Known to his friends as Mo and to his family as Gramps, Grandpa or Barney, Morris died peacefully in his sleep earlier this week, having reached the grand age of 95 with all his teeth and most of his marbles. Morris grew up in Manitoba but left home early to join the Air Force. The only way he could see action was to volunteer as a Lancaster bomber’s tail gunner, a crew position with a very high mortality rate. Like many veterans, he never spoke of his wartime experiences.
Back in Canada, Morris remained in the Air Force as a radio operator, which instilled in him a lifelong desire to collect fine electronic gear and an assortment of “interesting” gadgets. He married Olga Wasylynchuk, his only true love and his dance partner for 68 years of marriage. Together they raised four children on RCAF bases in Chicoutimi, Cold Lake and Germany. He was proud to have also served on the DEW line. Family trips throughout Europe were one of the highlights of his life. After 25 years of active service, he retired to further careers in Ottawa as a taxicab owner/operator and Commissionaire.
Morris was a generous friend, a beloved grandfather, a fine fiddle player, an unbeatable cribbage player and an engaging storyteller with a wonderful sense of humour. He loved black-and-white movies, big band music, mashed potatoes, extra dessert, road trips and silly Dad jokes. And family, always family. Unable to visit him in recent weeks, his children are grateful to the staff of Granite Ridge Care Community for hosting a group video chat just days before his passing – one example of the excellent care he received there. Thank you!
Morris was predeceased by his wife, Olga (2017), and son, Kenneth (1982). Left to remember him fondly are his children: Kathy (John), Debbie (Michael), James (Kindi); 5 grandchildren: Stephen (Ashlene), Colleen, Brandi (James), Kensi (Owen), Kelsi (Andrew); and 4 great-grandchildren: Clare, Jaylin, Leia, Howl.
We give thanks for his service to his country and dedication to his family, and we look forward to the time when we can come together to bid him farewell. “Till We Meet Again.”
Digital Guestbook
Lorna and Bruce Merklinger
Kandi and Wayne Potter and family
Jimmy, Kandi, Kathy, Debbie and families. Please accept our condolences on the passing of your father. I knew Morris as nothing but kindness and cheerfulness, and I saw the joy in his eyes when he was visiting with his family. I know he will be greatly missed and we will be thinking of you.
Patricia Farrus
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all you at this time of sadness. I will always remember our trips to Ottawa to visit Uncle Morris and Auntie Olga, the dinners in Andrew and their visits to Mom and Dad's in Edmonton. He was always happy and a funny story to tell. We will miss you. Love Patricia and Ron❤️??
Gail Cameron Watters
Sending Sympathy to the family of Mo Dickinson. Mo and his wife, Olga, who was a cousin to my Mother, Josephine Nikiforuk Cameron, used to come and visit us on our family farm near Manotick, Ontario, during the late 1950's, and possibly the early 1960's. Mother and Dad (Daniel F. Cameron) looked forward very much to their visits where we all had a pleasant time. Our thoughts are with each and everyone.
To the Dickinson family. Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of this amazing soldier/father/grandfather.