Tribute

Doug entered the world at Grace Hospital in Vancouver and, after a short stay, left from Bevan Village in Abbotsford. He grew up in the Kerrisdale neighbourhood, graduating from Magee High School in 1948. He worked on his father’s dairy farm in Dewdney then lived in Powell River and on Vancouver Island for many years, but he was always proud to say he was a native Vancouverite.

Doug spent most of his work career with MacMillan Bloedel, beginning in Powell River running the paper machines. He worked in personnel in logging divisions on Vancouver Island for several years before taking two years’ sabbatical to attend the University of Victoria, returning to the Lower Mainland to work at Canadian White Pine and MB’s head office. He spent his last years with the company as the Safety Supervisor for Woodroom #3 at Harmac in Nanaimo. After retirement, he worked for a kitchen design company, got his real estate licence and worked at Henderson’s Fraser Valley Funeral Home.

While living on Vancouver Island Doug got his private pilot’s licence and he enjoyed scuba diving after getting his NAUI certification. In later years he volunteered for various seniors’ programs at Community Services in Abbotsford and worked at the MCC thrift store. He loved to travel and was always looking forward to the next adventure.

Doug’s other passion was singing. As a boy he sang with The King’s Men at Ryerson United Church in Kerrisdale. He began barbershop singing with The Nanaimo Tidesmen and, after moving to Abbotsford in 1987, he sang with several choruses including The Greater Vancouver Gentlemen of Fortune. As well as attending international barbershop conventions across North America and in Scotland, his greatest memories were of spending a month singing with The Kentones in Bromley, England, and an evening with the Vocal Majority in Dallas, Texas. After retiring from barbershop singing, Doug sang with the Bakerview MB Church Fellowship Choir for several years.

He was predeceased by his parents, George and Eva Morrison; his brother, George, and wife Colleen. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carolyn; three daughters, Karen Morrison, Donna LaBoissiere and Janine Payne; his three favourite nieces, Marjorie Ross, Susan Severide and Kate Morrison; grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth . . . put out my hand, and touched the face of God.” From

High Flight by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.