Tribute

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frank Donald Morris of Abbotsford BC at Menno Place on Saturday afternoon December 21st, 2024.  “Don” was born in Saint John, New Brunswick on March 24, 1948. He was a hard working family man who loved the Lord and was greeted by those who predeceased him including his mom and dad Tom and Lelia Morris, his brother Art, his mother in law and father in law, Carol and Dennis Thom, his sister in law, Judy Thom and his sister in law Georgette Thom.

This side of heaven, he is survived by his devoted wife Jo-Anne (Thom) Morris, his daughter and son in law, Erika and Matt Enns and their children Avareigh and Ryder; as well as his brother Jack (Bernice), sister in law Linda Morris (Art), his sister Mary Lou, brother in law and best friend, Paul (Georgette) Thom, brother in law Donnie (Lynn) Thom and brother in law Rob (Angie) Thom as well as many nieces and nephews and their children… and a special nod to his BC family, sister in law and brother in law Paulette (Thom) and Ron Corbett and their children Jason (Colleen) and their children Ava and Nate, Jonathan and his children Maryn and Cooper.

Don moved to Montreal after high school to pursue a career in the scale industries in 1969. In 1970 he married Jo-Anne (Thom) and she joined him there for 11 years. In 1975 Don battled brain cancer while Jo-Anne was pregnant with their first and only child, Erika, born in July of that same year.

In 1980 Don, Jo-Anne and Erika moved to BC where Don continued to work in sales until starting his own box and shipping supply company in the early 80’s. Don was a very hard worker who never compromised his morals or integrity. After leaving the box and shipping supply company behind in the mid 90’s Don entered into the innovation of industrial radio remote control where he thrived in sales successfully until 2002 when a second round of brain tumours forced him into early retirement in January. Just weeks after his brain surgery his first grandchild was born to Erika and her husband Matt who married in 1997. That surgery and forced retirement allowed Don to be a fully present “Grampy” for Avareigh and her little brother Ryder who arrived in 2005. Don’s retirement allowed him to slow down and be present with his grandchildren playing anything from princess tea parties, lego and mini sticks… to watching them in high school plays, dance recitals and hockey games. He was always their biggest fan… right to the end. He was so proud of both Avareigh and Ryder.

Growing up Don loved adventure. He played baseball and hockey until he finished high school. He was a devoted Blue Jays and Canucks fan right till the end. He loved his fast cars and could be found at the Pennfield, NB drag strip, and on a clear day he’d be out on his motorcycle..  Most recently he enjoyed the drag strip in Mission, BC where he was able to watch his grandson race. He was smart, funny and quick witted, until the very end. Even when he couldn’t get his words out as quickly, he was still connecting and making efforts to make sure that those he loved knew it.

He was the kindest man who would never ask you for anything but would give you the shirt off his back without being asked. He was known for his bright smile, big hugs and was always ready with a silly little one liner. He was a man of faith and integrity. He knew that love was an action and he showed that to everyone he met. He will be dearly missed by so many.

A celebration of life will be held at King Road Church on Friday January 10th at 11:00 am 32068 King Rd. Abbotsford BC.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Don’s name to one of the following organizations that were not only important to Don but to his family as well.

Djavad Mowafaghian BC Centre for Brain Health:

https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/ways-to-give/#funds

The Menno Place Abbotsford:

https://www.mennoplace.ca/give/

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We love you “Grampy Friend”. See you later Alligator. Tell Grandpa he’s looking good.