Name: Glenhaven Memorial Chapel
Address: Vancouver, BC

Sent in celebration of January 29th, 2016
 
 
 
Dear Paul -
 
Wishing you a happy birthday and hoping that you're feeling better.
 
I thought you might like to know that I have always thought of you as a person who had an exquisite ability to put things into perspective!
 
The first time I detected that was the day I met you.  I had come home from the college with Janet to have dinner at your Lynn Valley home.  You had finished your shift, arriving home in your Mountie uniform.  We were standing in the kitchen as we talked, and over against the back wall, I noticed the largest dog door I'd ever seen.  You needed one that size to accommodate the wonderful Last Laugh of Stolford, Kelly.  I pointed to it and asked if that wasn't a security risk  having a pet door big enough for a man to crawl through??!?!?  Your response, laughing, was Well, I would sure like to be here to meet the perp stupid enough to do that and meet the dog needing a door that size!  Perspective.
 
There were many other instances you shared perspective over the years  all of which were good for me.  I was very grateful when you let me know that our boss had been shooting up his house and that after the police confiscated his gun, it had been given back to him!  I was properly scared and made sure that he never came over to my place for any reason after that!
 
The most important of all, though, was what you told me which made all the difference about whether or not I finished my Ph.D.  After my good Dad died suddenly in 1989, nothing seemed to matter to me anymore.  For about a five month period, I was in a state of shock and grief so bad that I would likely have been diagnosed as depressed had I gone near any doctor or counsellor.  In that period, I made very little progress in scholastic work.  It occurred to me that I might not finish.  That was almost illogical, since I lived for the goal of achieving that top degree.
 
One day, you had a talk with me about it.  You told me that it was important for me to carry on and finish because you knew that it mattered to me that much.  Your advice is what I clung to.  You told me that whenever I felt discouraged or defeated about finishing, I was to close my eyes and imagine myself in my academic robes crossing that stage at UBC and receiving the diploma in my hands.  I can't begin to count the number of times I resorted to that.
 
Finally, the day came.  I was in those burgundy robes, lining up to walk into the War Memorial Gym.  It felt almost dream-like: I'd made it!  For some reason, the carillon was not played that day and I was a little miffed.  That sets the atmosphere so beautifully.  The doctorates are always awarded first, so we were lined up in order to approach the stage, kneel before the Chancellor to receive a tap on the head with his hat, and then proceed to President Strangway for hand-shaking and having him put the stole over our heads.  Then, we were to face the audience and be acknowledged.  Regarded then as equal to faculty, we took our seats on the stage rather than in the audience.
 
Well, just before my name was called, I felt emotionally overwhelmed.  I was close to bursting into tears and just dreaded having to get through the next few minutes.  I heard my name, walked forward to the kneeler and bowed my head.  Chancellor Lee met my gaze after tapping me on the head.  As I stood up, he leaned forward and, with a big smile, said Congratulations!  It was what I needed to snap me into the present.  Next, I approached President Strangway who exclaimed loudly Well, it is ever nice to see you here at last!  (I had interrupted my studies for a year to work for him.)  He said a few more things to me and I realized I was backing up the line so kept moving.  Next, mace-bearer and professor Dr. John Dennison (one of my advisors) greeted me with similar enthusiasm.  By the time I took my seat on the stage, I was grinning like a pumpkin.  All of this was recorded in photographs and videotape.
 
You never knew it until now, but I sat there in silent prayer saying Thank you, God and thank you, Paul Morris!
 
I am ever grateful for your perspective, old friend.
 
Valerie


This booklet was circulated to some of Paul's close friends upon his death.  Some people have indicated they would like to see it posted on Legacy so here it is.  

Born:  January 29, 1943

Joined RCMP:  March 4, 1965

Entered Eternal Life: 
 February 10, 2016

Paul Joseph Morris

Most people walk in and out of your life,
but FRIENDS leave footprints in your heart.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Paul Joseph Morris did just that for me.  He came into my life and made it endlessly interesting.  His final flight - taken across the chasm of death - came on Wednesday February 10th a few minutes after one o'clock in the afternoon.

My last conversation with Paul came as we celebrated his 72nd birthday on Friday the 29th of January 2016.  He was sitting on the bed and chatted happily but later became very serious and philosophical.  He had some profound personal comments to make to me which made me wonder if he already knew what was coming.

I have known Paul for 53 years.  For many of those years we were married and forever we were the best of friends.  Paul was born January 29, 1943 at St. Paul's Hospital and from that moment on he smiled with enthusiasm.  From all reports he smiled, he smiled and his father said he would still smile even if he had a diaper pin stuck in him  he was such a happy-go-lucky, gentle child. 
  
 He loved trucks and all the usual boyhood toys.  As he got older, he developed a passionate interest in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and had all of the books written about the Force.  He especially liked the American comic book series about an RCMP dog - King of the Royal Mounted.   


Paul joined the RCMP in the spring of 1965.  

Paul married me, Janet Ellen McDermott on April 1, 1967. 

In 1969, he registered in the Bachelor's Program at the University of Saskatchewan when mature students were first admitted for studies towards that degree.  It was a tough time being on campus in those years because the students then were not enthralled with the RCMP.  Paul used to wear one of my wigs (very fashionable at the time) so they wouldn't recognize his crew cut and be identified as a Mountie.    Not long after that we returned to the North Shore.  Paul re-enlisted in the RCMP.  He was sworn in at the North Shore Detachment and patrolled North Vancouver for most of the next decade.  He was involved in many community activities.  He loved teaching and taught courses for the Provincial Government's Hospitality program in preparation for Expo '86. He continued to teach at a private college for students seeking certification in the hospitality industry.  

After many years in the security field he taught private investigation for the Attorney General's Ministry.  Later, he returned to the tourism industry, working at a hotel in Dubai.  Upon his return to Canada, he became involved once again in the security industry and then on to the transportation of people and product.  

The more difficult it was the more he liked it.  After a serious accident in 2006 it was no longer possible for him to drive large trucks and buses.  That also marked the beginning of a battle with diabetes.

He will always be remembered for his big smile, his flexibility, his love of people, having fun and his love of our Golden Retrievers.  

He was known for his longstanding friendships which spanned decades.

Paul fought so hard and wouldn't give in to diabetes until the bitter end when I held his hand as he took his last breath.  I told him to take the best flight of his life and to pull that flight stick back as hard as he could for a great non-stop flight up to Heaven.  With that, he left me to fly there where he would be greeted by our family, friends  and all the animals.  
I will be forever grateful to Paul, my best friend and confidant, for a lifetime of matchless memories.

-  Janet E. Morris

 Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, 
Love leaves a memory     no one can steal.

PATER noster, qui es in coelis;
sanctificatur nomen tuum:
Adveniat regnum tuum;
fiat voluntas tua, 
sicut in coelo, et in terra.
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie:
Et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris:
et ne nos inducas in tentationem:
sed libera nos a malo.

It has taken me a while to sit to write this message but I am now finally putting my thoughts in order after Paul's too early death.  We met Paul in 1971 when Janet & I were working at Capilano College.  We became fast friends then and have remained so over the years.  My husband, Ian, always said that Paul was the most positive person he had ever met and I think he continued with that philosophy till his passing.  Our early years were spent with many dinner parties at each other's houses where there was always lots of good food and liquid refreshments!  

When our kids started arriving, Paul & Janet were always there to be the best adopted "aunt & uncle" that our kids had.  Paul was always so keen to take the kids to special events, such as the circus or the rodeo or the ballet, that we couldn't afford to do.  It was much appreciated and nearly 40 years later is still talked about.  Paul played Santa for several years for our children's elementary school until one of our kids said "Santa has a watch just like Uncle Paul's"!  That meant it was time to get a new Santa.  

Paul was always full of great ideas, which sometimes led him to some troubles, but it was not out of malice that this happened; he was just so enthusiastic about an idea that he couldn't see the down side.  Ian and our other friend, Richard, had to keep reigning him in at times.  I think they are all having a good time up in heaven now.  (Probably got into a good bottle of Scotch!) The 3 of them had a great time together trying to fix up a little house that Paul & Janet moved to in the late '80s.  There were lots of laughs in spite of the challenges they encountered. 

Paul was a fantastic policeman when he was with the RCMP.  He took Ian along one night for a "ride along" and Ian came back so impressed with how Paul handled so many different situations with such diplomacy and skill.  Ian was amazed at how well Paul knew the backroads of North Van - he could find alleys that no one knew about! He also was a marvellous teacher and an excellent salesman.  I think his sense of integrity kept him at the top of whatever line of work he was in at the time.

When Paul and Janet separated, we lost contact with Paul but he always remained a part of our family through the stories that were told.  Janet would keep us updated with his latest exploits so we never really lost touch, even though we saw each other rarely.  Paul's death has touched our family deeply and we will always remember him for his caring and fun sense of humour and his love of life. 

There is an old African saying regarding death....."you are never truly gone until the last person that knew you is gone too".  Paul, I hope you are soaring with the eagles now - you so rightly deserve it.  Peace be with you now.

Our whole family joins me in sending condolences to Janet, Yvonne & Eddy.

Paul and I met during Expo 86 and hit it off immediately. He was like an older brother and was always an inspiration to me. I admired all the wonderful qualities that made him the special person that he was. He had intelligence, wit, charm, a wicked sense of humour and a caring heart that made him such a great friend. 

Paul was always in a positive mood and rarely complained about anything,even when he endured so many health challenges. 

I came to trust his judgment and wisdom and his advice was always so well thought out and helpful, albeit sometimes a little long winded!   I never heard an ill word spoken of Paul. He was old school   a true gentleman with a kind, compassionate soul.

I'll never forget the day that he met Mary, he was so excited and told me that he had just met the most beautiful woman and he planned on spending the rest of his life with her.  So sad that it was not to be..

An avid reader, Paul had a mind full of trivia and it never ceased to amaze me what he knew about so many different subjects. Some of  it was absolutely useless information, but always entertaining!

I had no idea that the dinner we shared before Christmas was to be the last one of many that we enjoyed together over the years.  

I will always be thankful that I had the opportunity to get to know him better and to call him a friend. 

The poet Yeats once wrote "Count where man's glory most begins and ends, and say my glory is I had such friends."

My sincere condolences to Yvonne, Eddie and Mary

You are sorely missed Paul, may God bless and keep you in His care.

Dear friend Paul...You were the friendliest, kindest gentleman that I had ever met. Paul was a public speaker, he could tell wonderful humorous stories and read biographies constantly he traveled around the world. He was a historian growing up in North Vancouver his family very committed to the RC good  work he even converted me!. As a young boy he not only was an alter boy who traveled the interior with the Oblates, but had a newspaper route. He went to Vancouver College and Tacoma and wanted to be a pilot experiencing life near Boeing. He returned to Canada as, a member of the RCMP the most entertaining  tour bus driver and started many multilevel business's
Paul always loved  symphony music and always greeted people with what wonderful things have happened to you today? Positive throughout the past 13 14 years that I have known him as a caregiver and friend he called everyday at 10 pm to ask if I had experienced a wonderful day...he was just like that and I will miss him, but I will remember I am sure he was loved by many and yes he indeed left a footprint on our hearts(as quoted at the funeral).,  
When one asked Paul after his accident In U.S.and hospitalized for 3 months and six month at a time.  he would say I feel great and tomorrow I will be even better. He had 6 artery bipass;s at VGH the next year and finally with his diabetes lost his leg at Holy Family.Paul fell many times and with scars from many accidents he would get up by himself again . Paul never used the word quit or give up he was an inspiration to all he met.He knew everything about airoplanes and as a pilot he has gained his final eternal wings of that I am sure..

Paul was a fellow troopmate and a very special one at that. He was exceedingly warm, honest and kind.  Whatever Paul did was done with passion and total commitment.  Janet was the light of his life.  He lived life well and I am sure that his wonderful journey has only just begun.

We were saddened to read of Paul's passing in the Vancouver Sun this past Saturday.  We met Janet and Paul in the early 80's shortly after acquiring our first golden retriever.  Brandee  was a grand daughter to their British Import "Kelly" And so the journey began in the golden retriever and holistic world!  We enjoyed many years participating  in club events, picnics and such with the Morris's.  Rest in Peace Paul. 
Thinking of you Janet.

 
PAUL JOSEPH MORRIS
Born January 29th 1943 at St. Paul's Hospital Vancouver, BC
Joined RCMP Spring 1965; Regimental Number 23843
Entered Eternal Life February 10th 2016 
Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday March 9th 2016 at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 424 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC

Paul's ability to form strong bonds applied equally to people, dogs and horses.  During his early years with the RCMP, Paul was assigned a beautiful black horse named Burmese.  She had been trained by S/Sgt. Fred Rasmussen but as her rider, Paul also contributed to her formation.   This special horse was given by the RCMP to Queen Elizabeth II to honour her as the RCMP's Honorary Commissioner.  For 18 consecutive years (1969 to 1986), the Queen rode Burmese during the impressive Trooping of the Colours ceremony.  Her Majesty rode Burmese from Buckingham Palace down The Mall and back.

Once Burmese was retired, the Queen decided not to train another horse to replace her.  Likely, Her Majesty realized that there could never be another like her favourite horse.  Before Burmese was moved to live out the rest of her life in the park grounds of Windsor Castle, Paul and Janet went to the Royal Mews to see her for a last visit.  On the Queen's orders, no one was ever to ride Burmese again.  The special horse lived to be 28 years old.  She died in 1990.  Burmese is buried in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Paul and Burmese had this in common: both were unique and special.  It isn't possible to replace either one!

Paul was a kind, generous man of faith and loyalty, we only knew him for a short time but he warmed our heart.                Lorna Davies and Ralph Hahmann (Surrey BC)

I was most saddened to receive Janet's email that Paul had departed on his last flight.

Paul was a warm, generous and thoughtful man, who enjoyed new experiences.  I was a fellow with his own Cessna 172, so it was inevitable that we would fly together.  

In 1975, we flew in my plane to the big EAA fly-in in Oshkosh, WI.  In 1978 we flew to Reno, Nevada to attend the Reno air races.  In 1982 we departed Vancouver for a fly-in at Watsonville, CA but didn't make it there because of bad weather south of Eugene.  

In all of these long trips, Paul was a wonderful companion in the narrow confines of a 172's cockpit.

My condolences to Janet and my fondest hope that Paul touches down safely.

Paul was a member of our troop in Depot.   L Troop 64/65.  Rest in peace my brother.  I will advise the remaining members of our Troop.  May God bless you.

 Paul will always live in our memories.  We enjoyed his company at many Shepherd family holiday dinners.  What good times!  Paul and Janet also presented us with our wedding album containing all of the photographs that Paul had taken that day.  We have treasured this thoughtful gift for many years.  
Our sincere condolences to Janet and to Paul's family.

Paul is a man that I am proud to know as a friend. The eternal optimist.

Rest in peace my Brother from diferent Mother.

  I met Paul through my sister, Liz Shepherd. Because of his sense of humour I always enjoyed when I got to see him on my visits west . He always had a smile and something smart to say! I can still see the look on his face that New Years Eve so long ago when he realized Liz was not pulling his leg and she really WAS in labour. He, of course, jumped in and offered to drive to the hospital being the experienced and trained RCMP officer he was. He was always willing to share and did so when I needed some RCMP accessories (buttons) for a baby bunting bag that looked like the dress uniform. Thank you for that Paul!
  Paul lived life large and the world is now a little emptier for his passing. He will be missed by many.

Still cherishing memories of the last call I got from Paul the evening of January 31.  He said he'd be in hospital for a few weeks.  I was coming to Vancouver for a visit and we made plans that the three of us (Paul, Janet and I) would have lunch.  Paul wanted to help me with my latest project and said he'd introduce me to Father Brioux. Just two days later, Janet called to tell me that Paul had started to decline. I began to dread the day-by-day reports until he went home to Heaven on February 10.  Sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Janet - always Paul's faithful and most reliable support.

I have known Paul for well over 50 years. For 27 years of those years we were married and forever we were best friends and companions.  His goal in life when I first met him was to become a member of the Royal Canadian Police and he accomplished that in 1965 when he became RCMP member 23843 and served in Saskatoon and North Vancouver.

I will always remember Paul for his big smile, his flexibility, his kindness, his love of people and dogs.

I will be forever grateful to Paul, for the 27 happy years I spent with him, my best friend and confidant and for a lifetime of matchless memories.  His death will leave a heartache that will never heal and his love leaves memories that will never fade. 

Thank you Paul for the memories and we have already raised our glasses of champagne to salute you and the memories.

OBITUARIO

Paul Joseph Morris

29 enero, 1943 – 10 febrero, 2016

Glenhaven Memorial Chapel

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