John Jacob Morrison

Memaashkowe Binesi

Name’ (Sturgeon) Dodem

February 6, 1948 – August 1, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, John Jacob Morrison (Memaashkowe Binesi), on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 7:41 p.m.

John began his final journey exactly as he lived his life, surrounded by love. His devoted wife of 45 years, Georgina, never left his side, while his cherished daughter Mande held him in her loving embrace. During his final days, countless family members and dear friends came to sit with him, pray, laugh, cry, share stories, and remind him just how much he meant to everyone fortunate enough to know him. He left this world knowing he was deeply loved.

Born on February 6, 1948, John lived a life rooted in love, humility, generosity, and service. He believed in treating everyone with kindness and respect, never expecting anything in return. He was a man who quietly helped others, often without recognition, because it was simply the right thing to do.

John dedicated his life to providing for his family. Throughout the years he worked many different jobs, but he found his true calling behind the wheel of a taxi. Beginning with Star Taxi and later spending decades with Co-op Taxi, John became a familiar and trusted face throughout the community.

To most people, he wasn’t simply John Morrison. He was affectionately known as “Johnny Cab.” More than a driver, he became someone people trusted. Whether it was an early morning ride, a late-night trip home, or simply someone who would listen without judgment, John was always there. His passengers became friends, and many friends became family. Making sure people got home safely was never just part of his job. It was part of who he was. Even after illness forced his retirement, he often spoke about missing the road. If he had been able, he would still be driving today.

John also proudly served his community as a Band Councillor for Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation, where he participated in negotiations and worked on initiatives that strengthened his community. Although he was honoured to serve, he eventually returned to the career he loved most, meeting people, helping others, and doing what came naturally to him.

In 1981, John’s life changed forever when he met Georgina Jack. What began with a simple act of kindness, offering her a ride home from work at Bizzi Bee, became a love story that lasted 45 beautiful years. Together they built a life filled with unconditional love, laughter, faith, resilience, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Family was everything to John.

Together, John and Georgina lovingly raised their children Mande, Travis, Trevor, Bradley and Justice. In the Anishinaabe way, their family continued to grow as they lovingly welcomed and adopted their beloved daughter, Joelle Roy.

John never measured family by blood alone. He measured it by love. If you were welcomed into his heart, you were family forever.

Nothing brought John greater happiness than seeing his family together. His grandchildren were among his greatest joys, and he never missed an opportunity to make memories with them. Whether he was watching the Winnipeg Jets, especially with his grandsons, travelling to play cribbage tournaments with his partner Dwight Moore all over Treaty 3, where he loved to put stripes Chops and Joanne, heading out fishing, taking road trips with Georgina, Rosie, and Cathy, or simply enjoying everyone’s company, those ordinary moments became treasured memories because they were spent together.

John leaves behind his loving wife Georgina, his children Diane (Terry), Neal, Dean, Melissa (Dylan), Mande (Joe), Travis (Chanti), Trevor (Treena), Bradley (Hilary), Justice and Joelle (Miinas). His beloved grandchildren Katie, Shanell, Harmony, Lucas, Morgan, Kaitlyn, Kacie, Reyna, Tyson, Jesse, Brooklyn, Damon, Lukas, Jordan, Karleigh, Trevor John jr., Tyrell, Jayden, Celine, Carter, Kaytience, Davina, Simon John, Zeekai, Teryn, Niibin, JonJon, and Wawatay, along with his treasured great grandson, Laine Jakob. Every one of them held a special place in his heart, and he loved them beyond measure.

He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Judy; his brothers, Leslie, Melvin, Delbert (Rhonda) and Elmer; and by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, lifelong friends, and everyone whose lives were touched by his kindness, generosity, humour, and gentle spirit.

John was predeceased by his parents, L/Cpl. John Morrison and Mary Celine Morrison (née Skead); his beloved daughter, Amanda; his precious granddaughter, Kylie Jade; his beloved brother, Glenn; sister, Phyllis, his cherished sister, Beverly Morrison; and his brother in law, Albert “Craze” Gibbons.

John’s life was never defined by the places he worked or the titles he held. It was defined by the countless people he helped, the friendships he built, the love he gave so freely, and the family he cherished above all else. His quiet strength, humble heart, infectious smile, and unwavering willingness to help others are the gifts he leaves behind.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that he has been reunited with those who went before him. His teachings, laughter, kindness, and love will continue to guide us for generations to come.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, especially Char from Palliative Care and Giann, John’s devoted night nurse, whose kindness, dignity, and exceptional care brought comfort not only to John but to our entire family during his final days.

We also offer our deepest chi miigwech to Wauzhushk Onigum Chief and Council, Community Programs, Niisaachewan Chief and Council, the many helpers, sewers, cooks, drummers, singers, family, and friends whose generosity, prayers, and support carried us through this difficult time.

A special miigwech to Elder Ron P. McDonald, Melinda Bain, and Jason Fobister for your guidance, your prayers, and for lovingly preparing Memaashkowe Binesi for his final journey.

John’s love lives on in every story shared around a kitchen table, every fishing trip, every card game, every laugh among family, and every act of kindness done in his memory.

Until we meet again, your love will remain in our hearts forever. Travel peacefully, Memaashkowe Binesi. You will always be loved, and you will never be forgotten.

The family respectfully requests that no flowers at this time.

A wake service will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at the Dalles Community Hall beginning at 3:00pm. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 10:00 am with burial to follow at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery.