Thomas Edward Morris – January 16, 1957 – June 23, 2022

Tom passed away at Royal University Hospital on June 23, 2022, surrounded by family. He was predeceased by his parents, Roberta and Fred, infant sister Emily, niece Katrina, nephew Richard, and brother-in-law Guy. Tom is survived by his siblings – Margaret (Ken Yamamoto), David, Patrick (Barb), Roberta (Tom Gallagher), Mike (Sandra), Jim (Michelle), Mary (Jack Clark), Sheila and John (Heather) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom was born in Saskatoon at University Hospital in 1957, joining his older sister Margaret. The family moved to Moose Jaw, to Toronto and back to Moose Jaw – where he spent most of his childhood. He attended school in Toronto, then Sacred Heart School in Moose Jaw followed by high school at Vanier Collegiate. He made many friends that he stayed in touch with his entire life. Tom played cornet with the Moose Jaw Lions Junior band. He was an active athlete from a young age, involved in swimming, hockey, speedskating and high school football. Tom described himself as a kid who always needed to move and on the advice of Dr. Wigmore got involved in long distance running, which became a lifelong passion. Many summers were spent as a camp counsellor, canoe and swim instructor at Camp Monahan. Most of us got involved in his paper route, delivering papers. Tom loved working on the farm when he could come home to help.   

Tom attended University of Saskatchewan obtaining a Phys Ed Degree and worked at the YMCA in Moose Jaw. He was a Letterman as a member of the university track team for cross county running which was a great source of pride for him. His summers were spent as a Grounds Worker at the U of S – a job that he loved. Tom was dedicated to academic pursuits returning to university for a degree in Physiology and eventually pursuing graduate studies in Toxicology. He spent many years doing research at the U of S and Western University and enjoyed scientific discovery and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.

Tom moved to Ottawa in 1996 to take a position with Health Canada, most recently in the Clinical Trials division. His experience with research served him well in this position and he enjoyed working there for 25 years. Tom made many friends in Ottawa. His mom joined him there and Tom took great pride in helping her and creating many happy memories for her during her time there.

Tom had a passion for running, and it was his goal in life to encourage everyone to run, especially his family! He was always willing to run slower or be the pace bunny for anyone needing encouragement during a race. Tom ran numerous marathons – in Ottawa, New York, the Lululemon Seawheeze in Vancouver, and Newcastle. Tom was a regular at Rideau Centre Lululemon in Ottawa, becoming part of the “sweat collective” and leader for their run club. When travelling with him, there was always a stop at the local Lululemon store, purchasing something for whoever was with him. The messages of support and encouragement from his Lululemon friends in his last days were truly appreciated.

Tom is known by all for his absolute love of music – blues, jazz and classic rock. He influenced many people in their love of music, and in appreciation of a fine sound system. He had quite a collection of vinyl. Many of his siblings have bits and pieces of stereo systems, that Tom moved on as he upgraded. Tom also enjoyed live concerts, and particularly the Ottawa Blues Festival.

Due to illness Tom returned to Saskatoon in October to be close to family. His family appreciated that he could spend his last months in a place that had many happy memories for him, and he made the most of this time despite his illness. That’s what Tom would want everyone to do—make the best of the time we have and live life while we can.

Next time you hear a great song take a moment to think of him, enjoy the moment, and remember how much of a blessing life can be. Tom will be missed by all his family and friends.

The family wants to thank his oncologists Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Jonker for their care following his diagnosis and the staff at SPH and RUH for their care in his last few days. We want to give a special thanks to Dr. Thorpe. The funeral will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Church of Our Lady, 566 Vaughan Street, Moose Jaw. Donations in Tom’s memory can be made to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan Inc.