Obituaries

ROBERT CHARLES (BOB) MORGAN

February 22, 1946 ~ July 20, 2020

Beloved husband to Meryle, dear brother, adored uncle and great uncle, and true friend, our Bob passed gently and peacefully in Meryle’s arms, at St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care.

Treasuring his memory are his wife and best friend, Meryle (Johnston), sisters Ila Payette, Edna Churchill and Betty Thomas, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and his other family, the Johnston in-laws – Scott (Joy), Kenda (Red Crate) and their families. Missing their long-time buddy are Bob Cook, Claude Einarson, and Hal MacLean.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Mel and Beatrice Morgan, brothers-in-law Maurice Payette, Earl Churchill and Clayton Thomas, and father-in-law Jim Johnston.

Introduced by friends, Bob knew from the start that he had found his forever love in Meryle. They were married May 22, 1976.

Bob was born in Portage la Prairie, and grew up in Oakville, MB. He retired in 2004 from Cascades (formerly Domtar Packaging) after 35 years, during which he made many lasting friendships. He then enjoyed a “2^nd career” as a greens-keeper at John Blumberg Golf Course.

Bob and Meryle were fortunate to retire early and travel. Bob was a true traveller and loved to talk to the locals and learn about their lives. There were several trips to Europe and the Mediterranean, winter escapes to Cuba, Mexico and Hawaii, and many places in Canada and the US. Highlights ranged from white-water rafting in Jasper, to floating in Jordan’s Dead Sea, to cooking classes in Tuscany and Istanbul. Favourite holidays were a Nile River cruise with Edna and Ila, Mexican trips with the Johnstons, and closer to home, relaxing with Betty and her family in Gimli.

An adventurous eater, Bob was not afraid to try anything new and different, whether local specialties on holiday, or cooking at home with Meryle, especially if it was accompanied by a nice glass of wine!

Bob boasted a natural talent for many sports, from his school days of hockey and football, to later years of curling and golf – his favourite course was in Bemidji. Very active, Bob also enjoyed hiking, bike riding, skating, and cross-country skiing. He was a ‘True Blue’ Bombers fan and ticket holder for over 40 years. He hated to miss a Bombers or Jets game on T.V., often sneaking away from whatever event was keeping him from one, to get a quick peek at the score.

If loving one’s family and friends was a sport, Bob would be our Team Captain. His stories, and his dry but gentle sense of humour, will be forever missed at family gatherings. We will continue to honour him with love and affection. We will recall his enjoyment of a cold beer on a hot day and will toast to him often. “To Bob”.

Bob was full of style and was always well dressed. Even after his diagnosis, he was adamant that “I’m living with cancer, and I’m going to look good doing it!”. He looked good and he was good. Bob leaves behind a long trail of friendships, easily making friends of those lucky enough to cross his path. Thoughtful, generous, and kind, Bob never spoke badly about anyone and in turn, there was never a bad word to be spoken about him. A keen observer of the world around him, Bob’s curiosity, sense of wonder and boundless sense of adventure, helped to keep him young.

Diagnosed with late stage esophageal cancer in 2014, Bob was quietly determined to live as well as possible for as long as possible. The original time frame of six months grew to six years, and every day was a gift. His courage, strength and optimism inspired us all.

Bob and Meryle packed a lot of retirement into those last years – more travel (including a trip to Las Vegas for a Jimmy Buffet concert!), golf, dining out, but most importantly, time with family and friends. Bob so appreciated their love, support and how they brightened his days.

There will be a family graveside service at Meadow Lea Cemetery. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

We are very grateful for the encouragement, compassion and expertise of the many people who guided us through Bob’s six year cancer journey. Thank you to Dr. M. Stephensen, our family doctor for many years, CancerCare, the Health Sciences Centre Thoracic team, and Palliative Care, both at home (special thanks Lisa) and at St. Boniface Hospital.

In appreciation, Bob asked that you consider donations to CancerCare Manitoba, Palliative Care Manitoba, or Health Sciences Centre. And, if you are able, please consider a blood donation.

Our star is still shining brightly.