John (Jack) E Morris

May 7, 1930 ~ January 12, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of John “Jack” Morris announce his passing on January 12, 2021 in Prince Albert, SK.

Born in Regina, SK Jack attended all his schooling in Regina. He was spending many summers at the family cottage at Regina Beach with his parents and siblings. Fishing, sports, and beach activities were always on the agenda for the family.

After completing grade 12, Jack had a brief job in the logging industry, but his real calling was the Provincial Government. His first job was in the mailroom in Regina. Over the years, he moved around to many departments including the Regional health department, Department of Finance, Saskatoon Rehabilitation Center, Wascana Hospital, and He would joke that when a new health minister would be elected, they would have to whip him into shape.

His career flourished with senior management roles throughout the years, and when he retired in 1983 from the Department of Northern Saskatchewan (DNS), he was the Deputy Director. He had worked 35 years and looked forward to retirement. He made many lifelong friendships in La Ronge that stayed dear to his heart his entire life, especially meeting Johnny Cash and his wife June when they were fishing in La Ronge.

Jack married Martha Petrovicz June 20, 1949. They had one daughter Debbie Morris. The family resided in Regina, but as Jack’s career flourished, they moved to Saskatoon, then La Ronge, Sask. This is where the family settled until Martha’s untimely passing on January 31, 1976.

Jack re-married Loretta Scarrow on August 4, 1978 and continued to reside in La Ronge. Jack spent one term on town council in La Ronge as a counselor in his busy schedule. But there was always time for fishing for trout and jackfish on the lake. This would also continue in the winter months, with a few friends and family. And he could always be found on the ice curling in the winters.

Jack was always an enthusiastic builder and was fearless in tackling any project. Building a log cabin turned out to be very rewarding but very challenging. In later years, after moving to Prince Albert, he constructed a sunroom on their house. Never wanting to waste a moment, the city permit was overlooked. But after some quick taking, the project was back on track.

While living in their home, Jack provided what seemed to be an endless supply of crabapples to the family while encouraging any type of baking he could think of.

He also built a new modern cabin at Waskesiu for him and Loretta. He rounded up two friends, as well as Leo his son-in-law as a carpenter and son, Dale as a plumber, a beautiful cabin was erected and enjoyed for many years.

A good time was had by all. Jack enjoyed golfing at Elk Ridge with Don and Deliany, with a good meal and a beer to follow.

Both Jack and Loretta always believed in giving back to the community. They were very active in the Lions Club in Prince Albert. At one point, Jack was nominated to be District Governor. This was the ultimate highlight of his Lions career. He and mom traveled thousands of miles to attend Lions gatherings throughout North America. And delivering meals on wheels in Prince Albert brought great happiness to them both.

Over the years, they were well known at the bowling alley. Never missing a league game or event.

Jack always looked forward to his fishing trips to Otter Lake, SK with Leo. As hard as he tried, he never seemed to out fish Leo but never came home skunked. Later years he relished the fishing trips with Derek and Paul. Jack would rave about the shore lunches and walleye feasts Sherry would always made. One year they even tried ice fishing. And out, Loretta went with Jack. A good time was had by all.

Jack and Loretta spent over 20 years traveling to Indio and Palm Springs for their winters. It was nothing for them to golf 36 holes in a day, but spending time with their friends is what they enjoyed the most.

But as the years passed, they both realized their large home was too much to manage. They purchased a beautiful condo in Prince Albert and resided there until their move to Mont St Joseph. Loretta still resided there today.

Jack thoroughly enjoyed the people and events that were offered at Mont St Joseph, always singing at the Sunday service to the delight of people around him. And he and mom were even nominated King and Queen one year at grandparent’s day.

Jack is survived by his wife of 37 years Loretta,

His brother in law Eugene (Roseanne) Prytula, Lethbridge AB.

His daughter Debbie (Warren) Kelln of Saskatoon, SK.

Debbie’s children, Don (Christa) Sather and their children Carolyn and Nathan of Saskatoon, SK, Deliany Sather, and her son Chase of Calgary AB.

Dale (Tanya) Scarrow and their children Madison and Santana, great grandson Ben of Warman, SK.

Sherry (Leo) Jacobsen, of Otter Lake,SK.

their sons Derek (Kate) Jacobsen and great grandchildren Sawyer and Scarlett of Albertville,SK, Paul (Jackie) Jacobsen of Edmonton AB.

His siblings, Reg (Maxine) Morris of Edmonton AB, Lenna Tiefenbach of Regina, Bill (Carol) Morris of Regina, SK. as well as, many nieces and nephews

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Evelyn Morris, his first wife, Martha Morris, and brother in law Ernie Tiefenbach

The family would like to recognize and thank all the staff at Mont St Joseph for welcoming Jack into their home and hearts. And for the awesome care he received while there, also to Drew Gray, Grays Funeral Home for your guidance at this difficult time.

Those wishing to place a memorial donation in lieu of other tributes may do so to the Mont St Joseph Foundation, 777 28 Street East, Prince Albert, SK S6V 8C2.

The family wanted everyone to know that this WAS NOT Covid-19 related.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.

 

• Date : 2021-01-12
• Location : Prince Albert, SK