With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Morley Francis Rendall on February 13, 2023 at the age of 92. Lovingly remembered by his wife, Bernice (Grigg), with whom he celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last September, 2022, and by his children, Jeff (Carla), Brad (Brenda), Deena Apeldoorn (John), grandchildren Tyler (Brandie), Clinton, Andrea (Matt) and James, his brother, Allan (Marion), his sister, Doreen Hiltz, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Morley was a long-time resident in Chilliwack, a much-respected veterinarian, and an active leader and participant in community events. Born in Brandon, Manitoba, he moved with his family in 1944 to the Chilliwack district where his father, Gordon Rendall, farmed and established a herd of purebred Holstein cattle. After graduation from Chilliwack High School, he went to UBC for a year of study in Agriculture but then his farming background and love of animals prompted his decision to study veterinary medicine. He enrolled at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph. After a year as a bachelor student, he married his Chilliwack sweetheart, Bernice Grigg, who joined him in Guelph. In 1959, Morley graduated with a D.V.M. and Bernice with a P.H.T. (Pushing Hubby Through) and they were a team ever after. They moved back to Chilliwack where Morley first set up his own practice and eventually co-founded Cheam View Veterinary Hospital.
His participation in community events resulted in several leadership roles: leader of The Trailblazers, a United Church Young Peoples’ group, leader of the Fencing Club, mentor to young people in 4-H or under his employ, and president of the Chilliwack and District Agriculture Society and Fair. His interests were many and varied: Riding Club, Curling Club, fishing, boating, golfing and a Four-pony Hitch with which he competed at Fairs that included the Pacific National Exhibition. A love of traveling saw him and Bernice enjoying trips across Canada and to other countries around the world.
After retirement on his Rosedale Jebradeen Farm, he bred and raised “all creatures great and small” – from cockatiels to Simmental cattle. With his huge truck, he transported his cattle to show at various fairs and exhibitions all over B.C., even going as far as the Agribition in Regina, Saskatchewan. A shelf in his office displayed with ribbons and trophies indicate his successes.
Generous, kind, adventurous, a dedicated professional, devoted to his family, a great sense of humour, a prankster – all ways we can describe Morley. There is a line in a poem entitled Ulysses, “I am a part of all that I have met”. Morley will be greatly missed but we are comforted because he IS a part of all that HE has met. He will be with us always!
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 25th at 2:00pm at Woodlawn Mt Cheam Funeral Home 45865 Hocking Avenue Chilliwack. For those that wish to join the service via Live Stream are welcome to use the following link. https://funeraweb.tv/diffusions/69503
