Obituary of Morris Adrian Vergouwen

On December 13, 2022, Morris Vergouwen, aged 89, passed away peacefully at Dream Acres in Wheatland County, Alberta.  Morris was born July 6, 1933 in Strathmore, Alberta.

He is survived by his children Pat Vergouwen (Barry), Jim Vergouwen (Kristin), and Cindy Hamilton (Darren), as well as his grandchildren Kelsey, Lindsey, Martina, Layne, Calvin, Blake and great-grandson, Jackson.  Morris is also survived by his younger brother Joe Vergouwen (Jean) and numerous nieces and nephews and is predeceased by his parents Pete and Nellie, brother Peter and sister Marie.

Leaving Strathmore at a young age, Morris spent several years around Carstairs, Drumheller and Hanna performing many jobs that satisfied his interest in horses, rodeo and the country life including Alberta Wheat Pool, Hanna Auction Market, Big Stone Rodeo, Calgary Stampede Ranch, and general construction work. He moved back to his hometown of Strathmore in 1979 and worked as an SPCA Constable until 1991.  In the late 1980’s, he purchased his farm east of Strathmore, fulfilling his dream of working the land and enjoying the country lifestyle.

Morris will best be remembered for truly living life to the fullest through simple pleasures such as watching rodeo, raising paint horses, making friends wherever he went, admiring nature, enjoying happy hour, rolling a cigarette, and spending time with his family.

Family, friends and others whose lives Morris touched are invited to join the family for a casual, ‘Morris style’ open house at his favourite meeting place, Smiley’s Restaurant located at 330 Ridge Road Strathmore, Alberta on Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:30 pm.

In his memory, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wheatland & Area Hospice Society at www.wheatlandhospice.ca or Box 2154 Strathmore, Alberta T1P 1K2.