Dr. Kenneth James Morrison Obituary (1928

Born in Vancouver, BC, Canada on March 1, 1928 to John Mcleod and Agnes P. Morrison, Kenneth James Morrison was raised in Port Alberni, BC, Canada, where he graduated from Port Alberni High School. During summers he worked digging post holes for BC Telephone and in logging camps to pay his tuition to university. He was a member of the first graduating class of Physicians and Surgeons from the University of British Columbia in 1954 and did his internship at St. Mary's Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan. He entered private practice in Parksville, British Columbia in 1955. From there, he moved his family to the United States to accept a research fellowship in the Department of Biological Structure at the University of Washington. He was instrumental in investigating the clinical applications of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber for NASA and enjoyed every minute of being associated with a research facility. He was in private practice for many years in Edmonds, Washington and then moved to Silverdale and was in family practice there for 24 years. At the time of his retirement in 2002, he was the oldest practicing physician in Kitsap County, having been in practice for almost 50 years. During the course of his long medical career, Dr. Morrison was proud of many accomplishments but perhaps one of his greatest treasures was being given the honorary name of "Wa Na Ka Ya" (he saves lives) by the great-nephew of the legendary Sioux Chief, Sitting Bull. He was a compassionate physician with a brilliant mind and a genuine love for people, nature and glue guns. Yes, he was good at everything he touched...except, home improvement. He used a glue gun anywhere a nail, screw, tape, or just about anything else would have been better suited. But we loved him for it. Rest in peace with your glue gun, Dad...we know you'll get the joke. Dr. Morrison was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Agnes Morrison of Parksville, BC; brother, Jack Morrison, MD, of Victoria, BC; and sister, Marion Crawford, of Courtney, BC. He leaves behind his wife of 58 years (and his travel companion and best friend), Eleanor Hope Morrison; as well as four children; Cathy Boorman (Paul) of Bothell, Chris Morrison (Vicki) of Poulsbo, Susan Morrison of Silverdale, and Laura Solomon (Mike) of Port Orchard. He also leaves behind his four grandchildren, Shane Morrison, Alex Solomon, Kristin Morrison and Rachel Wahlers (Zack); they were truly some of the greatest joys of his life. Additionally, he was very proud of his great-granddaughter, Annabelle Wahlers, who could always make him smile. His pals, Gus, Patches, and Pele' will miss cuddling on his lap. A memorial in Dr. Morrison's honor will be announced at a later date. Remembrances may be made to Paws Bainbridge Island; www.pawsbainbridge.org. If love could have saved you, Dad...you would have lived forever.