With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Brian Morton of Ottawa. Brian is survived by his wife, Joanne, his children, Pamela (Frank) and Sheila (Daniel) and Joanne’s children, Lorinda and Jordan (Syndi). “Grandad” will be remembered with love by Abby, Owen, James and Heather. Brian was predeceased by his parents, Whitman and Barbara, his brother Alan W. (Sandy), his son Alan A. (Chantal) and his infant daughter Nancy.
He will be fondly remembered by his extended family, especially his cousin, Judith Robertson and those living in the U.S. (David, Virginia and family). Joanne’s family in Collingwood (Tony, Sylvia and family) and in the U.K. (John, Diane and family) will also miss him immensely.
Brian graduated from McGill Medical School in 1966. After further study and a stint in the Navy, he began his medical career as a cardiologist at the Ottawa Heart Institute, then in its infancy (1974). He was the first head of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and cofounded the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinic (1986). He was a highly regarded researcher and professor, touching the lives of many patients, students and colleagues.
In retirement, Brian and Joanne travelled widely. Brian never stopped learning and helping; whether it was treating AIDS patients in Lesotho, throwing rocks at the Granite, consuming opera in Slovakia when working at the hospital there, caring for elephants in Thailand, working with the Scouts or volunteering at the Food Bank and at Church. He had time to read extensively, and walking continued to be a time of reflection…his dog, a constant companion. He loved to explore the beautiful trails near the cottage on Round Lake and at West Nook in the Lake District, U.K. Brian was a frustrated sports fan…think Red Blacks and Blue Jays…but as in every area of his life, Brian continued to be there, to support and to cheer both teams on, year after year. He was a good man and will be missed by many.
Service to be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at All Saints Anglican Church, Westboro, at 11 am. If you wish, donations to any Food Bank or The Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa would be appreciated by the family. Condolences for family may be left at https://www.beechwoodottawa.ca/en/services/brian-christopher-morton. Arrangements entrusted to Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery, Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa
Zoom link for Funeral Service provided by All Saints Anglican Church, Westboro https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87990197081?pwd=XKkUqlmixh1yRzbya4hQ655wX3HikJ.1
Digital Guestbook
kwan chan
Rick Davies
Brian was a wonderful colleague and a truly good person. He will be missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Peg Herbert
Brian was such a lovely gentleman. He had a heart of gold. He charmed the nuns and the villagers in Lesotho, he worked tirelessly to learn about the context from which people were coming, and he cared deeply about those who were suffering. He will be truly missed.
Susan Dolan
Brian was an amazing human being as well as being a wonderful Doctor. His kindness and caring for not only his patients but for the staff he worked with defined him.
I worked with him from the day he started at the Heart Institute until he retired - his retirement party was organized by me - lots of laughs, accolades and great memories shared by all !!
Brian, you will be missed so much.
My sympathy to your family.
Rosemarie Atwill
I worked with Dr. Morton for several years in the Cath. Lab. at the Heart Institute. He was a kind and gentle person, who cared deeply for his patients and the people with whom he worked.
Janice Flewelling
Dr Morton was a very special person .The world was a better place with him in it.I am a retired nurse from the UOHI I had the privilege of working with him for many years.In fact I was the circulating nurse in the Cath Lab for the very first Heart Cath done there .Dr Morton was a excellent cardiologist.It was a pleasure to be on his team.
I still have trouble not addressing him as Dr Morton because he had been a role model for me during my cardiology training. Taking over from him the ACHD clinic was an honour.