Robert Brown Morgan

It is with grieving hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Brown Morgan on the morning of Friday, November 6, 2020. Robert was born in Victoria on September 15, 1950, a few minutes after his twin sister. He was raised in Victoria. His love of wildlife and nature led him to complete a Bachelor of Science in Zoology at the University of Alberta. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, he developed an interest in law and ultimately pursued a career as a lawyer. He attended law school at the University of Ottawa, where he met and fell in love with his wife of 40 years, Barbara.

Rob and Barb relocated to Kenora with their son Matthew and during Rob’s tenure in Kenora, he frequently travelled to the Rainy River District to provide legal services. In 1983, the Morgan family moved to Fort Frances, thinking they would only live in the Rainy River District for a few years. Rob and his family did not take long to develop lasting friendships with the people of the Rainy River District and the family quickly gained a love and appreciation for the beauty of Rainy Lake and the surrounding area.

Rob served the community as a lawyer and was involved in many community endeavours, notably as a volunteer for minor hockey and the Fort Frances Visserettes Gymnastics Club. Rob and Barb had wonderful friendships with the people in the Rainy River District along with many friends from all over the U.S. as a result of building a cabin on a small island on the north arm of Rainy Lake. Although he had no extended family in the Rainy River District, Rob always felt that our friends were an extension of his family - a sentiment shared by his wife and three children.

Robert received excellent care at La Verendrye Hospital, the same hospital where two of his children were born. He passed away peacefully, with his family at his side and his friends in his mind. Robert lived with cancer for 15 years. With his strength and optimism, Rob managed to negotiate with the cancer and live many healthy years with ongoing treatment.

Robert was a wonderful husband and loving father, a trusted friend to many, a skilled and experienced lawyer and successful entrepreneur. Robert always took an interest in young people and encouraged young adults to pursue their dreams. He saw the glass half-full and enjoyed the little things in life. His family and friends will forever cherish the memories they shared with him.

Robert was predeceased by his father Vernon Morgan (Victoria, BC), his mother Patricia Archibald (Burnaby, BC), sister; Suzanne Hartley (Richmond, BC), and brother; Andy Archibald (Langley, BC). Robert is survived by his wife Barbara and his three children, Matthew (Courtenay, BC), Graeme (Qualicum, BC), Hillary (Prince George, BC), his oldest sister Penny Brand (Peter) (Sidney, BC), his twin sister Candice Morgan (Ian) (Nanoose Bay, BC), sister Heidi Archibald (Joanne) (New Westminster, BC), sister in law Lynda Noel (Keary) (Langley, BC), brother Dennis Murphy (Hawaii, USA), niece Caitlin MacDonald (Drew) (Nanaimo, BC), and nephews Josh Brand (Laura), Aidan Brand (Heather), Fraser MacDonald (Kathryn) and Brady Archibald.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, an invitation-only memorial will be held. A Mass that is open to the public will be held at St. Mary’s Parish on Wednesday, November 18th at 9:00 AM. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Rob’s memory to the Riverside Foundation for Healthcare or to the Royal Canadian Legion Fort Frances branch.

“You can trust a human being with grief; even a small human being. Walk fearlessly into the house of mourning, for grief is only love that has come against its oldest challenge. And, after all these mortal years, love knows how to handle it.” Rob know that you were so loved by me. I have lost my best friend, my life’s partner and trusted soul mate. When your soul left a part of my soul went with you. God blessed the path we took together, our love grew and strengthened and love supported us when our path turned sharply and when there were hills to climb. We took our path and vowed never to part and our three children are our legacy to each other and to God.