Joseph Richard Morrison
Joseph Richard Morrison was taken from us too soon on the morning of June 14th surrounded by his family, after a tragic bike accident the day before.
Joe was born and raised in North Vancouver in a family of seven. He grew up swimming in the Seymour River, and making lifelong friends through his youth group. After high school, he went on to study outdoor recreation at Capilano College and history and education at Simon Fraser University. He taught around British Columbia, and biked and travelled the world.
He married Janine Privett in 2004, and they moved to Whitehorse where their three children–Joe’s greatest pride–were born. Joe became part of the Sacred Heart Cathedral community and a valued teacher at schools in Carcross and Whitehorse. He taught at Holy Family Elementary School for 10 years.
Joe loved travelling and adventure. For every hike, canoe trip, ski trip or bike ride, he would plan five more. Joe also loved sports as an athlete, coach, and referee. He especially loved soccer and hockey and would always have a game on TV. Ever enthusiastic, Joe was always up for something new, be it dancing or ski patrol; and he was not afraid to make mistakes. He had a big heart, and was ready to help people in any way he could.
Joe is survived by his mother Maureen, his wife Janine; his children Kalina, Kyan and Taryn; his siblings Marianne (Dennis), Norman (Joy), Tim, and Suzy; his nieces and nephews Richard (Vanessa), Chantelle (TJ), Kylie (Nic) and Noah (Van); as well as his aunt and uncle and his many beloved cousins.
He will be greeted in heaven by his father Norman.
A funeral service will be held at St-Pius church in North Vancouver on July 20th at 11am, with a reception at the church to follow.
In Whitehorse, a celebration of life will be held in the Grey Mountain Room at Mount Mac on August 16th from 4:30pm-8pm with a short service at 5pm. Everyone is welcome, and Joe’s family appreciates all the love and support they have received from the community.
Trena irving
A tribute to a wonderful man. Will miss seeing you biking Joe but I think of you and your family every time I do.
Beverley
Joe was family, and he made everyone feel like family. Torn from us too soon, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered
Sara Tillett
Thinking of your family, Janine. Joe was an incredible person who was always looking for the next adventure and whatever joy was around the corner. He loved you and the kids so much. I will always remember his kindness, his spirit of adventure, his willingness to laugh at himself and love for his community. He was a respected and loved educator, too. No words can express this loss or reduce the heartache that comes with it. Joe will be missed and he left this world a better place and was someone everyone could look up to. Sending my love.
Mark Anthony Gayle
Joseph Morrisson rest in peace you will be remembered for ever dear good buddy!happy August 29th 2024!respected by Mark Anthony Gayle!100% grade gifted like me!straight A’s report card grades shared with you in heaven forever!you make a good teacher in class!r.i.p peace!
Drew Whittaker
I knew Joe through coaching Ky. Joe was so proud of Ky’s soccer talents and such a Yukon soccer booster. Last winter, he planned a trip to the Arctic Games in Alaska — and asked me repeatedly to go, but I had other fish-to-fry. But he took the long trip to Palmer and got to see his son win the Gold! I know how happy he would have been in that moment.
Larry Seebach
I first met Joe way back in the early 80s when we hung out in the St. Pius X church youth group. I’m five years older than Joe, so we didn’t become close friends yet, but I remember being impressed by his quiet and intelligent nature. Then, in 1986 I was surprised to find that Joe had enrolled with me in the Outdoor Recreation Management program at Capilano College. We got to know each other much better during this 2 year rather intense experience. Joe earned himself the moniker Slow Joe because he was never in a rush. While the rest of us were trying to hike the trail, Joe just took his time and took it all in. At times this was frustrating for his food group, but he was also respected for it. Decades later, in the mid-twenty teens, I landed in Whitehorse as a teacher trying to break into the Yukon school system. I was, once again, surprised to learn that Joe was already here and established as a cherished teacher. I met up with him and met his young family. It was wonderful to see Joe again, and I was impressed at how well he had landed on his feet when I was still trying to find mine. The news of Joe’s accident has hit me hard and my thoughts are will his family.