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BORN
1936
DIED
2014
Stephen Morris Obituary
Stephen passed away at Mount Saint Mary's Hospital on May 31st 2014, two years after suffering a massive stroke. He is survived by his steadfast wife of 42 years, Janie Woods-Morris, daughters (rude children!) Rebecca and Katherine, their spouses Allam and Derek, grandchildren Younis, Imran and Morgan, nieces Penny and Jennifer, as well as other nieces and nephews and their families, brother in laws Gordon Hobson and Gyle Woods and Godson David Ballantyne. He is predeceased by parents George and Kathleen Morris and sister Helen.
Stephen was born in London, England on July 25th 1936. His family moved many times after WWII, including to Chile. Eventually the family settled in Victoria. Stephen began working at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in the summers during his years at University. He continued his studies at UBC, and eventually received his PhD in Astronomy at the University of Toronto at the age of 26.
During his astronomy career Stephen worked on a number of problems from stellar evolution (observational and theoretical) to advanced data analysis techniques applied to quasars and the nascent field of data archiving. Catch any of that? No, me neither. That's how smart he was!
He was an early user of computers in astrophysics, and was a founding member of the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre.
With wife Janie's long involvement in theatre, Stephen was equally well known in Victoria as a staunch supporter and philanthropist of the Arts. Stephen also studied the flute since his teenage years, performing in presentations by the Flute Orchestra at the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
Stephen was loved by everyone who met him; often being described as a true gentleman. His quaint ways, dry English humour and awkward dancing will be missed by all.
The family would like to thank the nursing and support staff at Mount Saint Mary's Hospital for their care. A very special thank you to Lanny Pollet, Jim Hesser and Gordon Walker, who embody the definition of friendship.
A celebration of Stephen's life will be held at a later date.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Morris
16 Entries
June 9, 2014
Stephen C Morris June 3, 14
It is with great sadness that I write of the passing of Stephen. He was such a fine, friendly, courteous and generous friend, a man with a great sense of humour, a love of music both for listening and performing on his flute, and an outstanding scholar with a genuine appreciation for and support of the interests and the achievements of others.
Our friendship started a long time ago when we both played in the Victoria High School band, Stephen on his flute and I on my bassoon. Stephen was a grade ahead of me but we kept our strong friendship not only through High School but also in Victoria College followed by the University of B.C. We then moved in different directions for a few years but eventually found ourselves at the University of Toronto where Stephen was finishing his PhD in astronomy and I beginning a PhD in musicology and violin. We continued to keep in touch.
In 1961 I asked Stephen to be my best man when I married Elaine Fleming. Stephen was indeed an excellent best man regaling us with humorous, witty, and astute observations at our celebrations after the marriage. And I still suspect that he was one of those responsible for persuading Elaine to make an unsuspected appearance at the preceding evening's stag party to the delight of all present.
A few years after Stephen had been hired by the Dominion Observatory in Victoria I was hired by the University of B.C., Music Department, in Vancouver. We kept in touch. One of the most important events which I attended was Stephen's wedding to Janie whom I met for the first time. There were also several visits to Stephen and Janie in Victoria when I visited my parents there. One of the memorable later visits we had with them was in London, 2002, where Steven and Janie were living at the time, Stephen involved in some computer matters. As usual they were very gracious hosts, inviting us to the local pub as well as to Janie's fine dinner in their temporary London abode. Stephen took us up the London Eye for a panoramic view of the city and Janie, the thespian, took us to an intriguing play of Harold Pinter.
There are many lasting, endearing memories for Elaine and me of our relationship with Stephen and Janie, memories that we continue to cherish.
John and Elaine Sawyer,
21-1900 Tiffany Pines
North Vancouver, B.C.
Stephen at the Flute Choir Exchange, Victoria 2009
June 7, 2014
Visiting Stephen at Mount St Mary's Hospital in 2013. Left to Right:: Hanne, Janie, Stephen, Han and Paul (behind Han). .
June 5, 2014
Stephen Morris playing an antique "Radcliff System" flute at UVic in 2006
June 5, 2014
Stephen, March 21st, 2012
David & Natasha Harrison
June 3, 2014
I first met Stephen when I worked at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in the summer of 1967, and from that moment on we became fast friends. I never ceased to enjoy his company thoroughly and found him to always be friendly, polite, kind, generous, helpful, a most courteous gentleman, a gentle soul with an excellent sense of humour, and in spite of his very high level of intelligence never condescending to another human being.
As with all his friends, I looked forward to spending more time with him in our retirement years but unfortunately it is not to be.
Stephen will be profoundly missed by me/us and all that knew him. And, from our family (David, Natasha and Valentin) to his, it may be somewhat comforting to know that we share in your loss and sadness.
He will always be fondly remembered; how could anyone forget him?
Colin Scarfe
June 3, 2014
A true gentleman and scholar, in the best sense of both. The world needs more like Stephen.
Heather
June 3, 2014
A true gentleman, a leader, and a talent. You will be missed greatly.
Erika Paxman
June 3, 2014
Your fathers support of your mom's involvement in theatre blessed the lives of a lot of children. Our condolences to you all.
Chris Aikman
June 3, 2014
Farewell, Stephen. It was a privilege to have known you and to have worked alongside you.
Terry and Marie Rowsell
June 3, 2014
What a nice fellow. Every time we saw him it was with a smile and a handshake. Janie, we are thinking of you. Also, on behalf of Four Seasons Musical Theatre Society we wish to express thanks to Stephen for his many contributions to fostering musical theatre in the community.
June 3, 2014
Stephen was most kind and gentle with Nelson and me. He is fondly remembered.
Wendy Merk
June 3, 2014
Stephen was always very gracious and a true gentleman. He is sadly missed by all who knew him.
Judy Treloar
June 3, 2014
My love and condolences to Janie and her children. Stephen was always there, at plays I directed or acted in, and was always charming and complimentary. A lovely smile and a gentle man.
Sylvia Hosie
June 3, 2014
Bill & I are very saddened by the passing of Stephen C. Morris, who was such a gentle soul, a wonderful father & husband, a highly intelligent scientist & a good friend.
June 3, 2014
A truly good man, a wonderful father & husband, a gentleman & a highly intelligent one & always so modest about his own accomplishments. Bill & I are very saddened by his passing, & hold much affection for Janie, Kathryn & Rebecca - Sylvia Hosie
Bill Johnston
June 3, 2014
I will always remember Stephen as a kind and gentle man with a great sense of humour. His passing is a great loss. Our thoughts are with you Janie, Rebecca, Katherine and families.
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