Robert Morley Rosengren

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.