Yarmouth where daughter Karen was born.

In 1980, Richard was posted back to Ottawa, still with the Department of Immigration, and closer to the Ottawa family once again.  After his retirement he enjoyed monthly lunches with his Immigration counterparts - enjoying these long-time friendships and discussions about the politics of the day.  Those friendships continued over the years, even when he was no longer able to lunch with them.

Richard and Elizabeth were fortunate to travel after retirement and before Richard's illness intervened. Cruises were preferred but travels to the UK - especially England (and Elizabeth's family) and Wales (Richard's mother's family) and Scotland (just because) were on the must-have list.

No description of Richard would be complete without mentioning his love of dogs.  Over the years the family have had 11 dogs- because they usually came in packs of 2 or 3. His golden retriever, Dexter, is the last of these and has missed him since Richard’s declining health required him to move to Valleystream Retirement Home in October 2024.

Richard was a Past Master and devoted member of Acacia Lodge No. 561 A.F. & A.M. G.R.C.  His bond with his Masonic Brothers is still very strong and is demonstrated by their many phone calls and messages about the impact Richard had on their lives.  Their friendship and support have endured over the years even when his health prevented him from joining them in-person. 

In 2017 Richard was diagnosed with liver cancer and given 3 months to live. In 2018 he underwent a successful full liver transplant at the London Health Sciences Centre. Beginning in 2022 he began experiencing symptoms of Parkinsons Disease - however in 2025 this was amended to confirm a devastating diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (“PSP”) - a neurological disease which is a rare and aggressive form of Parkinsons with no cure and no treatment.  It progresses rapidly as was evidenced by his rapid loss of mobility and loss of ability to function independently.  

The family would like to express appreciation for the care Richard received from all the frontline staff at Valleystream Retirement Home - especially Miles, Maryanne, Mercedes, Stephanie, Catherine, Mang and Eleanor and others whose names are not known, and also to all the staff - doctors and nurses on the 5th floor of the Palliative Care Unit at St. Vincent Hospital who gave Richard extraordinary care and comfort at the end.

We are very grateful for the extra 8 years Richard had on this earth.  We are immensely saddened at his loss, but thankful his battle is done and he is at peace.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Pinecrest Visitation Centre, 2500 Baseline Rd. on Tuesday, May 27^th from 1 to 3 p.m. Private inurnment to be held at a later date.

In memory of Richard, donations to his favourite charities - the Shriners Hospital for Children in Montreal or the Ottawa Humane Society - would be appreciated.

Please also consider supporting the PSP Society of Canada and signing your organ donor card.