Dr. Robert Morgan

Oct. 23, 1938-June 4, 2011

Cape Breton Island lost a good friend and consummate supporter with the

death of Dr. Robert J. Morgan. Bob died at home June 4, 2011, surrounded by

family and friends.

He will live on in the hearts of every person who knew him as a teacher,

speaker and friend, for his generosity with information, support of heritage

projects, devotion to gardening, good books, the French and Gaelic language,

and travel. Bob was prepared to go anywhere to speak in defence of Cape

Breton heritage, and he was noted for the clarity and passion with which he

kept the island's history alive.

Born Oct. 23, 1938, in Windsor, Ont., Bob was the son of Herbert Morgan and

Rose Gilboe. He got his master degree at Queens University and met Cape

Bretoner Barbara McKinnon, 'Babs', beginning a lifelong devotion to the

island. He taught at Xavier Junior College in Sydney and married his beloved

Babs in 1964. He earned his doctorate at University of Ottawa in 1969.

Bob was a founder of the Old Sydney Society and St. Patrick¹s Church Museum.

He served over the years as senior historian at the Fortress of Louisbourg

National Historic Site, professor of history and director of research and

development at what became Cape Breton University, and director of the

Beaton Institute archives. He wrote the history of the struggle for a

university in Cape Breton in the book called Perseverance, and his major

essays, talks and conversations were compiled in Early Cape Breton < From

Founding to Famine. In 2008 and 2009 he published the two-volume Rise Again!

Which was the first full-scale telling of the story of Cape Breton Island

in150 years.

Bob leaves behind sister, Rosemarie (Melvin, deceased) Davis of Gladwin,

Michigan; and brother, Herbert 'Bert' (Sandra) Morgan of LaSalle, Ont.; and

nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Barbara, an infant brother, Herbert, and his

parents. He will be buried beside Babs in Inverness. He will be missed by

the gang at the Steel City Tavern.

Family and friends deeply appreciate the professionalism and care that was

given to Robert by his physicians and the staff of Cape Breton Regional

Hospital. A special thank you to the Palliative Care doctors and nurses, to

the VON, the Continuing Care staff, and to the occupational and

physiotherapy staff who did their best to meet his needs at home.

Visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Monday, June 6 in T. W. Curry

Parkview Chapel. Cremation has taken place, and a funeral Mass will be

celebrated 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 7 in St. Anthony Daniel Church, Fr. Donald

MacGillivary will officiate. Burial in Inverness Cemetery. Donations may be made to

the Old Sydney Historical Society.

Online condolences can be sent to TWCurry.com.