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Dr. Robert J. Morgan
Born In: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Born: October 23rd, 1938
Passed in: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: May 4th, 2011
Dr. Robert J. Morgan
Oct. 23, 1938-June 4, 2011
Cape Breton Island lost a good friend and consummate supporter with the death of Dr. Robert J. Morgan. Bob died at home June 4, 2011, surrounded by family and friends.
He will live on in the hearts of every person who knew him as a teacher, speaker and friend, for his generosity with information, support of heritage projects, devotion to gardening, good books, the French and Gaelic language, and travel. Bob was prepared to go anywhere to speak in defence of Cape Breton heritage, and he was noted for the clarity and passion with which he kept the island's history alive.
Born Oct. 23, 1938, in Windsor, Ont., Bob was the son of Herbert Morgan and Rose Gilboe. He got his master degree at Queens University and met Cape Bretoner Barbara McKinnon, “Babs”, beginning a lifelong devotion to the island. He taught at Xavier Junior College in Sydney and married his beloved Babs in 1964. He earned his doctorate at University of Ottawa in 1969.
Bob was a founder of the Old Sydney Society and St. Patrick’s Church Museum. He served over the years as senior historian at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, professor of history and director of research and development at what became Cape Breton University, and director of the Beaton Institute archives. He wrote the history of the struggle for a university in Cape Breton in the book called Perseverance, and his major essays, talks and conversations were compiled in Early Cape Breton — From Founding to Famine. In 2008 and 2009 he published the two-volume Rise Again! Which was the first full-scale telling of the story of Cape Breton Island in150 years.
Bob leaves behind sister, Rosemarie (Melvin, deceased) Davis of Gladwin, Michigan; and brother, Herbert ‘Bert’’ (Sandra( Morgan of LaSalle, Ont.; and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Barbara, an infant brother, Herbert, and his parents. He will be buried beside Babs in Inverness. He will be missed by the gang at the Steel City Tavern.
Family and friends deeply appreciate the professionalism and care that was given to Robert by his physicians and the staff of Cape Breton Regional Hospital. A special thank you to the Palliative Care doctors and nurses, to the VON, the Continuing Care staff, and to the occupational and physiotherapy staff who did their best to meet his needs at home.
Visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Monday, June 6 in T. W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Cremation has taken place, and a funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 7 in St. Anthony Daniel Church, Fr. Donald MacGillivary will officiate. Burial in Inverness Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Old Sydney Historical Society.
Online condolences can be sent to TWCurry.com.
Condolences
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My deepest sympathy
“My deepest sympathy to Bob's family, friends and former colleagues at the Beaton Institute of Cape Breton Studies. He will be greatly missed.”
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With Sympathy
“I was saddened to hear about Dr. Robert Morgan's recent passing. He was a gracious person with a charming and winning manner. As a researcher, I deeply appreciated his generosity of spirit and willingness to offer assistance, friendship and encouragement. Bob’s enthusiasm for and interest in Cape Breton and its history was inexhaustible. He positively lit up when the conversation turned to such matters and he made instant converts to this field of study among those of us who were fortunate enough to meet him. ”
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Sincere sympathy
“I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Morgans's passing. In 1964, when I entered his classroom as a very shy Freshman, his encouraging smile was the first thing I saw. He instilled in all of us a deep appreciation of our history and how it has shaped us. I am sure he will be sorely missed by all.”
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A True Cape Breton Champion
“With Bob Morgan's passing Cape Breton has lost a true friend and champion; a teacher of its wonderful past and an enthusiastic supporter of its future. We will miss him.”
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Dr. Robert ( Bob ) Morgan
“He was a great college professor. Nener missed he class.He was known for the sound of the left or rigt hand in class in 1962-63.He will be missed by all.”
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Fine Man, Fine Historian, Fine Citizen
“Robert Morgan's work provides Canadians with a vivid example of how local history, local heritage preservation, local pride, and local economic development can all work together. Today we remember the great friend and lively colleague. But the contribution Bob made to Cape Breton Island will endure for decades.”
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“Dear friends : I was sorry to learn that Bob had passed on. I first met him in 1964 when I was in his political science class ; don't recall the mark I made, only that I didn't bother to buy the textbook, but still got through with a good mark. We were friends from that point onward ; I recall Bob most of all for his positive spirit, but beyond that, he had a deeper interest in Cape Breton history, and Cape Breton's place in Canada, than anyone else I knew.
Please accept this as an expression of my deepest sympathy, and as a token of the high esteem in which I held Bob. With sincere regrets, Respectfully, Paul MacEwan” -
“So Sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.”
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In Sympathy
“My sincere sympathy to Bob's family. I was pleased and honoured to work with Bob at Little 'X' in the 60's & 70's. Bob greeted both staff and students with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. He will be truly missed.”
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“I was fortunate to have taken a winter course in Canadian history from Bob in the late sixties...Bob made the course so interesting that I would never miss his class...Bob Morgan was simply the very best "Prof" that I ever had in all my years of schooling !!!”
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Deepest Sympathies
“ I am so sorry to hear of Bobs passing.
I knew Bob from Coles Book Store (Syd. Shopping Ctr.) where would pop
in for a quick "Hello" and he would be
so gracious to autograph his books while he was there. He was really a people person and always had a smile.
I will remember him fondly. My most
heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, friends and loved ones at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace. God bless.” -
Great Loss
“I was a student in one of Dr.Morgan's history classes at Xavier in the 60's. He always made the study of history so interesting for us. Wnenever I met him through the years, he always had a smile and a cheerfull disposition. Very sorry to hear of Dr. Morgan's passing. ”
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Former student
“I had Dr. Morgan in late 60's at Xavier Junior College. Bob was on the cutting edgd of so much. Cape Breton has lost a great ambassador but hopfully he educated all enough so they can continue his work. My assurance of prayer for the family. Rest in peace, Bob. Job well done, good and faithful servant. S. Mary, Quincy, Illinois, USA”
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“A great teacher, author, mentor, and just a super guy. Took a Pol Sci course from him in early 60's at Little "X". Have been in touch through the years and appreciated his assistance on history. You will be missd but never forgotten.”
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'herself'
“Bye, bye Baby Bob, the poshest person I ever knew ”
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“Robert was my History prof at Little x back in the sixties. He was a staunch support of Cape Breton's proud place in history..”
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Former archivist, National Archives of Canada
“Bob was a dear friend during his years in Ottawa and will be remembered fondly by us archivists who worked with him at the 'Public' Archives of Canada. He and Babs were ecstatically happy with each other and Bob was a constant ray of sunshine.”
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He will be missed but never forgotten!
“I had the pleasure of serving breakfast to Dr. Morgan week after week. He was always a welcome sight with a smile on his face, his newspaper in hand and a "thank-you" each chance he could. RIP and deepest sympathy to his family. He will be missed!”
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Sorry to Hear!
“The deepest of condolences to the family and Friends of Robert Morgan. Being a past member of St. Anthony Daniel I know he will be missed. May perpetual light shine on him and all the faithfully departed. Now living in Thompson, Mb and will be unable to attend funeral. ”
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With Sympathy
“I met Dr. Morgan a few years ago while he was doing research for his books. He always had a smile and a kind word for the staff of McConnell Library. He will be missed.”
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An old dear friend
“I first met Bob on our first day in Grade nine. It was an instant friendship that included two other good friends and it continued through high school and university. We reconnected a few years ago and enjoyed several reunions in Windsor. We often remarked how fortunate we all were to experience a friendship that endured for nearly 60 years. Bob was a wonderful man and we loved his humour. And his laugh. I can still hear it. We will miss him terribly. ”
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“We were lucky to have known you, and will always remember your stories about Cape Breton, your expertise in gardening and willingness to share , kind words, and most of all, your passion for preserving the history of this fair isle. Cheers to you Bob, 'til we meet again. ”
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Condolences
“Sincere sympathy to Bob's family on your loss. He certainly touched the lives of many Cape Bretoners in his untiring efforts to preserve our heritage. May he rest in peace.”
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“Bob was a great friend and tireless supporter of The Lyceum, the Board of which he sat on for over twenty years. We will miss his enthusiasm and energy to preserve this building and make it a vibrant and continuing part of the community.”
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“Aunt Rosemarie and Bert and Sandra
My deepest condolences at the loss of your brother. I have such great memories of him visiting at your parents home and our trips to Seacliff Park on Sundays. He was such a kind and generous person. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Love Sandy” -
Beannachd Leat
“At Little X in the sixties ,indeed in his whole life,he made young people feel that their ideas were important and that they were important.He will be missed . ”
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“I was a student of Dr. Morgan in the 70's and a fan ever since, he did more to preserve our island's heritage than anyone else: what a gift when he came to teagh here.”
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“As one of the many students fortunate enough to learn from Dr. Morgan, I will never forget his enthusiasm and passion for history and our island and his dedication to sharing his knowledge with others. He will be missed.”
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Loving Uncle
“We so appreciate all of the wonderful sentiments and memories of Bob. Our Uncle Robert was an amazing man with a spirit that touched us all. We will miss him but know he is with us awalys. Words cannot express our love and loss. Morgan, Meloche, Winter and Cardinal families.”
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“I will miss Bob terribly. He was a great friend and a huge inspiration for all of us rookie historians.”
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Deepest Condolences
“Multitudes of his former students i'm certain share in your great loss.
He always amazed me how he was able to make the history of our beautiful Cape Breton Island come alive and to engage all the students who took his classes.He was a great ambassador of Cape Breton for all.
Rest in peace Bob. ” -
“I remember Bob as a great young teacher at Xavier College and as a contributor to our knowledge of Cape Breton over the years. He will be missed by many.”
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A Cape Bretoner in heart
“Bob loved CB island and understood its hertitage better than most locals. We all loved him back for his love of this "rock in the sea". Forever a friend of CB, his contribution is now preserved in books and in our hearts.”
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President, Westmount Garden Club
“We as a Garden Club, will greatly miss our dear friend, Bob, who would so generously share his vast knowledge of the gardens from the past and his own lovely garden with us. Thank You Bob !”
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Condolences
“It was with great sadness that I read of Dr. Morgan's passing this morning. He was a wonderful educator and person who will be missed by all those whose lives he touched and influenced.”
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A Proud Member of the Old Sydney Society
“Bob was one of the greatest men that I have ever met. He was brilliant, but shared his knowledge freely. He had a wonderful sense of humour and he always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed. It will be with great sadness that we will continue writing history without his guidance, but we remember that we can do so because he protected our history and preserved it for future generations. ”
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deepest sympathies
“Sorry to hear of Robert's passing.He has done soo much to keep Cape Breton history alive. Thank you Bob..R.I.P.”
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Condolences
“So Sad to hear of Bobs passing..
Members of the Glace Bay Garden Club..xx”
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