John H. Morrison

July 24, 1958 - November 06, 2015

John H. Morrison obituary, July 24, 1958-November 06, 2015, Victoria, BC

BORN

July 24, 1958

DIED

November 06, 2015

John Morrison Obituary

John Morrison, kilt-wearing, golf-obsessed, coffee-loving foodie, fisherman, gardener, athlete and all round "good man" died on Friday, November 6, 2015 at the age of 57. He fought an almost unprecedented 6-year battle with brain cancer after being told he had 12 months to live. John died as he lived, with courage, kindness, spirit and humour.

John was a big-hearted man of many passions. He loved the water, being both in it and on it. Growing up in Vancouver, he spent childhood summers at Sechelt, fishing, swimming, and vowing never to live far away from the ocean. He eventually settled in Victoria with his family. Always into sports, John swam competitively, raced road bikes, and played and coached field hockey. John discovered the joy (and agony) of golf later in life. Golf allowed him to remain competitive, even through his illness, and led to great friendships with his "Posse" from the Cordova Bay Golf Course where he was a fixture.

John graduated from UBC in Microbiology and went on to become a CA, ultimately becoming CFO at Viking Air. When he could no longer work, he directed his energy into volunteering for Junior Achievement and the Victoria Brain Injury Society.

John's greatest love was his family. He was adoring and proud father to Fiona and Axel, loving husband of 25 years to Daniela, wonderful brother to Jill (Thom) and Maggie (Tom), brother-in-law to Sue (Stephanie) and Katrin (Rich), and devoted uncle to Mack, Maggie, Angus, Cam, Cole and Finn. John will be dearly missed by them and by his many friends, including his golf "Posse", business colleagues, field hockey teammates and kids he coached.

The family would like to extend the deepest gratitude to all those who cared for John on his journey - his doctors, nurses, hospice caregivers and volunteers, spiritual healers, and the many dear friends who brought John his favorite daily brew, along with a lot of laughs. John's story is one of will and determination, and the power of love and support from family and friends. John taught us all that the biggest gift to one's self is a life well lived.

Please join us to celebrate John's life on Sunday, November 29, 2015 from 2-5pm at the Church and State Winery, 1445 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood, Victoria. RSVP to [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Hospice.

Published by The Times Colonist from Nov. 13 to Nov. 15, 2015.

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Memories and Condolences
for John Morrison

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23 Entries

I was his baby sitter, baby walker to the park, bottle warmer, cuddlier to sleep,and cheer leader when he walked etc...
Happy moments for me while I was living with the family during UBC.
He was the delight of everyone...including his Morrison grandparents and gram Wilks.p

Florence chernoff lymburner

Friend

March 30, 2021

I had the pleasure of working with John at Gidden Industries. He was a very professional and likeable guy. Very sorry to hear of his passing.

Mark Johansson

February 6, 2016

John first introduced me to both Bob Marley and Johnny Cash's music as a kid. It was on our way to a field hockey event in Vancouver, and the first CD he threw on was Legend. As Is This Love came on I recall thinking, hey this is pretty cool, and I remember looking over at John drumming his fingers on the steering wheel of his latest Beamer of course. As for the man in black, I remember John noting how effortlessly cool this guy was. Needless to say the road trip was a good time and John's driving set a new record in getting to the ferry. I also look back fondly on hitting the range and playing a few holes at Cordova Bay, where it seemed John was greeted warmly by everyone we bumped into. I'll always remember John's positivity and generosity. Thanks for everything John. You are missed.

Christopher Smith

January 19, 2016

Our thoughts go out to Daniela, Fiona and Axel at this time. I remember John supporting Axel at soccer games, baseball games and tournaments, and then switching over to field hockey when our son, Greg, changed sports. John was always ready to give a helping hand with whatever needed doing, be it putting up or bringing down soccer nets, transporting kids to games, or keeping scores accurately! He always had a ready smile, and we so appreciate him bringing Axel to visit Greg when he was in hospital recovering from surgery. John, you had a heart of gold and were a man of many talents. Thank you for everything that you did for so many people in the sporting community. May your light ever shine on in the lives of your children.

November 30, 2015

To the Morrison family,
It was with great sadness that we heard about the passing of John. We have such fond memories of him, his humor, his generosity and his love of life. Although it has been several years since we have had the pleasure of his company it was always nice to hear stories of their wonderful life in Victoria. I remember John most for his vitality and charm and remember when he met Daniela. She was certainly a perfect compliment to his vibrant personality.
John was such a wonderful Dad. We have such wonderful memories of a few weekends spent at the cabin up in Sechelt. Axel was a baby and Fiona was a toddler when she gave our sheepdog Lizzy a kiss and she wasn't particular which end. Of all John's life accomplishments, building such a beautiful family ranks as one of his highest.
We are so sorry we can't be there to help celebrate John's life but please know that we are there in our hearts and would like to convey not only our condolences but our joy for having the honor of having known such a wonderful and vivacious human being. Although we didn't see him often, when we did we always left feeling filled with a sense of his kindness and love of life. John, may no longer we here with us, but legacy of love will last forever.
Our hearts go out to Daniela and his children, Fiona and Axel, as well as the entire Morrison clan. So please raise a glass to John for a life well lived.
With love,
La Vonne and Bob

November 29, 2015

I was involved with John as a Viking / Venture Pacific Liason Subcontractor during the construction and move into the new building. We worked closely together during those many months, and made a great many decisions that resulted in what Viking is today. He was totally committed to that project.
We send our heartfelt sympathies to the entire Morrison Family , may you draw on all those special memories you shared with John and find comfort in knowing he was an extraordinary person.

David and Deborah Brown, North Saanich

David and Deborah Brown

November 29, 2015

Daniella, so sorry to hear of your loss. Hope you have lots of family and close friends to support you. John was a fantastic guy! Big hugs, Sincerely Marilyn and Ken Moyes

November 28, 2015

We just became aware of your terrible loss after talking to Cindy. Please accept our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Theo and Ina Scholten.

Theo and Ina Scholten

November 27, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, I have fond memories of working for John at Viking Air, and of our fishing days out of Pedder Bay when time allowed. Although our working relationship ended too soon, I enjoyed our conversations about life and fishing, and I am not surprised at all to hear that he fought so hard for so long. John and I had recently reconnected and I had hoped to see him again, but now I understand he had bigger things on his plate. To his family I wish you peace, and my sincere condolences.

Adrian South

November 24, 2015

RMy sincerest condolences to you Daniela, Fiona, and Axel at this most difficult time. I recently joined Cordova Bay and quickly met this enjoyable, passionate golfer. I will miss John and his warm words as he always took the time to share a smile and his thoughts with me.
Nestor Fedoruk. (Victoria, BC)

November 18, 2015

Daniela, Fiona and Axel,

My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. I was very extremely sad to hear the news. John had a big impact on my life.

John hired me from BCIT to Wolrige Mahon in 1989 where I eventually got me CA. He had a hand in taking a chance on me and for that I will be forever grateful. He was a role model for me for the type of CA I wanted to be; smart, hard working, family oriented, and athletic. I remember fondly when he rode to work during tax season. I also remember clearly when he became a dad for the first time and was passing around chocolate cigars. I, as well as many others, were sad when he left the firm.

I had been wondering for years how he was doing. Thanks to LinkedIn, we connected again and exchanged a few emails. We got disconnected shortly after that as he deleted his account. I had been trying to find him again using Google but couldn't find him. I was worried that the cancer had come back and he was fighting again.

My thoughts are with you all.

[email protected]

Wilson Chao

November 16, 2015

Although I hadn't seen John in many years, I remember him well from two years playing field hockey together at UBC - and then many more years being hacked mercilessly playing against him in the Vancouver men's league. All in love & good fun... John was a big personality with a big laugh, always funny and kind. So sad he passed on so early - but not surprisingly, it sounds as if he made an indelible mark on the world and on those he loved and who loved him. My condolences to you all.

Mike Tanner

November 16, 2015

I was so sad to hear of John's passing. I truly enjoyed working and watching to see what he would do next.....such a fun and interesting man to witness in action. His humour was infectious and made the time at work interesting, to say the least. His love for his wife and family was obvious when you saw him with them. He will be truly missed.

Laura Neil

November 16, 2015

Daniela,
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your husband. It has been a long battle for all. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Rose-marie Sloat

November 16, 2015

John was a great man. Our memories and his spirit live on. Much love to you all, Alison

Alison Sheppard

November 14, 2015

Our thoughts, prayers and love are sent to all of John's family. We were privileged to know John over the years through his parents and during their summer vacations spent at Sechelt, BC. We will all remember John's radiant smile and passion for life. All the Darnbrough's Faith, Peter, Victoria and Angelia - are sending our condolences and love.

Angelia Darnbrough

November 14, 2015

I remember what a delight and joy John was to Phyllis and
Jock , his grandparents and to me....57 years ago. He entertained us all with his wonderful smiles. Love, Florence Chernoff Lymburner

November 13, 2015

Daniela; Tom and I are truly saddened to hear of John's passing. Please take comfort in that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Tom & Caroline Patsula

November 13, 2015

I had the pleasure of "stealing" John from the Oak Bay Marine Group. Sorry Bob. John first joined Viking as V.P. Operations and quickly immersed himself in the Aviation world. John was my right hand during many challenging times, Sept 11, death of our majority shareholder. As we grew John assumed the roll of CFO and helped us navigate through returning the Twin Otter to production. As John said "let's eat this Moose one steak at a time". We did it and John played an important role in creating aviation history. He will be missed by his many colleagues at Viking. Our collective thoughts are with Daniela, Axel and Fiona and all of his extended family. David Curtis. President & CEO, Viking Air Limited.

David Curtis

November 13, 2015

Sincerest condolences to John's family.

Cathy Dawson

November 13, 2015

Daniela, Kym and I are very sorry to hear this sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Fiona and Axel
We are very fortunate that our association with St. Margaret's School allowed us to know John.
Bill Morrison & Kym Morrison

Bill & Kym Morrison

November 13, 2015

I remember John with such fond memories especially when I first became a CA and John offered me all kinds of advice and he was someone that I looked up to. Years go by and John was always there to help and supply a great door prize at our various functions and show up with a smile on his face. I'll miss you John and my thoughts are with you Daniela and your family. There is now one more angel watching down over you!

Lynda Mason

November 13, 2015

It is with a heavy heart that I wish to express my condolences to John's family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with John during his time at Viking Air. He was definitely one of the good guys. He will be sorely missed. RIP John.

Linda Moroschan

November 13, 2015

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