Michael Fraser MORRES

1941 - 2022

MICHAEL FRASER MORRES, Cdr (Ret.) RCN / CF March 9, 1941 - February 22, 2022 Michael (Mike) passed away in hospital in Victoria, BC, after a courageous battle with cancer. He is now at peace and with the Lord whom he loved. He was born and raised in Ottawa but spent some of his early years in the UK. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Barbara (Tisdall) and Steve Morres, and his beloved wife Barbara. He retired to Victoria in 1993 with the rank of Commander after a 36 year career in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Forces. He held various positions of command and leadership on both coasts and in Ottawa, the USA and the UK. In Victoria he was Vice Commandant, Royal Roads Military College (1978-81) and Commanding Officer HMCS YUKON (1984-86). His last position was as Senior Planning Officer to the Commander in Chief, Channel, at NATO Headquarters in London, England. While in Ottawa, he found time to work with the Ottawa Little Theatre, developing expertise as a lighting operator and designer. After his retirement, Mike was appointed Canadian Team Attaché for the Victoria Commonwealth Games. He served on the Executive of the Royal Military Colleges Club, ran the Navy's West Coast Y2K Technical Compliance Programme and made a few trips around SE Asia in support of Canadian Patrol Frigate deployments there. After Barbara's death in 2002, Mike began working as an international tour director with "Know The World Tours" (Toronto) and "Act 1 Performance Arts Tours" (New York). In 2004 Michael joined the Board of Directors of Pacific Opera Victoria and served as President from 2005 to 2010, remaining on the Board until his death. He also served on the boards of Ballet Victoria (serving a term as president) and Broadmead Care Society. He was awarded the Unforgettable Award for Outstanding Service to the Arts in Victoria in 2010, and the National Opera Directors Recognition Award from Opera.ca in 2015. Mike's church and his faith were an integral part of his life and he had only recently retired from being an active member of the Parish Council of the Church of Our Lord, part of the Anglican Network of Canada. Family and friends were always so important to Mike. He remained close to Barbara's family and was "Uncle Mike" to many of the younger generation. Emily Baker was at his bedside during his last day. He also enjoyed the company of his dear friend Marjorie, who was also at his side when he died. A memorial service will be held at Church of Our Lord, 626 Blanshard Street, Victoria, at noon on Saturday, April 9, with a reception in the Cridge Memorial Hall to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Steeple Fund at Church of our Lord, Victoria or to Pacific Opera Victoria.