Blake Morrison

Blake Morrison

  With heavy hearts we announce the unexpected passing of Robert Blake Morrison on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022, having endured a lengthy respiratory illness since his retirement in 2014.

  He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Darlene (nee Waterman) of 36 years; daughter Cassie (Jerret); son Jarret (Stephanie); grandchildren Harlow and Ryder, who were his pride and joy; sister Lisa (Adolf), sister-in-law Gaylene (Jeff), brother-in-law Darrell, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

  He was predeceased by his parents Bob and Gail Morrison; grandparents Howard and Rose Morrison, Randy and Alice Christie; his in-laws Bunny and Eleanor Waterman; nephew Dusty Siemens and cousin Jeff Kirton.

  Blake excelled in sports, especially hockey. Those who remember his playing days will recall his physical style, but he often reflected that his skills included putting the puck in the net. He started playing minor hockey in Selkirk, had stops in the WHL and finished up with the Selkirk Steelers. Many of his teammates along the way played professional hockey – had he not suffered injuries he was destined for the NHL.

  His employment with Gerdau Steel Mill spanned 30 years, enabling him to retire at 50 years of age. Blake and Darlene shared an entrepreneurial spirit. Together they farmed, had rental properties, and established a garden center. Blake was especially proud of the century old family farm. In his youth he worked alongside his grandpa Howard and his dad. After his retirement Blake worked as a bodyguard and chase-car driver for Art Burke and popular TV show Ice Road Truckers. He loved doing this and often shared stories of being on the road.

  The grandkids were very important to Blake. He was always thinking of them and things he could make for them. A silo converted to a playhouse was just one of his projects. The cold weather wasn’t high on his list lately, but he enjoyed Harlow and Ryder learning to skate. Keeping the yard neat and tidy was a priority, whether it was clearing snow, cutting grass, or tending to his homemade pond.

  Blake was known as a big man, but to us he was also larger than life. His sense of humor, one-liners and practical jokes were second to none. One of his favorite lines was “that’s it….put out your torch…you’re off the island”. He backed his family no matter what and was always interested in each one. He was the first to help and the last to leave. If you knew Blake, you’d know what a “zippy” was, and he’d enjoy you toasting one to him.

  The family would like to thank the efforts of the Selkirk EMS and the staff at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre.

  In lieu of flowers a donation to Canadian Tire Jumpstart or St. Boniface NICU would be greatly appreciated on behalf of his grandchildren Harlow and Ryder.

  Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Blake’s wishes, the family will have a private service at a later date.

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