Obituary of Donald James Morrison
July 14, 1927 - November 29, 2020
It is with heavy hearts his family announces the passing of Donald James Morrison. He died peacefully at Columbia Forest Long Term Care in Waterloo, Ontario, at the age of 93.
Proud father to his three children: Suzanne (Ken) Heaton, Debbie (Mark) Weber and Tim (Sharon) Morrison.
He was the husband of our cherished mother and grandmother, the late Shirley Morrison (née Long) for 54 years.
Survived by his siblings, Jeanette MacQuarrie and Milt (Loretta) Morrison (predeceased by brother John (Jack) Morrison, and parents Hector and Olive Morrison).
He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Craig (Vanessa), Cameron (Jenny), Michael (Maxine), Jessica (Mark), Shauna (Wyatt), Kassie (Corey) and Kyle (Liz), and remembered as a loving great-grandfather to Ben, Luc, Evan and Cora.
Donald James, the oldest of four children, was born in Oyen, Alberta, to parents Hector and Olive Morrison. He lived in multiple towns and he attended numerous schools in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and spent 1 year with grandparents (the James family) in Kelowna, BC.
Don joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1946 and was a member of 410 F Squadron, and an exchange pilot with 92 F Squadron United States Air Force. In addition, he also spent time with the “Vampire Aerobatic Team”, doing shows across Canada and the United States. He was the flight leader of the RCAF “Blue Devils” at the end.
While stationed in Centralia, Ontario, Don met and fell in love with Shirley Kathaleen Long (deceased 2005). They were married in 1950, and Don was posted to Luffenham, England. He was in the first Squadron of NATO’s Air Defence of Europe during the Cold War and was awarded NATO’s Special Service Medal.
He resigned from his Commission in 1953 and became a pilot with TCA (now Air Canada), and resided in Brampton, Ontario. After several years he left his position with TCA, to become a Captain of a B17, operated by Kenting Aviation. They completed a Geophysical aerial survey of the Pacific Ocean visiting such places as Hawaii, Christmas Island, Bora Bora, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Manila, Tokyo and Anchorage. He also spent time in Saudi Arabia and did mapping and mineral exploration of the Canadian Arctic. The family relocated to Haileybury, Ontario from 1963-1966, where Don was chief pilot for Northern Telephone, and flew a Beech 18 aircraft.
In the 1970’s Don was hired as Chief Pilot and Director of flight operations for Inco Ltd. He flew Jet Commanders and was instrumental in purchasing a Gulfstream II. Don organized and completed trips throughout South America, India and Australia. In 1977 Don flew the first Canadian Corporate jet around the world and in 1979 he had the distinction of being on the front cover of “Professional Pilot” magazine.
From 1983- 1984, he was a Demo/ Test pilot with Canadair Ltd., with numerous overseas travels and demo flights, including China.
After retirement, Don continued to live in Brampton, and then Waterloo, Ontario. He enjoyed visits with his grandchildren, trips to Mexico with his dear companion Louise Ingleton (deceased 2017) and watching sports. He was also a passionate nature lover. He will be remembered by his storytelling and recall of past adventures.
Cremation has taken place. Due to COVID-19, a family gathering will be held at a later date. Condolences for the family and donations to Canadian Wildlife Federation can be arranged through Erb and Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St., Waterloo, ON www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.