Robert Morley Rosengren
May 1st, 2022
Morley passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack at home in the arms of Olga (nee Wynnyk), his loving and dedicated wife at the age of 95. Morley is also survived by his adoring daughters Karen Pamela (Tom Liepins) and Kristin Patricia (Greg Scott). He is predeceased by his older brothers Clarence (1922-2013) and Kenneth (1924-2014).
Morley was born in Winnipeg on January 15, 1927 to Viola Mary Campbell Kellett and Andrew Clarence Rosengren. As a toddler he was brought to Vancouver in the rumble seat of a Graham-Paige with his brothers, Clarence at his side and Ken up front with his mom and dad. He spent his early years in Langley, a place he always thought he would return to.
As a young man, seventy-one years ago, Morley met Olga on a blind date. They married 68 years ago on April 24th, 1954 when he was introduced to the first of many Ukrainian customs, having a shot with every guest. Needless to say, Olga drove them to their honeymoon suite.
Morley attended UBC for a short period of time yet preferred the pool hall to his studies. He took on a number of short-term jobs including teller at the Bank of Nova Scotia, where he was held at gun point, before dedicating 33 years to Shelburne Refinery as a laboratory technician. He founded and managed a mortgage company that consistently returned double digits to its investors. At fifty-seven, Morley was pleased to retire and recently met his goal of collecting his pension for more years than he worked!
Morley and Olga lived in several places in Vancouver before moving to New Westminster. They raised their girls around Moody Park before settling on York Street in Massey Heights. In 2009, Mo and O, as they often referred to themselves, moved into a townhouse where Olga provided unfailing support to Morley’s stoic battle against Parkinson’s disease.
Together Morley and Olga created a life that was rich in friendships and filled with good times. They frequented the Okanagan and Shuswap with their girls, friends and boat, the “Hunky Dory”. Morley enjoyed water-skiing and showing off his fine slalom technique. Morley and Olga enjoyed Waikiki, Mexico and cruises, following the sunshine and making memories with their friends. Eventually in the early 80s, a second home in Palm Springs became the focus for golf, the breakfast club, and poolside happy hours with many more friends.
He was an amazing husband and father.
Armchair hockey, Canadian football and a secret passion for boxing were tops on Morley’s list. Anything he built, although not pretty, could pass the test of time. He was a history whiz and could rarely be stumped. No one poured a drink like Morley. J&B, of course.
Known for his quick wit and charm, Morley was loved and will be missed by many.
There will be no service by request. Yet you are encouraged to leave a personal memory or message of condolence for Olga, Pam and Trish.
Should you wish, a memorial gift to Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) would be welcomed in the name of Robert Morley Rosengren.
Messages:
Our condolences Pam and Tom and family. May you take comfort in your wonderful memories of a life well lived.
We love and miss you. Our hearts go out to you during this time of loss. We liked very much the stories about Morley. Please give your mom a big hug from us.
Dearest Pam. So sad to hear that your Father passed away recently. I know that it was important to be close to your parents these last few years. Thinking of you. Anna
My sincere condolences to the Rosengren family for their loss. Mr. Rosengren was such a kind person with wit and wisdom. I'll miss him.
Dear Pam and family. I offer you my deepest condolences. I lost my dad just a few months ago I fully understand how precious a dad can be. My thoughts are with you.
So sorry for your loss he is with his mom and dad and older brothers now. You ladies all take care of each other. Cheers to Uncle Morley !
I am so sorry for your loss, Pam. I never met your Dad, but I do know how very close you were. And how you committed so much of your time to be with him, and care for him. I am sure that he appreciated it, and was so proud of you.
Dear Pam and family, So sorry for your loss. Helen and I send you our condolences. Please take good care of yourself and of each other. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Chris
Our condolences to Olga, Trish & Pam. For 10 years Morley & Olga were our neighbours on York street. And what great neighbours they were. Morley helped us out a few times by looking after our cats while we were away. And even when we were home, we think the cats thought they lived next door, since they were always welcome there. We both echo Morley’s goal of receiving pension longer than working. We are striving to achieve the same goal. Rest In Peace Morley
A warm heart and an open smile is what I’ll remember receiving 36 years ago when I arrived as a ‘slack packer’ from Australia at his front door. Any friend of Pam’s was a friend of his and he duly poured a welcoming drink. And another… So welcoming was Morley, and his beautiful wife Olga, that I had trouble leaving and wondered if I was going to spend my entire 12 month visa at the Rosengren’s! I’m saddened to hear of the death of Morley, and though 95’s a good wicket, I know he will be sorely missed by his daughter Pam and her family and I hope that you all celebrate his wonderful life with the gusto it deserves. Vale Morley
So sorry to hear of your loss. I quite liked your father although he did frighten me at one level. I am sure you have many happy memories.
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your great loss. I met Morley when he visited his daughter Pam in Ottawa, and I was impressed with his joy of life and bonhomie. What a beautiful obituary his family has written in tribute to his long, fulfilling life.
We wish we would have had the chance to have spent more time with Bob and Olga in Palm Springs. It was comforting to hear he was in Olga’s loving arms when he passed. Our sympathy to all for your loss.
So sad to hear of his passing although we have not seen him for a some years we have missed him and Olga at sunrise Palm Springs and our 4 pm get togethers .all our love to Olga sad times pat and mike
To Pam and family, my deepest condolences on your father's passing. His spirit will be kept alive with the wonderful memories you all must have.