Published by Legacy Remembers on May 21, 2024.
Edward Frank Morlock, born on March 4, 1945, in Gimli, MB, to Frank Morlock and Katherine Kozlowski, passed away peacefully at age 79, under hospice care on the morning of May 3, 2024, in
Vancouver, Washington. Edward's journey began in Gimli, where he was raised by his mother with help from his cousins, aunts , uncles, brother Leonard, and his Baba (Annie) and Jaja (John) amidst the bustling atmosphere of his grandparent's business, Central Garage & Dealership.
His teen years were spent on the military base in Red Deer, Alberta, after his mother remarried Frank Simpson, an active military serviceman.
In pursuit of new horizons, Ed embarked on a westward journey to Vancouver with a couple of close friends, where he got to know and struck up lasting relationships with his father Frank Morlock and his Aunt and Uncle, Steve and Mary Tanack, and their sons Dennis and John. Vancouver is where he found a passion for social connections. His career flourished, from cooking on CP Rail to bartending at the Hotel Vancouver, where he met his future wife, Marilyn. Seeking stability, Ed landed a management job with a premier Vancouver restaurant, The Canary, while also consulting for BCIT and other establishments, working more than full-time. Together, he and Marilyn ventured into real estate and entrepreneurship, eventually marrying and having two children, Nathan and Sarah.
Ed's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his business, Westec, to which he dedicated himself for 25 years. Despite life's twists and turns, including the end of his marriage, Ed's zest for adventure never waned. From living aboard a wooden catamaran houseboat on the Fraser River (until it sank many years later) to enjoying memorable gatherings with new friends at the River's Bend Coconut Grove or Thirsty Duck, Ed embraced life with gusto.
Known for his unique vehicle choices in the '80s and '90s, including a beige AMC Pacer and a green 1968 Volkswagen camper van, Ed found joy in camping van trips with his kids and family friends at Porteau Cove. If you met him oncoming in his van, you would recall his long curly jet-black hair and off-white Tilley hat, where he would never miss an opportunity to flash a peace sign to a fellow classic air-cooled VW operator whistling by. In later years, he found love once again with Annie, his devoted wife, leading him to settle in her hometown of
Vancouver, Washington, where he spent the last couple of decades of his life surrounded by love, adventure (and a few misadventures), and many cherished memories. His regrets included missing out on their dreams of Palm Springs retirement together and not being able to spend more time with his six grandchildren, whom he loved very much.
Edward Frank Morlock will be remembered for his love for the Pittsburgh Penguins, adventurous spirit, love for family and friends, kindness, generosity, and unwavering pursuit of happiness. His smile warmed the room right up until his last days, where he still managed to maintain a positive attitude telling stories and making jokes. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.
Edward's ashes will be scattered this summer by his family all together in the special place he requested. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Peace Health SW Hospice, who provided his end-of-life care, or to the MS Society in support of finding a cure.