Obituary of JAMES DUDLEY MORROW

JAMES DUDLEY MORROW It is with great sadness that I must announce the sudden passing of James DUDLEY Morrow on Friday, March 30, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. Left to cherish Dudley’s memory is his soul mate and loving wife of 51-1/2 years, Valerie, his sister, Vera Maxwell, nieces Doreen (Ken), Kim (Lorne), nephews Dennis (Wendy), Danny (Garlen) Jim (Roslyn), brother Ken Morrow (Jean) niece Rhonda (Jim) and their children Scott & Janelle, nephews Kevin and Laurie, sisters Grace Olsen and her family, Carol Stiff (David) and their family and Donna Hanks (Charlie) and their family and brother David, brother-in-law Fred Narozniak (Nettie) niece Wendy, great niece Arianna great nephews Nicholas, and Joshua, nephew Fred Jr. (Sue) and great niece Jazzlyn and brother-in-law, Allan Currie. He is also survived by sister-in-law Audrey Morrow nieces Connie, Susan (Will) and their family, Kate (Fraser) and their family and nephew Jamie. He is survived by numerous other nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews. Dudley took great pride in being referred to as "our white parent and grandfather" by Jessie, Marifel, Jessica and Kim Pamintuan and will be greatly missed by all of them. He was predeceased by his parents, Wesley and Jeannette Morrow, his in-laws, John and Nellie Narozniak, infant son, brothers Garth and Brian Morrow, brothers-in-law, Keith Maxwell, Tony Olsen and sisters-in-law Darlene Parisien and Yvonne Currie. Dudley was born in the R.M. of Louise in Manitoba and was educated in Pilot Mound, Manitoba. When he moved to Winnipeg, at the age of 19 years, he took his Jr. Accountancy course in Winnipeg. After graduating he began his employment career of 5 years with Inman Motors where he met Valerie, the love of his life. After a short period of dating they got married in 1960 and Dudley changed careers. For the next 50 years and until the day he died Dudley enjoyed his lifelong relationship with the construction industry. He was employed by Albert Gross of Gross Cartage and Dick Mulder of Mulder Construction. Dudley was the only person I knew who enjoyed going to work as much at the age of 25 as he did at the age of 76!! Whether Dudley was acting in the capacity of Dispatcher or General Manager he treated his coworkers as his extended family – he not only knew their names, aspirations, etc. but also knew about the person’s children and what they were doing and what direction their lives were taking. He enjoyed arranging for summer employment to many of the employee’s children and showing them the "ropes". He enjoyed going to see their children at their hockey games or whatever they were involved in. He followed their career paths and was concerned for their safety when one of them went to serve our country in another country. Many of Dudley’s relationships with numerous industry members became very dear friends – especially Ken and Sim Bednarz. Dudley loved his sports – he was an avid fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Winnipeg Jets. He enjoyed playing softball with the Mulder group in the early years and in his later years he took up the game of golf and became hooked on it. While wintering in Mesa, Arizona he would play as many times as three times a week. Dudley enjoyed his yearly fishing/bonding trips with his "in-laws". This tradition began in the 1970’s and it went from the fathers-in-law to the brothers-in-law to the inclusion of his nephew Fred Jr. in most recent years. Dudley enjoyed travelling and he and Valerie spent many happy times in various countries travelling by car, train, escorted tours, ships, and air travel. They travelled from coast to coast in Canada, throughout much of the United States, Mexico, Caribbean, Panama Canal and many parts of Europe. Dudley enjoyed his solo trip to Seoul, Korea. In 2006 Dudley and Valerie settled down to snow birding in the Ranchos at Val Vista Village in Mesa, Az. where he became very involved in the community. He loved all the potluck dinners, singing Karaoke, Saturday night dances, golfing, rangering, visiting with friends and neighbors, nourishing many new friendships, co chairing the Canada Day event and most recently becoming the President of the Computer Club. He will be missed by all. Dudley was an active member of Westminster United Church serving on the Property Management committee. He enjoyed his many friendships. Valerie wishes to thank all those who assisted her in arranging for Dudley to be returned to Winnipeg and during the many trying times in Arizona especially to Teresa and Jim Young. Also many thanks for all the support, hugs, food, cards, etc. from everyone at Val Vista Villages. Special thanks to Dave Beaton, Gene Schultz, Jennie Mace and all those who were with Dudley at Dreamland Golf Course. Also special thanks to Shirley Christopherson, Barbara Howard, Daisy Hains, Gert Schultz, Joel and Joanne Spykerman, Dick and Shirley Davis, Jerianne Rimert, Tom and Arlene Rimert. Please forgive me for not naming all of you personally – I appreciate every hug and message of support and card. Dudley would be so proud of all of you. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster United Church, NW Maryland and Westminster with Rev. Robert Campbell officiating. Interment to follow in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens.