Stewart Edwin Morrison

On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in the early morning as dawn was breaking, Stu, as he was affectionately known, peacefully and with silent dignity, slipped from the physical bonds of this world into the dimensions of the biggest theatrical stage he could ever imagine! He leaves to mourn his passing his children, David Morrison (Terilyn); Linda Bodner (Mo); Jim Morrison (Tina);  and Andrea Grieve (Tony); step-children, Daryl Glass; Deidre Solberg (Jim) and their daughters, Lynsey (Ryan) and Kim (Darren), great-grandchildren Brody, Ava, Dayton and Daelyn; and predeceased by step-daughter, Dena Glass. Stu had a special connection with a nephew and niece in California, Rod and Lisa Napier and their daughters, Katie and Madison. Stu was predeceased by his wife, Alice Morrison and also by Doreen Glass. He was married to Kathy Morrison of Campbell River for many years.

Stu’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved their Pappy so very much, and with the birth of each and every one of them, they touched Pappy’s heart. They were his living, breathing angels who lifted his spirits and melted his soul. Remembering Pappy are: Granddaughter, Cara (Brandon) and their sons, Max and Dane; granddaughter, Carly (Bastian) and daughter, Sidney; grandson, Jared (Katherine) and son, Nathan; granddaughter, Elliott (Theo) and daughter, Ruby; granddaughter, Cleo (Tim); grandsons, Connor, Tucker, and Hunter; granddaughter, Ami (Mark); grandson, Joshua (Dawn). What gifts they all were to him.

Stu often reflected on his family connection to the Titanic. Both his grandfather and his father, Daniel worked as a blacksmith and a pattern maker respectively on that ship. Stu wrote in his autobiography, “I thank the good Lord that the Titanic sailed without them on its tragic maiden voyage!” His father then immigrated from Ireland to the USA in July, 1923, eventually making his way to Winnipeg where he met Stu’s mother, Cecelia Mary, and where Stu and his older sister, Maureen were born.

Stu always said that he had two careers. He began his first career in Victoria in May of 1955. He turned 20 in June that year, and he was off to a great career with BC Tel, working in the Plant Department. His friend, Ted Tucker, helped him get the job. Stu often told funny stories about the prankster that Teddy was, often Stu being the victim of those pranks, but they remained longtime friends. Stu eventually transferred to Campbell River where he was promoted to Outside Plant Construction Coordinator, which covered from Courtenay to the Queen Charlotte’s (now known as Haida Gwaii). He retired on December 31, 1986.

He started what he calls his second career in Community Theatre at the age of 52. Stu was an enthusiastic member of Rivercity Players, Shoreline Musical Theatre, Showcase Theatre, and Young Theatre (Anne Young). Jeff Hyslop, artistic director of Showcase Theatre, hired professional as well as non-professional actors, and it ran for three seasons in Campbell River and Courtenay. One of Stu’s roles as a paid, non-professional actor was “the wall” (or one of the mechanicals) in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Ask his friend Barry about that role some time! For community theatre, Stu participated in over fifty productions and won several awards at the Theatre BC Drama Festival competitions. He was a remarkable set builder as well and was a key builder in the renovations and reconstruction of the Rivercity Players’ building. He also served on the board of RCP for many years. He loved playing so many different characters and developing the stories that he so loved to share with audiences.

Stu enjoyed some other ‘hobbies’ that he took on. He renovated and restored a few homes to showcase quality; his landscaped and beautifully cultivated gardens were almost always included in the Campbell River Gardens’ Tour; and he was also an avid golfer for many years until his hip and back health started to decline.

On occasion, Stu traveled to different parts of the world. Some of his favourite trips were to Maui and Mexico with his friends, Barry and Denise. Las Vegas with Barry and some of Barry’s family provided years of endless laughter for them all remembering the antics that unfolded there! He was also thrilled to be able to visit his ancestral homeland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Stu was well cared for this past year by the Sonora and Recreation department staff at the Discovery Care Centre in Campbell River. He was also compassionately cared for over the last two years, off and on, by the 3rd floor nurses on A,B,C & D at the North Island and Campbell River District Hospital. The family is also grateful for the care he received by Dr. Coetzee for many years. A very special thank you is extended to Tina, Stu’s daughter-in-law, who was devoted to ensuring Stu’s last few difficult health years were managed with advocacy, home care schedules, medical appointments, and re-settling him into long-term care. Tina loved him as a father and she wanted Stu to know that he was very much loved by his family and friends.

As per Stu’s request, there will be no formal service. If you wish to leave a message in remembrance of him, the family invites you to do so through the message site of Boyd’s Funeral Services.

It’s goodbye for now, Stuie, Stuie, Stuie, but we will meet again in that beautiful afterlife where theatre dreams never die. We love you.