Glenn Allen Morris

Glenn will be lovingly remembered by his wife of fifty-seven years Donna; daughters Elizabeth, Lesley, Nancy and Heather; their husbands Bill Kristjanson, David Meunier, Tony O’Regan, and Kevin Smith; and grandchildren: Shannon and Kevin Kristjanson; Matthew, Michael, and Aimee Meunier; Trevor, Daniel, and Caroline O’Regan; and Kyle (Amanda), Sean, and Devan Smith. Also remembering Glenn are his sister Enid Durward, in-laws Andy Duncan, Glenn and Joyce Lye, Charles Lye and Donna McMillan and many dear nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Joe and Annie Morris, Donna’s parents Ralph and Kathleen Lye, siblings Robbie and Winona McFarlane, Wilma Duncan, Jim Durward, and nephews Charlie Lye and Wilf Taillieu.

Glenn was born in Austin, Manitoba on September 15, 1934, the son of Joe and Annie Morris. After losing his dad at the age of five, Glenn was nurtured by his loving mom and three older sisters, as well as numerous family members and neighbours, in particular, Cyril Randall. He enjoyed growing up in small town Manitoba, playing ball and hockey, providing music for the town movies, and working in Randall’s store. Dad often shared warm memories of the days when he was young.

Glenn attended the University of Manitoba and was awarded the University Gold Medal in Civil Engineering upon graduation. He continued his studies, earning a Masters degree at the U of M and a PhD at the University of Illinois. He served for 38 years at the U of M Faculty of Engineering as a professor and administrator. He enjoyed working with students and colleagues and fostered many friendships. Glenn was an Honorary Life Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba, a recipient of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers’ Professional Service Award, a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers, and was appointed Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba following his retirement in 1997. Later, Glenn continued his professional activities, particularly as a consultant with his friend Ram Godse.

Through sports, (especially the Fort Richmond Old-timers hockey team), work, church, and the communities where he lived, Glenn developed many friendships. He was grateful to all of those folks for the richness they added to his life. Their support and kindness, especially throughout the past year, was a blessing to him.

Glenn would say his greatest pleasure was his family. He and Donna Lye were married in 1958 and began a life together that has been a source of joy and inspiration for their kids and grandkids. Mom and Dad simply loved being together. Their deep affection and selfless care for one another was very evident in the past year during Dad’s illness.

Glenn and Donna built a home in Fort Garry where their four daughters grew up. Family life was busy with music lessons, dance lessons, involvement in church, fixing up the house, and happy times at the lake. He was delighted to welcome our husbands to the family, teasing about finally having some boys on his team! The love and respect with which Dad treated his children has given us the foundation for the rearing of our own families.

Dad and Mom were blessed with eleven grandchildren. Grandma and Grandpa’s love knew no bounds when it came to their grandkids. The cottage they built at Clear Lake became the home base for many wonderful family times. If anyone was ever looking for Glenn they only needed to find the kids and Grandpa would be there in the midst of them. He was their biggest supporter and most devoted fan, always genuinely interested in whatever they were doing – education, work, sports, music, and friends. Playing catch, singing karaoke, golfing, hockey, building projects, good conversation, Grandpa was always keen and the kids adored him.

A man of great integrity, Glenn developed a strong work ethic as a young man, which served him well throughout his life. He often voiced his gratitude for many blessings, among them family, friends, work, and “the best country in the world” to call home. He had a great sense of humour, unfailing optimism, and a generous heart. Glenn considered himself fortunate to have had a wonderful life. He was determined to be a positive example to those he loved and he was to the end. Although we can’t imagine our lives without him, we are thankful for all that he taught us and for the unfailing love he gave each of us.

A memorial service for Glenn will be held on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard with the Rev. Tim Sale officiating.

Our family is grateful for the care Glenn received through his illness from Dr. Rowland Hayward, Dr. Piotr Czaykowski, the WRHA Palliative Care Program, and many other medical professionals. Thanks to Glenn’s brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Lye and his wife Donna McMillan, for their support in caring for Dad at home at the lake these last weeks. Thanks also to the staff at Riverwood Square.

Flowers are gratefully declined. If you wish, donations could be made to WRHA Palliative Care Fund, Winnipeg Harvest, or a charity of your choice.