Obituary - Morley Mullin

With saddened hearts the family of Morley Lorne Mullin, beloved husband of Judi Mullin, announce his peaceful passing at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at the age of 65 years. Proud parents, Lorne and Victoria Mullin embraced the arrival of their newborn son, Morley, on February 21, 1944 in Regina, Saskatchewan. In his youth he enjoyed the same passions as many of his peers. Some of those passions in which he participated in, were sports oriented - and unknown at the time - sports played a hand in the life that was meant to be. While at a baseball game in Calgary in 1966, Judi's attention was drawn to a handsome young man playing baseball. "Who's on first?", she asked her friends. Little did she know that the young man playing first base would be her future husband, Morley. A formal introduction was made and the beginning of a long lasting relationship was formed. On Halloween, October 31, 1966, Morley asked for her hand in marriage and they were united on May 19, 1967 in Calgary. His work ethic was unmatched and proved to be the solid foundation his career was based upon. His career in the transportation industry (sales and marketing) began with Miller & Brown before transferring to Medicine Hat in 1969. During his career, Morley transferred throughout Western Canada in exchange for advancing his position within the transport industry. He travelled extensively to various cities and communities and loved to listen to music to pass the time. Through hard work and perseverance, he achieved much success and was vastly respected as a Director of Sales and Marketing with Kindersley Transport. He then opened his own Trucking Logistics Company Clarke Transport from which he retired in 2006. The personal gain and growth he experienced in his career, paled in comparison to the emotions of holding his newborn baby boy. In 1971, Morley experienced love at first sight when Scott was placed in his arms and the eternal bond of father and son was formed. Morley was so proud of his new son! As the years passed, this little boy became a man and soon brought home a young lady, Laurie, and a new daughter was added to the family. Morley loved her as his own and welcomed her with open arms. Soon after Scott and Laurie were married, the two little lights in his life, Brooke and Ella were born. The presence of these little ones lit up his face whenever he saw them. The innocent antics that only children come up with, provided hours of entertainment for both Grampi and Nana. Morley loved unselfishly, gave with kindness and brought gentleness, warmth and laughter to every aspect of his life. His home and particularly his kitchen were his joys. He loved to cook and entertain - he said in the next world he will be a chef! Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to call up friends and family to come for dinner. His invitation for a great feast at his home also extended to mother nature. The local bunnies and deer made themselves at home and raided his garden as they pleased. Morley loved animals and figured they had to eat somewhere so it may as well be at his house. This was his nature - he was a very kind soul, who was always willing to help someone in need and putting their needs first. He was a sports enthusiast, enjoying all sports and spent countless hours with the remote attached to his hand to make sure he never missed any event. As sports minded as he was, he understood the dedication and commitment that is required for communities to support organized sports. Outside of family, this was Morley's strong point and focus in life. He truly valued the importance of giving back to the community and he led by this example. He was a dedicated volunteer and spent countless hours raising funds for organizations that needed his help. One such fundraising campaign was the creation of the 20 Mile Post Days that still exists today. This was developed to raise funds for the Irvine Sports Complex. Morley was an integral part of ensuring this recreational facility would break ground and be built accordingly. He felt there was a need for a hockey organization within our city, and in 1970, became a founder of the Hockey Hounds organization. At present, the Hockey Hounds proves to be the cornerstone for Medicine Hat Minor Hockey. For a period of time, he was also involved with the Medicine Hat Jr. Cubs and served as President and General Manager. His time was given to others and in return, he received some of the greatest gifts of his life - friendships. The attributes and characteristics he possessed brought upon him many friendships and relationships that he greatly cherished. His relatives and friends showed their love and support to Morley through cards, phone calls and numerous visits to the hospital. His brother, Barry and his wife, Alice, made many trips from Winnipeg to support Morley and Judi throughout his illness and it was greatly appreciated. All of the relatives, close friends and colleagues that visited during this time, was evidence of how people felt about him. Morley's passing will leave an enormous emptiness in the lives of his wife, Judi; son, Scott and daughter-in-law, Laurie Mullin; precious granddaughters, Brooke and Ella Mullin; brother, Barry (Alice) Mullin of Winnipeg, MB; brother-in-law, Lorne (Darleen) Campbell of Ottawa, ON and nephew, Kenneth Campbell also of Ottawa; the Zora family and his extended family of Smiths and Campbells in Ontario. He was predeceased by his parents, Lorne and Victoria Mullin; a sister, Joan Latimer; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Lyla Campbell and many aunts and uncles. Morley also lost his 'shadow', beloved pet cat, "Cassie", one week ago. It was a blessing for his family and friends to be able to visit him during his final weeks in Palliative Care at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Morley faced his rare lung illness with a positive attitude as he spent the last 20 months traveling to Calgary to a lung specialist. There were few challenges that Morley didn't meet and overcome, but overcoming this disease was not meant to be. As the family, we express our sincere appreciation to Pastor Loren Hosfield, Dr. Duke, Dr. Gebhardt, Dr. Javier and ALL the staff in Palliative Care - you are truly caring people with a very special gift. As a parting gift, Morley would like everyone to remember Tim McGraw's song, "Live Like You Were Dying". The family asks for you to remember Morley in your heart and simply carry on his legacy and sense of community. In accordance to his wish, he will be silently remembered without the proceedings of a formal service. Memorial tributes in Morley's name may be made directly to the Palliative Care Society, 666 - 5th Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4H6 or to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8E8.