It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ray Morris, resident of Salmon Arm since 2001. Ray was born in Yorkshire, England and attended Ackworth, a Quaker boarding school, graduating with honours. He obtained his first degree at University of Birmingham and then a doctorate in sociology from Oxford University. He was Lecturer in Sociology and Social Statistics at Birmingham University 1960-64, then Associate Professor of Sociology at the American University in Washington 1964-68.
Ray and his first wife, Ruth, came to Canada in 1968, settling in Toronto where he taught sociology at York University for 30 years. He was Director of the Graduate Program in Sociology for over 8 years and supervised over 40 graduate students during his time at York. For 13 years, he taught Sociology in French and English at York’s Glendon campus. During his years at York, Ray worked to ensure that there was space in the graduate program for women and people of colour. He was author of six books and contributed articles in French and English to various anthologies.
Ray and Ruth retired to Salmon Arm in early 2001 and Ray cared for Ruth until she died from cancer later that year.
Ray leaves Anne, his wife of 13 years whom he met in 2002 at the Sorrento Centre; his brother, Nigel, in England; four children: Peter in Michigan, Corinne (Richard) in England, Douglas in Toronto, and Joy (Dave) in Lethbridge; also three grandchildren: Owen and Pippa in England, and Harmony in Lethbridge with whom Ray has for several years enjoyed weekly playtimes via Skype.
Ray was a passionate advocate of social justice, serving for 11 years as Co-chair of the Salmon Arm Ecumenical KAIROS Committee, a branch of the national KAIROS organization that unites 11 churches and religious organizations in faithful action for justice. He gave generously to numerous Canadian and international charities that strive for social and economic justice, and for a safe-climate world for the world’s children and future generations.
A celebration of Ray’s life will be held Thursday, October 8, at 2 pm at First United Church, with Rev. Jenny Carter officiating.
If so desired, donations in memory of Ray can be made online to KAIROS Canada: www.kairoscanada.org/donate/ Or send a cheque payable to KAIROS - United Church of Canada, marked “In memoriam Ray Morris”, and mail to KAIROS, 310 Dupont Street, Suite 200, Toronto, M5R 1V9.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium, Salmon Arm.
Online condolences may be sent through Ray’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com