Morris Lawrence Rice

RICE, Morris Lawrence

1941 - 2020

Surrounded by family and friends, Morris passed away peacefully on January 8, 2020 after a five-year battle with cancer.  His doctors called him a miracle patient.  He was so strong and had such a positive attitude, and we feel blessed to have had the extra years that his strength provided.

Morris leaves behind his wife Robbie Rice, daughter Hollie and husband Steve Mitchell from Chatham Ontario, son Shawn and wife Corey from Lacombe, Alberta, and son Jason and wife Lori from Edmonton, Alberta.

Morris was affectionately called Papa by his grandkids who were his pride and joy.  Gwendolyn and Bennett from Chatham, Catherine and Lewis from Lacombe, and Jack from Edmonton.

Morris had a large extended family including five sisters: Clara, Marie, Bernice, Beve and Darlene who with their husbands were so treasured by him.  They were a very close family unit.  Morris also had sister's-in-law Carol and Shirley who with their husbands shared many good times. Family and friends meant the world to Morris, and he valued the relationships he had with numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. 

Morris and his bride Rob married in July of 1963.  They started their life together in Fort St. John, BC where their three kids were born, and then moved to Boundary Lake, BC in 1966.  Here Morris began his long career in the Oil and Gas industry and lived in a small camp community that offered life-long friendships and many family activities.  Morris and family transferred to Lacombe, AB in the summer of 1972 where he worked at Joffre D2 Gas plant, and then retired from the Wilson Creek facility in 1998.  Morris took great pride in his work and dedicated many years to his career.  He was selected for special opportunities in Texas, Halifax and newly constructed Oil and Gas facilities in AB and was also asked to consult for a number of years after retirement. Morris often mentored and trained new employees and was known as the “go-to” man.

Life at retirement opened up a world of RVing and travels.  Morris and Rob were snowbirds for 16 years and developed many close friendships along their way.  Their adventures took them to Australia, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands for three months, and throughout Canada, the US and Mexico.  Morris’ happy place was Maui and he enjoyed this tropical oasis three times.  When back at home Morris always had a project on the go, and loved wood working and refinishing furniture.  We know Morris has already started organizing his work bench and building new bird houses in heaven.

Many thanks to Dr. McKibbin who was with us throughout this journey, all of the caring and compassionate nursing staff and Fishers Pharmasave for going that extra mile.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Lacombe Health Trust, Box 5663, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1X3.  https://54095.thankyou4caring.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=298

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 2:00pm at Wilson's Funeral Chapel, Lacombe. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Morris Lawrence Rice, please visit our floral store.