"The enormity of the room, whose door has now quietly shut"
Joseph “Bob” Robert Morton, a legend of a man to his family, passed away on January 27, 2025. Born in Fort William, Ontario, on June 28, 1944, Bob lived a life that fulfilled his dreams.
He is survived by "his girl," Margaret “Sue” Susan Morton, his wife of 58 years, along with their children, Tamara Stewardson (Mike), Stacy Morton (George), Robert Morton (Ayla), Jessica Morton; and their extended children, Rayna, Melissa Parenteau, and Danny Hoang. He also leaves behind many cherished grandchildren, extended family and friends, including Wayne and Greg Rose, Gib Taylor and Patty McGuire. Bobs departure creates an irreplaceable void.
Bob and Sue married at a young age, and Bob worked as a bush pilot while they lived in Cochenour, Beardmore and then Thunder Bay. Seeking better opportunities for their growing family, Bob attended Lakehead University and earned his teaching degree while working full-time at the mill. He secured his first teaching position in Australia, where the family lived for several years before returning to Canada. Bob also taught in Jamaica and then four years in Papua New Guinea. He taught with immense passion and dedication, and throughout his life, students reached out to express their gratitude. He played Stompin' Tom, built a time machine which transported Cavemen into a classroom, took students on trips across the country, and made a positive impact on so many students lives around the world.
In addition to being a pilot and educator, Bob was also a gymnast, diver, and sailor. He built his first boat by hand in his yard in PNG. Besides his family, Bob had a profound love for boating, and your conversations with Bob usually ended with him planning your next ride out on the water. Bob retired with Sue, and the two continued to travel around the world, settling in Red Rock and Mexico during winter where he developed a competitive passion for pickle ball along with a five year weekly dice game with Gabby and Jim. Bob made friends with everyone, and held many of them dear to his heart.
A special Thank-you to Wendy, his home health nurse, the staff of the palliative ward at St. Joe's, and Dr. Dhaliwal, for their unwavering support and care.
A tribute to Bobs life will be held at Rosslyn Community Hall located at 3405 Rosslyn Road, Thunder Bay on Saturday, February 8, 2025 between 1-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in his memory would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
