Sidney Stanley Morton

Sidney S. Morton was born in Wimmer, Saskatchewan on May 27, 1923 and passed away July 6, 2023 surrounded by his family. The youngest of 5 siblings, he was raised by his widowed mother Roslyn (Tuningley) Morton through the depression and joined his elder brothers and uncles in military service for WWII as soon as he was of age. Through the war he served as a tank driver and was very proud to receive a medal and honorary knighthood from France for the part he played in its liberation.

Shortly after the end of the war, Sid attended a community picnic while visiting his parents in Coghlan, BC and fatefully met his future wife, the love of his life, Maxine (Church) who also happened to be there visiting her family. They married in 1948 and remained devoted to one another until her death in 2004.

After the war Sidney tried his hand at farming, worked on the railroad, and eventually re-enlisted during peacetime to serve 2 years with NATO forces in Germany with Maxine and two small children in tow. In later years Mom and Dad would recount this European adventure as a highlight of their married life. His military service continued on the home front where he worked in the Signals Corps in high security facilities and completed two six month tours on Canada’s DEW Line near the North Pole. He retired from the military in 1969, but continued to work in service to the public, briefly as a liquor store clerk, followed by many years with Canada Post. During his time as a letter carrier in Port Alberni Sid served on the union executive, writing the local constitution and training many new letter carriers throughout his career.

Upon his retirement in 1986 Sidney purchased a travel trailer and enjoyed many road trip adventures with Maxine. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed many years fishing the local waters with his good friend Percy Forbes. He was an active Sunshine Club member, enjoying bus trips and playing cards, and meeting his long time friends, crib and whist partner, Shirley Adams, bridge partner Larry Coombe and many other friends.

He is survived by his 4 children and their partners: David (Gail) Morton, Shelley (John) Penner, Joseph (Jackie) Morton and Linda (Don) LaRochelle, 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A long life, lived with honour and fortitude, he will be dearly missed.

Sidney was a devoted husband, father, friend and WWII hero, an avid reader and card player who enjoyed the outdoors. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word: kind, calm, patient, dedicated and honourable. An inspiration to many, he remained active to the end, determinedly walking at the track beyond 100 years of age.

Having so recently celebrated Sidney’s 100 years of life and love with a birthday party attended by many friends, family members, and former colleagues, we have honoured him while he was living and there will be no service. Should anyone wish to honour his memory, donations may be made in his name to the Canadian Legion https://www.legion.ca/donations

Many thanks to Dr Brown, and the incredible care and compassion of the staff of Fir Park Village.