We are saddened by the passing of William Earl Morton on the 12th of September 2025 after complications resulting from a stem cell transplant that took him before his time.
Bill, the son of Francis and Florence Morton, was born on February 22, 1948, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Accompanied by his sister Sally, they spent their adolescence across northern Ontario, relocating to where their father's work would take them. Always seeking adventure, Bill joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1966 and boarded a train to Royal Roads University in Victoria. After completing his studies at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, as a member of the class of 1970, Bill became a member of the military engineers MILE
His military career included postings across Canada, Germany, Italy, England, and peacekeeping tours in Bosnia and Croatia, and NATO headquarters in Belgium, retiring in 2003.
With an inability to sit still and a relentless desire to stay busy, Bill continued to work post-retirement as a civil engineer until 2024. During his post-retirement career, he took on notable projects such as his work in Afghanistan to assist in the construction of Camp Julien, the modernization of an 18th century French prison in Haiti and worked in Monrovia, Liberia, Mali and West Darfur, Sudan.
When not at work, Bill enjoyed spending his time improving the family cottage, travelling with friends and enjoying time with family.
Bill is survived by his wife Rosemary, his sons David (Sarah) and Michael (Victoria) and his grandchildren Emily, Alisha, Nicole, Pepper and Darcy.
Digital Guestbook
LGen (Ret'd) Lloyd Campbell CMM CD
Stan and Dot McKay
We are remembering you this day and the days to come. We have fond memories of our time with you in Ottawa at our family reunion. Stan and Bill went shopping for L. Winnipeg pickerel for our supper but could only find Perch! However it was delicious and we were wonderfully hosted! Such good family memories.
LGen (Retd) Mike Gauthier
Bill left us much too soon. I had the good fortune to work closely with him a couple of times in the Army in the 80s. He was an excellent leader who shone most under tough conditions. Bill was a good person who very much had the courage of his convictions. He has left us much too soon. Heartfelt condolences to Rosemary and family. CHIMO.
John Lesperance
A very surprising loss for the Canadian military engineer family. Bill was dedicated, knowledgeable and decisive. Having worked with Bill, he was always approachable and had a good sense of humour. He will be missed.
We got to know Bill and Rosemary during our one-year stint at National Defence College in Kingston and came to very much appreciate their friendship and, work-wise, also to respect Bill's intelligence and ethics. He was a man who truly stood for what was the right thing to do and his career -- in the CAF and after -- very much reflected this.
Our last meeting with Bill and Rosemary was at a mini-reunion of our NDC course at Kingston in the spring of 2023: great weather, a pleasant cruise and a wonderful occasion to share memories of a super year with a great bunch of people. Our memories -- of our time together in 91-92 and again more recently -- will remain strong in our minds. Our most sincere condolences Rosemary.