Ernest (Ernie) Morgan crossed the bar (passed away) in Sidney, B.C. on September 28, 2018. He leaves behind his daughter Dory (Rolando); son John (Yunhee); three grandchildren- Katarina, Natasha and Joshua; one sister; two brothers; and a hoard of good friends and acquaintances. He is predeceased by his wife (Sally), his mother, father, two brothers and three sisters.
Ernie was born in Willingdon (a small village in central Alberta). At the age of 18, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and spent his entire younger and middle years in this service (35 years). Ernie loved the sea. He loved the navy and where it took him. He joined as an ordinary seaman, was commissioned from the “lower decks” and eventually reached the rank of commander. As part of his commissioning plan, he attended the University of Victoria where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Honors Physics. Ernie left the Service in 1995 and retired to a life in Sidney.
Ernie enjoyed many activities. In his younger years, he was a hockey player, a football player and a rugby player. In his retirement years, he worked at minor construction in the Sidney area. For 5 years, he was a volunteer at the Broadmead Lodge (Royal Oak) where he provided companionship to some of our veterans. For 15 years, he was a member of PEMO/SAR (Search and Rescue) and was involved in numerous ground searches.
He was a member of the Glen Meadows Curling Association/Masters League and for a spell was the league’s president.
Ernie has put out to sea for the last time. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Ernie did not wish to have a service or celebration of life. He said he celebrated life with family and friends every day that he lived.
Another place, another time.
Crossing the Bar
Alfred Lord Tennyson – 1809 to 1892
Sunset and evening star, and one clear call from me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar, when I put
out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep, too full for
sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep,
turns again – home.
Twilight and evening bell, and after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell, when I
embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place, the
flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face when I have
crossed the bar.
(“crossing the bar” is a very common expression in the Navy for passing on)
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Gerry Messner
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Wilfred A Bauer Dear Dory and John
So Sad to hear of your father’s Passing. I had the pleasure of sailing with your Dad four times. We first sailed together as Ordinary Seaman Radar plotters in 1962 and after your Dad took his commission. He was my Operations Officer and then later My Executive Officer and Lastly on Squadron Staff. Your Dad always gave 110% to every position he worked at. He has left me with some of the fondest remembrance of a great shipmate and I raise a glass to him.
Yours aye
Wilf Bauer CPO1 (Ret’d)
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John Macquarrie Dear Dory and John,
I was blessed to serve with Ernie, at first training together then eventually becoming Cabin Mates in HMCS ALGONQUIN when we both were part of the Commissioning Crew. I vividly recall discussing the Second Law of Thermodybanics in our cabin. Admittedly, Ernie did the best to explain this to me, but I still don’t get it! We also had been on many courses together and got to know each other well. By the way, Ernie topped every course which we took. He was a brilliant man. I shall miss Ernie whom I first met when you were children. Please know that your Dad was an extremely competent Officer, who deeply cared for those under his command. Ernie, I miss you old shipmate. May we meet again on that far shore.
Yours Aye!
The Reverend Commander (ret’d) John C. Macquarrie
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Yvette Noreen My sincere sympathies to you, Dory and your family and your brother John. I know you will miss your Dad dearly. He was a lovely man.
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Harvey Knapp Easily one of the best shipmates I ever had. RIP Ernie.
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jim O'Hanley To all of Ernies family we pass on our condolences.He was an outstanding officer.really sorry to hear of his passing.
Jim/Marlene O’Hanley
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John R Anderson Dear Dory and John,
I was saddened to read of your Father’s death in today’s Times Colonist. I knew Ernie for many years and we shared many navy times over our respective careers. Latterly I would see him here in Sidney and we would chat briefly. I send you my condolences and will remember an “absent friend” as I raise a glass to him memory.
Most sincerely, yours aye
John Anderson, Admiral (Ret’d)
To Dory and John and your families. I was deeply saddened to hear of Ernie’s passing. I first met Ernie back in 1981 on HMCS Kootenay and we remained very good friends right up to his passing. After Ernie moved out to the Sidney area, any time that I had to go out that way I would arrange to meet Ernie at Mary’s Blue Moon restaurant where we would have a libation or two. I don’t know if he ever told you the “shopping cart” story but it was me and it was true.
One of many adventures that we had. He was the best officer that I had ever met in my 35 years in the Navy. RIP good buddy, I will miss you.