JOHN BYRON MORTON

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JOHN BYRON MORTON March 17, 1944 - January 20, 2014 It's with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Byron Morton, with family by his side, at the Dr. Evelyn Memorial Hospital in Stonewall, MB on January 20, 2014. Byron was born in Shoal Lake, MB on March 17, 1944 as the only child of James (Jim) and Eva (Sinclair) Morton. Byron spent his early years on the family farm, 13-18-22, in the Elphinstone area of the Municipality of Strathclair. He participated in the local 4-H club and enjoyed baseball through his teen years. In 1967 Byron married Rita Jackson of Elphinstone and soon after welcomed their first child Evalee Grace. The young family then took over the family farm and James David arrived in 1970. Realizing farming wasn't his calling Byron moved the family to the Stonewall area and John Brett arrived in 1972 followed by Mark William in 1978. Byron found steady work as a heavy equipment operator and home builder but found his true passion working for the Town of Stonewall as Public Works Foreman. He was a member of the Stonewall / Rockwood Volunteer Fire Department and found time to be a business owner. In 1987 Byron became a partner in Frosty's, a popular Stonewall restaurant, and for the next 10 years provided many high school students with their first job. He dedicated himself to his work, and his endless hours serving the residents of Stonewall is appreciated to this day. Byron was an avid curler during his earlier years in Stonewall but baseball soon took over his spare time. In the early 1990s, Byron was part of a group that looked to revive baseball in Stonewall and soon Fines Fields were hosting National Championships culminating with the Pan-Am Games being played in Stonewall in 1999. Countless volunteer hours were spent at the ball diamonds in Quarry Park with his close friends and family. Byron spent his later years working for Terraco, volunteering at curling events, and resting at "the lake" with Rita and his dog Charlie. Byron will be lovingly remembered by his mother Eva, wife Rita, daughter Evalee, sons James (Nicole), Brett (Melanie), Mark (Brandi), and grandchildren Anne, Max, Matthew, and Marcus. He was predeceased by his father Jim, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A come and go tea will be held at the Lions Community Centre (55 Plus) in Stonewall on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Interment of his ashes will take place in the summer at The Bend Cemetery in the Municipality of Strathclair. If friends so desire donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to the Palliative Care room at the Stonewall & District Health Centre. MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME STONEWALL 204-467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2014