Obituary of Neil Harvey Morrison

Neil Harvey Morrison beloved husband of Shirley nee Parkinson of Calgary, passed away at the Southwood Hospice on Monday, December 15, 2008 at the age of 74 years, surrounded by his loving family. Neil was a rare breed, a native Calgarian, born in the Grace Hospital, grew up and was educated in Elbow Park and graduated from Western Canada High School. His working days began at the Calgary stockyards with his Grandfather after which he joined the automotive industry which was to be his career for the remainder of his working life from which he retired in 1984. Neil met Shirley while in Banff skiing and they were married on July 6, 1956. Throughout the years they enjoyed many vacations and special family times. He was a staunch believer in family spending time together whether it be on holidays when the family was younger, to weekly Sunday dinners, also known as the “Funny Farm”, once the girls all had families of their own. Dad was also known for his daily, albeit brief, phone calls to his mother and the three girls just to check up and see how they were doing. Upon reluctantly becoming a grandfather at the age of 52, he instantly grew to enjoy a special and unique relationship with each of his six grandchildren. Neil was an active and proud member of both The Glencoe Club and The Calgary Golf & Country Club where he enjoyed the activities of Badminton in his youth, curling and golf up to last year when ill health forced him to give up his beloved past time. He valued his life long friendships there and always regarded both Clubs as his “homes” away from home. Neil was an active member of the Sabre Patrol of the Al Azhar Temple and was elected Illustrious Sir of Al Azhar in 1984. After serving as Potentate he became involved in the East/West Shrine Football game, serving as Regional Director for several years. Along with others, his involvement and effort saw the introduction of the first Canadian University player to attend the game in 1985, a practice which continues to this day. Neil was elected as President of the International Cabiri in 1993-94. The philanthropic cause of providing aid and support to children and their families was near to his heart and provided the inspiration which kept Neil involved in Shrine activities throughout most of his adult life. Neil treasured the friendships made through this association. Neil was also a Director of the Calgary Stampede, involved in the Downtown Attractions Committee for many years. Neil never gave in to the disease with which he fought for altogether too long and was still planning a trip to Maui during his last hospitalization. He will be remembered as enjoying life and all it has to offer; family, good friends and a restaurant with a table cloth. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of being close to him. Neil is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Shirley; daughters and sons-in-law, Vicki and John Schleppe, Valerie and Ian Brown, and Jill and Brian Neufeld; grandchildren Michael, Caitlyn and Adam Schleppe; Matthew and Vanessa Brown; and Lindsay Neufeld; all of Calgary. Also surviving are two sisters, Marilyn Burtt of Calgary and Gail (Chuck) Thompson of Stony Plain, Alberta. Neil was predeceased by his father, Roy in 1986; mother Audrey Adams in 2007 and; his brother Wayne in 1996; brothers in-law Mert McElroy in 1990 and Don Burtt in 2005. Funeral Services will be held at Scarboro United Church (134 Scarboro Avenue S.W.) on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Shriner’s Hospital For Children, 5225 – 101ST St. N.W., Calgary Ab T3L 1S4 Telephone: (403) 239-0030. In living memory of Neil Morrison, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.