DON MORRISON

Chris Mcdermott

Everybody who met Don, and got to know him, would say he was one in a million. They are right. Why? Because his parents were one in a hundred million. Few, immediate family aside, in his adopted country, Canada, had the privilege to meet Calum and Rachael. I did. Not only at his wedding to Jeannie, in Vancouver, but also at their home in Partick, a suburb of Glasgow, before he ever met the woman who captivated his heart. And held it captived until the day he breathed no more. Best friends are supposed to remain such, even after one gets married. Not moi. Don won a prize, at the Marble Arch, managed by the splendid Tony Ricci. The prize was airfare to Miami, for two, hotel for the weekend, plus two tickets to the Superbowl. Helluva prize. And since the Dallas Cowboys, my team, which Don knew, were one of the teams, I trembled at the knees. However, I was no longer his best friend, Jeannie was. Understandable. I got a T-shirt. At least he was thinking of me. Bless him. Before I reveal the most incredible story about parents, Don's parents, a little preamble to set the scene. I founded, and managed, a soccer team, Air Canada, in the very early Seventies. We entered the largest league in N.A. The Toronto and Services League. I was an average soccer player. I asked Drew Peters to be the captain. A travel agent, whom I met thru business. A truly great player, and a Scotsmen, who could've turned pro. We won the Fourth Division and got promoted to the Third. Then Drew meets Don in a bar and tells him about me. Don calls. We meet. We become faster friends than Butch and Sundance. A year or two pass and we decide to hook up in the U.K. Party time! I worked for AC and flights were cheap. After visiting my folks in Yorkshire, I went up to Glasgow, to meet his buddies, and the one in a hundred million parents, then back to Yorkshire. His folks lived on White St. In a tenement on the third floor. Very small dwellings. After meeting Ma and Pa, we go out to play. I meet all his great friends. Like Dougie and Kelge. We are all in our early twenties. Fantastic nite comes to an end. We go back to Don's home, late, and crawl into the same bed. A small double bed. Something just didn't sit right with me. Really didn't sit right. I sat up, gave him a tremendous nudge in the ribs, and asked him where we were? He told me it was his parent's bed...and they were sleeping on the kitchen floor! Wow! Forty years later, I still think WOW! I was mortified. Mortified. I leapt out of bed. I was only 22. Don grabbed my arm, and said in a very quiet, commanding voice, 'don't do anything...or else you will really insult them'. I did nothing. Except remember how these two amazing people, old enough to be my parents, had given up their bed for me! The most humbling experience...ever. And will continue to be for the rest of my life. Now you know why they are one in a hundred million. The Queen, if she was lucky enough to find my own mother in a good mood, might have been accorded the same hospitality. How many parents would give up their bed for their young son and his young friend? One in a hundred million is a fair estimate. Wow. You were one in a million Don because you had amazing parents. Calum and Rachel. I salute you both. As I always will salute your son, the greatest friend I ever had. Donnie!

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Chris Mcdermott

It was 3am, in Vancouver, the phone rings, I answer. Operator, 'Will you accept a collect call from Don Morrison? Sure. I've had a few of these before. Obviously the big man has had a few. Moi aussi. We chat. For a while. A long while. Then I hear, if I may be allowed poetic license, drums, and a lion roaring in the background. I wake up. Where are you Donnie? Capetown. Capetown! He was in a bar, playing pool, with his partner, a black chappie, and they were kicking arse. The red-neck Boers were getting angry, real angry! This story to continue. But first, to Jeannie, You did not deserve such a cruel fate. So sorry. So sorry. So sorry I did not respond earlier. Just did not know what to say, or how. Still don't! Into the Port. Had to say something. Will say more. Have written plenty, but never got around to being brave enough. Still not. The tears are rolling down my cheeks. Or were. And the last thing you want to be reminded of, is how devestated you must have been. You are so lucky I was not at the wake. 8 Pipers! I hear Tony did a great job. I could never have done it. Next, I want to say hello to the boys. Especially Graham, the only that like me! Just kidding Ian, but you did run across the kitchen and kick me! I know you had a great Dad, and the only person he loved more than you, was your Mum. And he loved you all so much. Sorry to be so maudling, but these are words, not written down, ever. Just coming to me now. Wait till you hear about when we were in Las Vegas. To lighten the atmosphere. Then Skye. I promised we would never talk about that Casino in....Oops. I will say more profound stuff. Not that it's needed. Right Dino? I do have to go. I will continue. If i'm allowed. Hope to ..... this is recorded. Jeannie, my heart is with you, and always will be. Always. Chris

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Iain Mitchell

The best memories I have of my schooldays were the times I spent with Donny Morrison. When we left school and he moved to Canada we lost touch but I never forgot the laughs we had. We did some fairly mischievous things but nothing too serious. When we got caught missing school – there was a good movie on somewhere - Donny managed to come up with the most ridiculous excuse that even had the teachers falling about laughing. He really was absolutely hilarious. Our punishment would have been a lot worse but for his great imagination and wonderful sense of humour. We socialised outside of school of course but it’s hard to single out any incident as he somehow made everything such brilliant laugh.
And of course it should be mentioned that he was a fantastic football player (I believe you say Soccer in North America) in his young days. He really should have played professionally.
I was so happy that we eventually were able to meet again after about 35 years in one of his trips back to Glasgow and he just had not changed a bit. I met a mutual acquaintance in Glasgow about two months ago he informed me that Donny had cancer. Although I was shocked I was sure he would be OK. I had been on holiday for the last few weeks and when I got home and heard the telephone message that Donny had died and that I had missed his memorial service in Glasgow I was devastated. I am very sad and sorry to miss the memorial service. However, having read the comments on this webpage I feel really uplifted. It is clear that he was a much loved man and that he kept his somewhat wild ways and his mad humour to the end.
Donny, I am not surprised that you are missed by so many people. You were an absolute hoot.
My deepest sympathies to the family.
Mitch

Vaughn Dragland

Don, my brother: You have enriched my life in so many ways! I will never forget you. Best Love... Vaughn

Lucky Severin

I am not a surfer nor am I crazy. I wore my lucky shorts to Donny's celebration to honour him. And that was NOT a kleenex from the guy in a suit. It was a wrapper for my puka shell necklace that broke.

margarethe sapijec

I've just arrived home from Don's memorial. It was standing room only and the assortment of people was astonishing. PTA moms laden with cakes standing by vixens wobbly on heels, bankers sharing Kleenex with, I don't know... looked like crazy eyed surfer dudes to me. The point being that Don knew a lot of people and where ever he went he made friends with everyone, spreading mirth and laughter and really happy memories behind him. Yeah, we lost a good one in Don, he was one of the best, and when the thunder and rain rolled in after the bagpipes played... Well, it was just fitting, that's all I can say.

Greg Neeld

Hey Donnyboy,

I am sorry I could not get to your celebration of life. Your passing shocked me when Digger told me about it last week. It was 4 months ago that I saw you on the street and traditional to our greetings we both hugged each other smiling and laughing at the top of our lungs and of course trying to see who could lift the other the hightest in the air! You told me that you had cancer but you looked like Donny so I never thought anything of it. I wish that I had one more beer with you ole buddy to have one more laugh and to listen to your emballished stories. So, when I arrive at the pearly gateS I want to see you there with two Canadians, in a bottle please! Don't expect me to soon though.

I would like to extend my consolences to Jeannie, her family and friends during these trying times.

As I am wrinting this I am listening to Rod Stewart and he is singing the song - Celtic, United -, that's you Baby. To the SCOTTS Donnyboy.

Take care, rest in piece and see ya later.

Greg

leonard Klein

I am a pool player and so is Donny either as a partner or competing against him. His wonderful infectious smile will always be remembered with a pint

randall pow

donnie morrison a true valued friend and gentleman for almost 30 yrs. from the elephant and castle to long lunches at the rex the infamouse deck conversation and stories that always ended .bent over in laughter some of them even true at the track looking for that 8-1 shot of value phoning various NFL cities for the weather report ...the odd 2a.m call from you and jeannie to ask if everything is all right don its 2 in the morning ok..rand call you tomorrow[..the .dinners at your home charades 500 miles and the sound of sccccooottttllaaaannnnd leaving your house to us opening a trading acct. ..at wood gundy and having it closed by head office in 3 days .a record that still stands today ..to the great family jeannie and don raised all tremendous individuals .with great values and of course the morrison humour thats it for now my friend until we are both looking for the 8-1 shot

assad-amjad manji

Mr. Morrison, I know that I did not get to know you well but I enjoyed serving you and Billy each time you came to the BMO branch and I will always miss how you called me your personal banker. My prayers are with your family and I hope to meet you one day in that lovely place they call "HEAVEN" ....Missing you already !!!

Gabi Dubnie

I am sorry I am not able to attend Don's memorial. I will always remember Don fondly. Don will always be remembered for his playful nature and his love and pride of his family. Thank you Don for all those crazy and fun parties and gatherings. You are missed by all who knew and loved you.
Gabi