Claire Morris

James Claire Morris, born March 25, 1930, in New Westminster, BC, passed away peacefully just four days before his 94th birthday on March 21, 2024, at Penticton Hospital (Westview Place) at 93 years of age. He is survived by his loving family, sons, Jim (Jan), Dave (Thea); and grandchildren, David, Nikki, Toni, and Brittany. Claire was an only child born to Gwilym and Elizabeth Morris but when he married Grace Evelyn Morris (nee Manning) his family grew considerably as she was one of eight siblings.

Claire graduated from Duke of Connaught High School in New Westminster. During this time he was a talented basketball player and a member of the band playing the coronet. He went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education, majoring in English and returned to receive a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of British Columbia. He began his teaching career in Keremeos, BC, where he met and married Grace. They became lifelong partners for 64 years until her death in 2017. Claire had a lengthy career in education working in Cawston, Maple Ridge, and eventually settling in Penticton. During these years he worked as a teacher, coach, Director of Instruction, and assistant principal, completing his career as principal of what was at the time Princess Margaret Junior High School.

Claire was a strong believer in service to his community and spent many hours in a volunteer capacity. He was a long-term member of the Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, and a Shriner. He was a member of the Shriner Clown Troop participating in numerous events and parades around BC for many years. He also volunteered his time as a Shriner providing such services as driving the cancer van transporting people from Penticton to Kelowna for their appointments and treatments. He also enjoyed working to support the Shriner’s Hospital and other initiatives supporting young children.

Retirement years were spent with winters in Mesa, Arizona, where he and Grace enjoyed their time with their Mesa friends and golfing. He also enjoyed his summers at the lakeshore home in Skaha Estates and golfing at the Penticton Golf Club where he was a member for many years. Even in his later years, Claire was always dedicated and enjoyed his fitness training. Special thanks go to Kirby and Heidi from City Centre Fitness for the extra care built into his training sessions. Thank you to Shelley for providing such wonderful one-to-one support to Claire this past year. The family also wishes to thank the medical team and staff at Westview Place for their caring care of our dear father and grandfather.

There will be no funeral as requested by the deceased.