Father to Karen, John (Volk) Christine, Carl (Gallant) and Andrea, Majid (Samadi). Loving Poppa to Jessica, John-Francis - Jordan, Sarah-Hazel-Samantha, Sophia. Great-Grandad to Maddy and John-Collyn.

May 11, 1940 - November 28, 2024

Born Rothesay, Scotland - Died Uxbridge, Ontario

Carpenter for the Toronto Board of Education

Joining his parents John and Euphemia, his brother Mac MacPhail and his sisters Jean Milner, Effie Bell and Nettie Purdie in Heaven. Leaving behind his wee sister Christine Morrison and our cousins Eileen and Lynne as well as many nieces and nephews in England, Scotland and abroad.

Dad and Hazel were married for 45 years. They moved from England, away from dear friends and family to create a better life in Canada. Dad encouraged us to embrace all things Canadian. We cheered on the Maple Leafs, learned how to ice skate, cross-country ski and swim. They raised 3 daughters in the Don Mills area and created many fond memories that we will all cherish for the rest of our lives.

Growing up, there were lots of festive suppers with the Morrison’s. Games of darts in the basement, acrobatic concerts and dance parties with Boney M and The Beatles. Favourite memories of weekends spent at Petticoat Creek. Swimming all day and then waiting for the hibachi grills coals to turn so we could enjoy homemade burgers.

Whether in a blow up dingy, windsurfer or sailing the Alena II, Dad was happiest on the water. The wind often dictated what the day would entail and when it became too cold here, he would head to South Carolina, Cape Hatteras to catch a last sail.

When the grandchildren arrived, (Jessica and John Volk, Jordan and Sarah-Hazel Gallant and Samantha and Sophia Samadi) Poppa was born. The rules went out the window when the grandkids came around. Poppa designed swings screwed right into the walls so that Sarah could be swung the entire length of the living room. He encouraged elaborate fort building using Nanny’s best cushions. There were many baths in the blow up boat in the garden and lots of cuddles on the swing.

Dad was an avid camper. Preferring the more remote sites in Algonquin Park or beach sites along the Ottawa river. Many hours were spent exploring the trails and many more were spent lost in the woods.

Dad had a fantastic sense of humour and a knack for delivering an ice breaking remark, even during the most stressful times. He was always ready to lend a hand to those in need and spent hours retrofitting special needs equipment to better accommodate those using it. Every Halloween he looked forward to visits by his friends from Sunnybrook Hospital.

A special thanks to all of the staff and residents at Douglas Crossing.

Especially Loretta and Madison Finney, who treated our Dad with such kindness and dignity. Our family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Rahim Wolfe from Carius homecare who spent time as a companion with Dad and kept him laughing right until the end.

Donations would be gratefully appreciated by the Uxbridge Loaves and Food bank.

Dad loved this poem and would often quote it to others for motivation.

The Clock of Life

The clock of life is wound but once,

And no man has the power

To tell just when the hands will stop

At late or early hour.

To lose one’s wealth is sad indeed,

To lose one’s soul is such a loss

That no man can restore.

The present only is our own,

So live, love, toil with a will,

Place no faith in “Tomorrow”

For the Clock may then be still.

- Robert Smith

Thanks for all you did for us. You will be forever in our hearts.