Clifford Morrissey

With great love and sadness, we announce the passing of Clifford Morrissey at the Melville Hospice Home in Surrey, B.C., on March 30, 2025.

Cliff is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Evelyn, and their three children: Christopher (Angela), Susan (David), and Shea. He was the proud grandfather of Rooke (Danny) and Hallie, daughters of Susan and David, and Luke, son of Shea. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Jackson Clifford and Rylee Evelyn, children of Rooke and Danny.

Larger than life, Cliff was a true force of nature with a sharp wit, strong opinions, and an undeniable presence. He was personable and funny, with a no-nonsense honesty that people respected and remembered. Whether you knew him well or met him once, he left a lasting impression.

He held firm values and never hesitated to speak his mind when a line was crossed. But those who knew him best understood that his directness came from a place of deep caring and unwavering integrity. His strength of character was matched by his fierce loyalty and protective nature - Cliff was the kind of person you knew would always have your back, especially in a fight.

He joined the Winnipeg Police Force in 1958, initially operating the elevator until he turned 20 and was eligible to carry a gun. In his early days on the force, Cliff walked the beats of Main Street and Portage Avenue, building relationships with local shop and restaurant owners. He later transferred to the Traffic Division, directing traffic at Portage and Main, patrolling in a cruiser, or riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle year-round. He concluded his career with Station Duty in St. Boniface.

When he wasn’t working, Cliff could often be found buying and selling used cars—sometimes before the plates had even cooled! He was a natural storyteller who loved to recount tales from his youth, including stories of his humble beginnings, the mischief that he got into, and memorable moments from his time on the force.

Born in Nelson, B.C., Cliff spent the next 48 years in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He grew up in Springfield and East Kildonan with his father William (d. 1973), mother Kathleen (d. 1995), brothers Roy (d. 2023) and Gerald, and sister Joan (d. 2024). He married Evelyn (Shapton) in 1963, and together they raised their three children in East Kildonan. After his retirement in 1987, the family relocated to B.C.’s Lower Mainland. Cliff also served as Sergeant-at-Arms in the Manitoba Legislature under Premier Gary Filmon from July 1988 to December 1990.

In retirement, Cliff embraced a new chapter of adventure. He and Evelyn enjoyed camping with friends, traveling in tandem in their motorhomes, and exploring the Pacific Northwest—particularly Mt. Rainier and the Oregon Coast. One unforgettable trip took them through the canyons of Utah and to the Grand Canyon. They also embarked on several cruises with friends and family, journeying through the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Hawaii, and Alaska.

Closer to home, Cliff enjoyed daily coffee outings with friends, walks along the White Rock promenade and pier, weekly card nights, crossword puzzles, and classic movies.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place, with interment to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to treat yourself to a coffee (or your favourite beverage) and raise a cup in memory of Cliff.