Donald Morrison

The family of Donald Morrison age 81 beloved husband of Orphys Morrison of Dunleath sadly announce his passing on Friday February 18, 2022 in Regina SK.

DONALD ANGUS MORRISON passed away in the Regina General Hospital on Friday, February 18, 2022 at the age of 81. Don, the only child of Angus and Joanna (Janet) Morrison, was born March 16, 1940.  He was brought into a devout Presbyterian home, growing up on a small mixed farm in the RM of Wallace, a mile from Barvas corner. 

Don went to Barvas School, where Grades 1 to 8 were taught.  He walked the tracks in the summer and rode the cutter in the winter. He graduated here with an excellent report card, but he chose not to go on to Yorkton to continue his formal education. Although Don didn’t finish school, he always loved to study.  He researched a subject till he felt competent in it.  He studied carpentry on his own and built a sturdy addition to their home with all its cupboards and a hardwood floor. 

Don’s parents were older when they received him into their hearts and home, so they were especially grateful for Don’s help to keep the farm going. He farmed from spring to fall, and he trapped all winter.  The trapping provided the money used all year for items like matches, flour, sugar, and a barrel of pickled herring.  Otherwise, they were self-sufficient with what they grew and raised on the farm.

Don met Orphys Purves in Yorkton and their first date was at the Sturgis Fair.  Don’s mother lived with the newlyweds for about 10 years after their marriage, and she and Orphys were best of friends.

Don worked on threshing crews, but it wasn’t long before that mode of harvest was outdated.  His well-digging business too was soon overtaken by new mechanical advances.  Over the years, Don had several other jobs.  He drove graders and cats while working for Fedorowich Construction and was part of the crew that first levelled and paved the York Road in Yorkton.  He served 2 terms as a municipal councillor.  With the inheritance of a house in Yorkton, he began a rental business.  He loved flowers and enjoyed selling trees, shrubs and smaller plants from the Co-op Greenhouse.

Don loved sports—all sports.  He curled for years and years, and ran the Tonkin’s Curling Rink.  He organized sports--including horseshoe tournaments at the Yorkton Fair--and he always attended the rodeos.  He went to hockey games with his good friend Paul, even if it meant travelling through a blizzard.  As he got older, he was content to listen to football and hockey games on the radio.  Going to auctions became one of his great pleasures, and he would travel hundreds of miles to a good one.  He never failed to find some great bargains and “treasures”.

Don loved his 4 grandchildren: Alex, Cara, Baler and Leigh. He enjoyed buying gifts for them and could always be persuaded to play board games with them.

As Don aged, diabetes continued to take its toll, and he gradually lost his sight. He felt his loss of independence keenly.  He was able to remain at home until the last few days of his life.

Don’s parents, Angus and Janet, and his parents-in-law, John and Corrine Purves, predeceased him.  His wife Orphys and his son Tyrone and wife Kristine and family will remember him always.

A funeral service for Don will be held on Monday February 28, 2022 at 1:00 pm from Christie's Funeral Home and Crematorium Yorkton, SK.  Interment to follow in Yorkton Memorial Gardens.

The service will be live streamed starting at 12:50 please click onto the link provided to view the service http://www.facebook.com/christiesfuneralhome.

For more information or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.ChristiesFuneralHome.com.

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