Memories & Celebrations of Life: Obituary

Morgan John Hildebrand

March 15, 1927 - March 31, 2022

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Morgan (Morgy). He left this earthly existence to join his soul mate, Irma Hildebrand, in the spirit world. Morgan regarded the years since Irma’s passing as the longest years of his life. 

Morgan was pre-deceased by Irma (2008), his mother Flora Hildebrand (nee MacFarlane 1981), his father Walter Hildebrand (1967) and his only sibling, Iris Delorme (2021). He leaves many nieces and nephews and their extended families. 

Morgan and Irma had three sons, Lance (Laura, Samuel) who reside in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Todd (Camilla) who live on Gambier Island, B.C., and Jeff (Suki, Asia). His two grandchildren were the icing on the cake of Morgan’s life. He was very proud of Sam and Asia and is missed so much by them. 

Morgan was born in Ottawa two years before the Great Depression and was a witness to the unfolding of history for 95 years. What a beautiful long life! He was retired longer than he worked, which was for 36 years. Morgan was a federal government employee, initially hired as a Forest Insect Ranger and eventually working in microbiology and forest pest research. Although Morgan began his career in Ottawa it took him to live in Sault Ste Marie (twice) and Fort Frances. During his 36 years in forest research Morgan worked in various provinces, on a variety of projects, primarily focused on the application of bacteria to control Spruce Budworm infestations.

After Morgan retired in 1984 the family left Sault Ste Marie and moved back to Ottawa, briefly. In 1986 Morgan and Irma decided to change up life. On the spur of the moment, they bought a cottage on Heronry Lake, Nestor Falls, Ontario. They sold their house in Ottawa, downsized considerably, and headed to live closer to Irma’s family in Sunset Country. It was there that they turned the cottage into a year-round home, where they fished numerous lakes for numerous species, where they managed a tourist camp, and where they got involved in community and church life. Morgan lived in that house for 30 years, before moving to The Golden Age Manor in Emo, Ontario in 2016 for 4 years. He spent the last two years of his life In Sioux Lookout, in his own home, visited everyday by family members. He moved in mid February 2020, three weeks before the pandemic. Despite the difficulties of life during this time Morgan made the most of it. That’s what he did his whole life. Make the most of whatever each situation presented.  

It is this, and other healthy attitudes, that made Morgan truly unique. He was a hard guy not to like.  Wherever Morgan went he either made a friend, had two degrees of separation from that new friend, or he re-united with a long-lost pal. Morgan was often described as being an old school gentleman and a prince of a fellow. This was readily apparent to anyone who had the good fortune to meet him and to be in his presence.

Our family would like to thank all the people and organizations who helped Morgan be comfortable in his Sioux Lookout home and who tended to his medical needs. This includes his neighbours, friends, St. Andrews United Church S.L.F.N.H.A. Foot Care, The Hugh Allen Clinic, and Meno-Ya-Win Hospital. Morgan spent the last six weeks of his life in hospital. He often remarked how excellent the care was and how kind the staff were towards him. 

Morgan’s wishes include re-uniting his ashes with Irma’s this summer and having them placed off Cyclone Point in Sabaskong Bay (Lake of the Woods) where he and Irma landed the only Musky in Morgan’s long life of angling. A fish fry will follow for friends and family. 

If so desired, donations may be made to Covenant House. However, it would also put a smile on Morgan’s face if trees were planted in his memory, after all he spent a good portion of his life working to protect the forests of Canada and he last planted some pine seedlings when he was 91 years old! 

What a long, beautiful life lived so very well. Indeed!