Walter MORRIS

WALTER MORRIS Walter Morris was a one-of-a-kind father, grandfather, husband, brother and friend to many. Walter passed away on July 15, 2022, at the age of 90 in his hometown of Toronto. Walter was born into the Ukrainian family of Philip and Eva Morris joining brother Bill and sister Mary on January 21, 1932 in Toronto. Walter was an exceptionally bright, engaged and successful student. He was also an avid football player making his mark as the middle linebacker on the Parkdale Collegiate football team. After graduating from high school at age 16 in 1948, Walter entered Metallurgic Engineering at University of Toronto where he completed his undergrad, Master's and finally his Ph.D. in 1957. Despite the rigours of his engineering degrees, he continued to play football with the U of T Varsity Blues. With his training in metallurgical engineering, Walter spent many years working in the steel industry before he moved on to work with Molson Brewery, TIW Industries, and finally, ran his own company, Berenson Inc. His career took him across Canada with stints in Hamilton, Calgary, Welland, Montreal and Toronto. Walter never lost his love for sports. When he was living in Hamilton, he had the opportunity to play for the Hamilton Tiger Cats as a walk-on when Hurricane Hazel prevented some players from being able to make it to the game. Walter took up running in the early 1970's -he soon formed a running group with his Toronto Squash Club buddies (the FYW gang- named after the profanities his buddies would exclaim as he set a route of hills in the Beaches neighbourhood in Toronto) and led them to the inaugural Nanisivik Land of the Midnight Sun Marathon in 1979. Walter was also an enthusiastic skier, a long-time member of Beaver Valley Ski Club north of Toronto, he spent many happy years on the slopes. In addition to running and skiing, Walter also was also an avid squash player and cyclist. Walter's appreciation of culture was developed at an early age. He loved classical music and was a huge supporter of the Toronto Symphony. He embraced his Ukrainian roots and along with his sister and brother, was an active member of the Schevchenko Musical Ensemble. Walter also had a real love of travel, fine wine and gourmet food, especially mushrooms. Mushroom hunting, which he carried out in stealth mode, never sharing his picking locations, became a passion. Walter was one of the most generous people you could ever meet. He was a huge supporter of so many organizations including the Schevchenko Musical Ensemble, the University of Toronto, the Toronto Symphony, Sick Kids Hospital, and his family in Ukraine and in Canada. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and siblings as well as the mother of his two daughters, Elizabeth Turner. He is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Jay Allison; their loyal dog, Alli; daughters, Tammy (Lorne) and Marci (David); his 6 grandchildren, Evan, Jamie, Ian; and Connor (Candice), Shannon and Nia (Mick); his sister-in-law, June; and his many nieces and nephews. Walter is also survived by his former wife, Sue Foley. Walter's happy, upbeat and positive attitude, and larger-than-life personality will be missed by all. His passing leaves a big hole in our hearts. There will be a Celebration of Life held in Walter's honour on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at York Funeral Centre, 160 Beecroft Rd., North York, ON M2N 5Z5, from 2-5 p.m. Reflections at 3 p.m. Contributions in memory of Walter can be made to the National Schevchenko Musical Ensemble Guild of Canada at https://mycharityfund.ca/charity/19760/national-shevchenko-musical-ensemble-guild-of-canada. Personal condolences may be offered through www.etouch.ca. A special heartfelt thanks to Victoria for the empathetic care she provided to Walter in his final days.