Obituary of Ronald James Morton

Ron was born on October 11, 1938 in Dawson Creek, B.C.; He was the second eldest of eight children born to Ralph and Margaret Morton. Ron started his education at the Central School then was bussed into Dawson Creek to continue his schooling. When Ron was young he enjoyed playing Hockey, Ball and Boxing. Ron lost his mother five days after his tenth birthday which had a dramatic impact on his life. Ron had a lot of respect for his Dad for keeping the family together after his Mother's passing. Ron started his working career driving truck for C.B. Harden then later drove for Swanberg Bros Trucking. But the thrill of chuck wagon racing became his passion. He followed the chuck wagon circuit for many years. He lived his dream when he raced in the Calgary Stampede. His great uncle Jack Morton, known as "Wild Horse Jack" was one of the first competitors to race chuck wagons in Calgary. Ron shared this love of racing with May, Viola and Ronda and later his grandchildren. Ron was excited when his son-in-law Ted Friesen caught the thrill of racing and they shared many good times on the circuit together. Ron was a cowboy with a temper to match, but he also had a great sense of humour and a softer side. Looking back over Ron's life you can see a man that lived simply. There were two basic things that defined Ron's life; the love for his family and the thrill of chuck wagon racing. Ron was proud of his girls when they competed in the rodeos. Viola participated in the thoroughbred racing and other events, and Ronda drove the thoroughbred and pony chariots. Ron loved hockey and enjoyed watching his grandchildren, Ron and Chantel play. As you can imagine he was an emotional and a vocal fan. Ron's lifelong partnership with his wife May, began in 1963 and through the years she worked, played and faced life challenges with him to the very end. Over the years May and Ron were inseparable and true companions. Ron was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be sadly missed by all. Ron passed away on Tuesday, October12, 2010 in Dawson Creek, B.C.; at the age of 72 years. Left to cherish his memory is May his loving wife of 47 years. Two daughters Viola and Ronda, four grandchildren Ron, Chantel, Holly, Layton and one great grandson Jackson. Ron is also survived by one brother Leonard Morton, three sisters, Pat Feschuck, Judy Altizer, and Vera Menzies-Grove, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by; his parents Ralph and Margaret Morton, two sisters Helen and Rita and his brother Bobby. Eulogy Presented By; Sister Vera Menzies-Grove A memorial service was held on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 1:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel, Ernie Hamre officiated, interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery, Dawson Creek, B.C. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium.