DEREK MORRIS

DEREK MARSHALL MORRIS
Dianne and Jim Morris are sad to announce the sudden and unexpected death of their son, Derek Marshall Morris. Derek was born in Ottawa on September 19, 1967. In early December 1967 Dianne and Jim travelled to Ottawa to finalize the adoption process to make Derek their forever son. He was a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan - and he always knew his birth year (1967) was the last time the Leafs won the Stanley Cup. Derek and his brother, John, grew up at Cedar Bay Road, Shuniah, on beautiful Lake Superior. A wonderful outdoor environment as could be imagined - he spent a lot of time on his Kawasaki roaming the backroads and trails. Cedar Bay is where he developed his lifetime passion for fishing. Needless to say he lived to fish and from an early age knew more about fishing than most. We'd like to thank his many fishing "buddies" who were part of his fishing family. A real thank you to Jeff Ryder. He and John spent an exciting time in Eugene, Oregon when Jim was at graduate school. Family travels to Jamaica and camping trips were highlights of growing up. Derek graduated from Grade 12 - on time - from Hillcrest High School. Derek trained as a butcher at the original Skafs and later became a Head Sawyer at Great West Timber for 18 years. At the economic downturn he and his partner, Christie Ann, moved to Calgary where he worked in two saw mills before resuming his butcher career as meat manager in a super market on the Siksika Reserve where Christie Ann was a Grade 1 teacher. At the start of the COVID Pandemic they returned to Thunder Bay and times were tough for both of them. He most recently was very happy working at George's Market on River Street. Derek was a carefree guy and made friends with all he met. He was our "right hand man" and will be really missed. Derek was predeceased by his brother John (January 2024) and his partner Christie Ann Bernard (July 2021). Numerous grandparents and aunts and uncles have gone before him. Thanks to everyone who helped him along the way. A private family Memorial will be held in the future.