With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Richard Morrow in his 84th year surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Sandra, his “lucky charm” for 60 years, devoted father to Tanya (the late Stephen Caudwell), Alana Jickling (John), proud grandfather to Kyle and Braeden Jickling, older brother to Ted (Marg), brother-in-law to Sharon (the late Ken MacLean) and Uncle Ric to many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Born in Toronto, Richard was raised in London, Ontario by Elsie and Gordon Morrow who provided Ric and his brother with a solid blueprint for family, life and love. Ric graduated Royal Military College in Kingston in 1962 where he made lifelong friends, was a star football and water polo player and embraced the school’s motto “Truth Duty Valour”. In the fall of ’61 he met the love of his life, Sandra Leah Carman at a party and the rest is history.
Shortly after graduation, Ric received his wings from the Royal Canadian Air Force and was a Flying Officer for three years. In 1965, Ric became a commercial airline pilot with Air Canada and was promoted to Captain in ‘73. During his 35 year career with the airline, he spent over 20 years in various Management positions and flew the 747-400 on international routes. His favourite mode of flight however, was his 1940 Stearman biplane, co-owned with his good friend, Captain Hill. Ric’s love of flying and adventure was boundless and the family travelled extensively to far reaches of the globe.
Of all places in the world, Ric was most enamoured with the Carman family farm in Prince Edward County. Built in 1863, the 100 acre homestead on The Bay of Quinte was the gathering place where generations created lasting memories including various watersports, building sandcastles, barn weddings and countless farm-to-table meals. Summers were always in PEC and winters belonged in NZ. Ric and Sandy first took a trip to New Zealand in 1998 and for the next 15 years spent every winter in Ohope Beach. Their friends caught on to this magical paradise and more than 20 couples joined them over the years. The days were spent golfing, hiking, playing bridge, entertaining guests and included a memorable skydive and bungee jump by the fearless Ric. The Canadian contingent was eventually made honorary citizens of Ohope Beach in an official ceremony in Whakatane.
In addition to flying, Ric’s second passion was politics. Elected to Georgetown Council in 1968, he later became Reeve of Georgetown from 1970-73. When the nearby towns amalgamated in ‘73, Ric’s suggestion of “Halton Hills” won hands down in a resident vote. He spent three years on Halton Regional Council from 1974-76 and was elected Halton Regional Chairman in ‘77 and ‘78. As a Board Member for Go Transit in ’77, Ric was instrumental in expanding the rail line to Georgetown. From 1981-85, Ric was appointed Commissioner of Halton Regional Police and from 2004-06 he served as a Member of the Ontario Parole Board. In 2002, he was honoured with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal for Service in Municipal Government.
For 40 years, Ric and Sandy made their home in the close-knit hamlet of Glen Williams. Ric’s hobbies included golf, squash, skiing as well as collecting and restoring Ford Model Ts and Austin-Healeys. He was a tireless volunteer for local community causes such as the annual Georgetown Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament, Classics Against Cancer Car Show and the Cancer Assistance Society. He also spent 1988-92 on the Board of Georgetown Hospital where he was a champion for the development of a new wing called Complex Transitional Care. This is where Ric took his last breath.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the team at Amica Georgetown (Jane) and to Dr. Kapoor in palliative care. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 6th at The Club at North Halton, drop-in from 1-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions will be accepted with gratitude to: GeorgetownHospitalFoundation.ca Online condolences may be sent to the family at: [email protected]
Ric, we will miss your kind heart, fun spirit and that twinkle in your eye more than tongue-can-tell. You now have two sets of wings. Rest in Peace.
Arrangements entrusted to Jones Funeral Home