Passing of Jean Morrison

26 September 2014 - Thunder Bay

The Department of History was saddened to learn alumna Jean Morrison passed away on 22 September 2014 at the age of 87. For over 47 years, Jean played an important and prominent role in the historical community within Thunder Bay, Ontario, and across Canada.

In 1974, she became the first woman to receive a Master of Arts degree in History from Lakehead University and her thesis, "Community in Conflict: A Study of the Working Class in the Canadian Lakehead, 1903-1913,” brought national attention to the history of Northwestern Ontario and remains a seminal work in Canadian Labour History.

Until retirement in 1990, Jean served as research historian at Old Fort William (now Fort William Historical Park) and established herself as a leading national expert on Fort William and the North West Company. In recognition, Fort William Historic Park’s named its library the “The Jean Morrison Canadian Fur Trade Library.”

A prolific writer, she wrote dozens of books and articles on Canadian labour and fur trade history winning numerous awards and accolades in the process. These included the Ontario Historical Society’s J.J. Talman Award in 2009 for her last book Labour Pains: Thunder Bay’s Working Class in Canada’s Wheat Boom Era. In 2013, the Department was pleased to award Jean an inaugural alumni honour award for her outstanding contributions to the field of history.

Jean was a significant figure and force within the historical community in Northwestern Ontario and beyond. Her advice, knowledge, and willingness to help set an example to generations of historians. Her friendship and guidance will be sorely missed.

A complete obituary can be found at http://www.chroniclejournal.com/obituaries/morrison/jean

A memorial Service will take place at Fort William Historical Park, Friday Oct. 3, 2014 at 2:30pm. On-line condolences may be made through http://www.nwfainc.com

Donations may be made to Amnesty International, Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship, Thunder Bay Historical Museum, Thunder Bay Symphony or a charity of one's choice.