Mr. Morton was my grade 6 (2006-2007) and grade 7 (2007-2008) teacher at Lakeview Elementary School. He left a lasting impression on me, especially by nurturing my love of reading. He had recommended that I read The Heaven Shop - a recommendation that deepened my awareness of inequity and inequality. This ultimately shaped my path toward working to improve my community and beyond.

Such a recommendation reflected who he was as a teacher: intentional, empathetic, and compassionate. Mr. Morton made every student feel valued, brought humour and energy into the classroom, and always listened when we were struggling. He made learning fun and engaging, always ready with a joke to make us laugh. Some of my favourite memories of him were of dressing up as the Green Giant for Halloween, combining P.E. classes with another teacher (and us getting into trouble for it), and checking in on us weekly through the thorns, roses, and buds activity. These formative years were so rich with learning, inclusivity, and joy.

My family and I are deeply grateful to have known Mr. Morton. He helped build a classroom—and a community—where kindness and support were at the heart of everything. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. I hope they find comfort in knowing how deeply he touched the lives of so many students, families, teachers and staff.

It's not enough to say that Mr. Morton was my favorite teacher I'd ever had. For me, he was the first non-relative adult who made me feel special and good about myself. That kind of unwavering faith, someone has in you at such a young age, is exactly what you need when you're growing up. Someone to believe in you and see the best in you, even when you don't see it in yourself. He made this effort to make every student feel special and seen, even if you weren't in his class, he made you feel welcome and appreciated. 

While my memories from being in his 6th grade class feel a lifetime away, the impact he had and continue to have on shaping the person I have become hasn't. As I've carried on my own life, throughout the years, I've vicariously passed on his impact on myself to young swimmers I've taught. Striving to make them feel special and leave a positive impact on them too, as Mr. Morton did for me. Everyone wants someone to believe in them, so they can believe in themselves. 

He didn't just teach math, science, and good fun, he taught us how to have self-compassion,  be ambitious and reach our potential, and to reflect on who we want to be. I would not be who I am today if Mr. Morton hadn't been my teacher and I will be forever grateful to have learned from him. 

We will never forget him and miss him dearly. Sending immense love to his loved ones, may Mr. Morton rest in peace.

- Keyena Kler, Kassius Kler, Karen Kler, & Kundan Kler <3

Continuation from previous memory:

Over the three years he taught my girls, I got to know Jason.  He truly cared about our kids well being and growth.  While of course he did a good job of teaching the academics of Grade 5, that was not his primary focus.  He told me on several occasions that Grade 5 is the year that students discover their sense of self.  He often shared with me and even delighted in my kids social and emotional stumbles, as he was excited for their growth in these situations.  When my eldest missed the deadline of handing in her book project, he applauded her for learning a valuable life lesson in time management.  He was their safe place to fall and he taught them how to stand.

My deepest condolences to Shelley and Susan.  I hope you find solace in knowing that Jason was so impactful to so many lives at Gilmore.

To Jason’s family,

I didn’t leave a note in the guest book at the funeral, so I wanted to leave one here.

My three daughters were all lucky to be able to have Mr. Morton as their Grade 5 teacher at Gilmore.  He taught my eldest the first year back to in-school learning during covid.  His dad jokes created such a levity to the difficult situation and was a blessing in the challenging environment.  My youngest was in the last full year class he taught.

During that first year of Jason teaching my eldest daughter, we first connected when he told us that he and Susan had been swimming in my parent-in-law’s pool before, with Julia a mutual friend taking them.  My kids were in awe that a Gilmore teacher had been to their Grandparents’ house! 

Throughout the three years he taught my daughters, he would frequently come out and find me outside the front door at pick up time to give me regular updates on how my children were doing or just to say hi or to try and trick one of my daughters into looking down.  My two oldest daughters where some of the last players in his don’t look down game and they loved the honour and prestige of enjoying their Slurpee prize.  I was not as apt and would look down every single time he told them that their shoelaces were untied or that they had dropped something on the floor.  His don’t look down game was a right of passage for Gilmore’s Grade 7 students.

to be continued (reached max characters allowed)

Mr. Morton

It is very hard to articulate and express the words to let you, your family and colleagues know how enormous your presence, humor, support and enjoyment you brought to us all day to day at Gilmore Community School. You made my kids feel like a million bucks each and every day. I remember you emphasizing how we should learn from our kids, listen to them and let them thrive. You were an original gem of a teacher and I am thankful my two boys had you as their teacher and mentor. We miss you and you will forever be in our heart and we will cherish the memories you created. 💝

Mr. Morton - 
It is very hard to articulate and express the words to let you, your family and colleagues know how enormous your presence, humor, support and enjoyment you brought to us all day to day at Gilmore Community School. You made my kids feel like a million bucks each and every day. I remember you emphasizing how we should learn from our kids, listen to them and let them thrive. You were an original gem of a teacher and I am thankful my two boys had you as their teacher and mentor. We miss you and you will forever be in our heart and we will cherish the memories you created. 💝

Mr. Morton was one of the best teachers I’ve ever gotten. I was lucky enough to get him as my fifth grade teacher, and the room just seemed brighter when he walked in. 

He was always willing to help and he somehow made learning and school fun. He always had so many hats, there’d be an elephant hat and a mickey hat, and when I thought there couldn’t be anymore hats, he’d pull out at least 3 more! 

Mr. Morton always knew how to make everyone laugh. He really made a difference in my life, and I will always remember him.

Reading the messages from your students, their parents, and your colleagues fills me with deep respect and pride. The impact you had as a teacher is clear in every word they’ve shared — you changed lives with your kindness, your wisdom, and your heart.

few know the road we have travelled, I am glad that we were able to mend the past 

You will live on in my heart forever, and I’ll carry your spirit with me every step forward. I miss you deeply, and I love you always.

— Your brother

Dearest Shelley + Susan and Family,

We are heartbroken over the sudden passing of Mr. Morton—an unforgettable teacher, a constant source of laughter, and quite possibly the only person who made school exciting!  

Ari was lucky to have him in Grade 5, where his legendary jokes, quirky wisdom, and relentless encouragement turned learning into an adventure. Whether pushing kids to excel in studies, sports, or simply to laugh a little louder, he made every day brighter.

Max, on the other hand, spent every new school year hoping for the moment Mr. Morton would magically appear on his class schedule. Sadly, it never happened—but that didn’t stop him from appreciating the daily greetings, the endless good vibes. 

And of course, The Trick—his famous challenge to get every student to look down before they made it through Grade 7!  Whether they finally caved or held strong until the very end, it became a rite of passage—one last mischievous test before stepping into the next chapter.

Mr. Morton left a lasting mark on our entire family and our hearts - his famous Friday afternoon Greek Food pick-ups for Shelley and Susan on his way back to beautiful Bowen were beyond appreciated and will never be forgotten!

We know his legacy will live on in the countless smiles, lessons - may all his loved ones find comfort in knowing his joy will continue to ripple through our world and Gilmore School forever!

Sending light, laughter, and the biggest hugs! 

All our love, Matt, Bia, Ari and Max Yasinchuk + our entire Sfinaki Taverna Family! xo

Jason was the most wonderful and memorable elementary school teacher I ever had. I will always remember how he supported me with my creative writing, and how he pushed me to grow as a student. I will remember the "JAM nails" meme forever. I will cherish my time with "Mr. Morton" forever. Rest in peace.

Mr. Morton was my grade 6/7 teacher at Lakeview Elementary, and he was such a wonderful person who always believed in me and made me smile. His warmth, sense of humour, and genuine care for each of his students left a lasting impression on me.

He was the first teacher to recognize my artistic talent and gave me so many opportunities to express that creativity in the classroom. In many ways, he helped shape the path I’m on now, as I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Arts at UBC, and I often reflect on the support he gave me all those years ago. 

I will always be grateful for his guidance, kindness, and the lasting impact he made on me and my classmates. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all those he inspired. <3

Jason Morton was such a gentle, wonderful teacher and even moreso as a person. I never had him as a teacher directly during my time at Lakeview, but that didn't stop his efforts in getting to know me! To him there was no such barrier. He made an effort to learn my name and all about me. Whenever he got a chance he would make a point to always ask about my day and about my life. When I broke my leg in fifth grade he was always making me laugh, especially when I'd get frustrated from my mobility limitations. To this day I remember him every time the song "Safe and Sound" by Capital Cities plays, because it was his favourite!! And he'd yell the lyrics every time during aerobics class for the entire school to hear!!
He had such a genuine care for every student he met, whether or not they were directly in his class. He was encouraging, funny, and kind. A gem in the education system. His impact will be dearly cherished, and to his loved ones, I wish you nothing but love <3

Mr. Morton was a delight to have as a teacher, but he was so much more than that. He was a caring person and created a safe space within the bubble of his classroom. So while I had troubles at home, Mr. Morton would ensure I felt loved and appreciated at school.

He was my grade 6 teacher at Lakeview Elementary. My time with him as my teacher and role model is partially why I am pursuing a degree and career in elementary education. I aim to create a similar safe space and be as caring as him, as the way he taught had such a positive impact on his students even after leaving his classroom. His message left in my grade 6 yearbook is still a quote I hold near and dear to my heart. Mr. Morton shook the world with the impact he had on all those he interacted with. My sister, cousins, and I had the pleasure of having him as a teacher. We send our condolences to his family.

- Regene and the Eliseeff family

He was the best teacher i’ve ever had. He was very caring and supportive during his time as my teacher. Among us children, we talked about him always and were so happy if we got into his class as he was known as “the chillest teacher”. As I grow older I think about him a lot and realize how impactful he really was in my life. He was able to not only teach us, but he instilled values in us that I still follow and respect to this day. And he showed us that it was possible to relate to a teacher because we would always talk about the Call Of Duty video game and that is one of my favorite memories to this day.

Jason Morton was a wonderful amazing Person.  He was my son’s teacher and mentor from kindergarten to grade seven at LakeView Elementary in Burnaby. We are very saddened by this news. Our deepest sincere utmost condolences to the family and friends. Jason will be missed in so many ways.  May you rest in peace and God Bless your family. Always remembered and deeply missed 🙏🏼🙏🏼. 

Bill and Marcus Dhasi

Jason Morton or as I knew him better as Mr Morton. He was my grade 6-7 teacher at Lakeview Elementary. He shared an unrivalled passion for his students and teaching ensuring all the people in his class not only had good memories but with knowledge for the real world. 

My mother passed away when I was in grade 7 the first day I had come back to school after the lose he greeted me with the biggest hug and comfort any educator had given me. I always held him and his teachings close in my heart even now in my adult years. 

I will miss him. My heart and soul goes to his family and friends as well since an excellent man was taken away from us far too soon.

-Marcus Dhasi

Mr. Morton was my grade 6 and 7 teacher at Lakeview elementary. He was a kind, caring and a genuine person. You could tell he cared deeply about his students as well as his passion of teaching. This photo of us was taken at my grade 7 graduation.

I adored this man. My son joined his school in grade 5 a few years ago, and Jason was patient and caring. Gabe is graduating with honours, and at least some of that is due to Jason. I had the pleasure of seeing him often as we live close to Gilmore, and I always enjoyed updating him on how Gabe was doing. Certainly a great loss.

I  was saddened to hear of Jason's passing. I got to know him after I retired (from Gilmore) and TOCing at Gilmore. I quickly learned he was a joke teller who shared his sense of humour with his class. (similar to my teaching style). I would tease his class about how my jokes were funnier than his, which Jason and his students took in stride. He sure had some good ones! Condolences to his family.

I met Mr. Morton when I was in elementary school. Mind you, I am 20 years old now. After all this time, I still remember him, and  It goes to show the impact he made. Although, he wasn’t my teacher at the time, I wished he was because he radiated sunlight. He was caring, charismatic, and kind. He made everyone laugh, and was truly there for every child he encountered. He probably wouldn’t have remembered me, but I remember him. My heart is with him and his family. My condolences.

It’s hard to put into words what Mr. Morton meant to our child and our family. He wasn’t just a teacher, he was a guiding light during a time when our child was learning to understand who they are and where they fit in the world. With endless kindness, Mr.  Morton became a safe space, a steady voice of encouragement, and a true champion of our child’s journey.

When others may have looked past the quiet struggles, he saw potential. He listened when it mattered most, never judged, and always reminded our child of their worth. His belief in them gave them the confidence to believe in themselves. That kind of impact is rare and unforgettable.

We will carry his memory with deep gratitude, knowing our child is forever shaped by his support, compassion, and unwavering faith in them.

Thank you, Jason, for being exactly who our child needed. You will be missed more than words can say.

Mr Morton  even though my kids didn’t have you as a teacher they will always remember your kindness,  jokes and tricks on the school playground. But most of all gonna miss seeing you on the soccer field on the weekends! You were an amazing teacher & person with the biggest heart. Our condolences to the family during this difficult time, you are in our thoughts & prayer's 💔🙏🏻 🕊️ 

The Randazzo Family

Mr. Morton will be dearly missed. Both of my children loved being in his class or just having him around at Gilmore. When I needed to get to work early, he allowed my daughter to come into his classroom early in the winter. This kind of small but meaningful kindness was typical of him. His warmth and ability to make everyone feel welcome and seen was greatly appreciated.

Mr. Morton was and always will be the most influential teacher my son has ever had.  After a very rough year at Gilmore, Jason took my son into his class and completely changed my sons entire perspective about authority figures and the school system.  He went above and beyond to help rebuild my sons confidence, regain trust in teachers, and all along the way, offered a fun and exciting teaching curriculum.  You could not walk down the hallways without seeing at least 10 kids hi fiving him, playing silly games, or just wanting to give him a hug.  He ended up taking my son the following year as well; we could not have been happier.  He put in so much time and effort into being an amazing teacher, someone who was put on this earth to make a true and everlasting impact on the kids he taught.  I think he will forever be the best teacher ever, as he set the bar so very high.  He was dedicated to making a difference in our kids lives, and he did just that.  My son Dayton and I are forever grateful for everything Mr. Morton did to help navigate him through some tough years.  He will be missed by so many.  Thinking so very much of his family and his loved ones, and sending our deepest condolences to them all.

Our family got to know Jason while he was teaching at Lakeview Elementary in Burnaby. He was a wonderful addition to the Lakeview community, bringing so many gifts with him. Fun-loving, kind, and generous, Jason was always ready to help with anything the students or PAC imagined. His goofy Halloween costumes were legendary, and in every memory I have of him, he was smiling or laughing. He brought joy wherever he went.
Most importantly, he was an exceptional teacher.  We often spoke about the importance of connecting with all students—especially those who hadn’t yet found their footing socially or academically. Jason was deeply committed to inclusivity and had a gift for recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths in every child. He helped his students become more resilient, more compassionate, and often, simply kinder—because he modeled empathy in everything he did.
Jason’s loss will be deeply felt by each community he touched. His passion, insight, and heart left a lasting mark not only on his students, but on their parents as well. He was definitely one of the good ones! 
To Shelley and Susan—though we never met, I feel as though we did. Jason spoke of you both so often, and always with pure joy and love. You lit up his life, and he made sure everyone knew it. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

Jason was the stalwart, dependable and always positive guy that you could turn to.  I turned to him frequently at the district track meets.  He'd invariably be one of those people who after helping run the meet, was checking in to see if there was anything else he could help with or asking how he could best help out at the next one.  This was usually about 5:45, close to 6 pm at Central Park-a bit of a drive from Horseshoe Bay where he'd need to go to head home to Bowen.  I was always struck by the space he created in every conversation and his great big guy goofiness put on for the benefit of everyone else.  He was one of the most humble and kind people I've ever had the pleasure to know.

OBITUARIO

Jason Andrew Morton

9 octubre, 1970 – 14 abril, 2025

Hollyburn Funeral Home

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