Obituary of Roland William Morris

“Death must be so beautiful. To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving above one’s head, and listen to silence.  To have no yesterday, and no tomorrow.  To forget time, to forget life, to be at peace.” Oscar Wilde.

On Saturday, September 15th, Rolie William Morris, aged 65 years passed away peacefully, in nature, doing what brought his heart immense joy.  His final moments were full of happiness and he died with a smile on his face.  ‘Harmony in camp’ were his final words in a text to his wife.

Roland William Morris was born May 12th, 1952 to Bill (William) and Myrtle Morris in Nipawin, Saskatchewan.  In 1972, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Theresa Mattoon.  Together they build a home and a life in the farming community of Cherry Ridge.

After years of farming and working up north in the winters, Rolie turned his passion into a livelihood and started Trails End Outfitters.  Over 16 years he grew and created a successful outfitting business.  He left his legacy in the many bait sites he started, trails he broke open, and picturesque resting spots he created deep in the bush.

He was at his best when he was in the outdoors.  He loved hunting, fishing, quadding, and going for drives in the country.  His favorite time of year was fall when he joined his buddies at ‘moose camp’.

He truly loved his home on the farm, his garden and puttering in his garage.  He loved his boat and being on the water fishing or touring around at Tobin Lake with Theresa.

The last several years his winters were spent with Theresa in Mexico and it was truly his happy place with good friends and lots of great times.  He enjoyed his morning coffee with friends at ‘the wall’, boating and fishing, and ‘happy hours’ on the beach.

The lights of his life were his kids and grandkids.  He was a supportive, generous and caring dad who was always there for Jay and Amber and always made sure they knew how much he loved them.

He was a fun, funny and affectionate grampa who will be missed deeply by Maesa, Gianna, Angelina, and Ryder.

Rolie had a big personality and a contagious laugh.  He loved to joke and tease and get a rise out of people.  He had a huge heart and cared deeply for his friends and family.

Waiting to greet him in heaven are his father Bill Morris, his father in law Glen Mattoon and his mother in law Gerry Mattoon as well as his brother from another mother Keith ‘Preacher’ Whaley, his brother in law Jack Oulette and niece Eileen Hoppe.

His departure will leave a huge hole in the hearts and lives of those he left behind.  His wife of 45 years Theresa, his son and the apple of his eye Jay Morris, favorite daughter in law Sarah and ‘his girls’ granddaughters Mesa, Gianna and Angelina and well as his yet to arrive but already much loved, grandson Jaxson.  His daddy’s girl, daughter Amber Hunter, favorite son in law Darin and special buddy, grandson Ryder.  His loving mother Myrtle Gristwood, big sister Sandra Oulette, as well as his ‘twisted sisters’ in law Verda (Walter) Hoppe, Judy (Gerald) Solberg, Glenna (Dwayne) Wark and all of his nieces and nephews, Glenn, Heidi, Nolan, Deryk, Brennan, Morgan, and Greg.

Rolie never wanted a funeral or a fuss (he always said, ‘I won’t be going to theirs so they don’t have to come to mine’) and his family is honouring that request.  If you want to say good bye, take a walk in the woods, that’s where his spirit will be.