Esks mourn the passing of Frank Morris
April 11, 2009 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
(Edmonton) The Edmonton Eskimo Football Club is saddened by the death of Frank Morris whose remarkable career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on both the Eskimos and the Canadian Football League. Morris died Friday, April 10th in Edmonton, following a lengthy illness.
A World War II Veteran, Morris began his football career playing for Navy teams in Toronto and Halifax. He entered the CFL ranks in 1945 with the Toronto Argonauts and was a key part of the Argos' three consecutive Grey Cup wins in 1945, '46 and '47. The hard nosed offensive guard and defensive tackle was named to Toronto's All-Time Modern Era All-Star Team. In 1950, the Edmonton native joined the Esks and would help the club to three straight Grey Cup victories ('54, '55, '56) during his eight years in an Eskimo uniform.
Morris was equally successful in his career as the Esks' Director of Player Development. From 1973 to 1988, Morris's keen eye for talent helped build some of the greatest Eskimo teams in CFL history. Morris was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and the following year would have his name added to the Eskimo Wall of Honour at Commonwealth Stadium. Morris has a remarkable 13 Grey Cup rings to his credit as both a player and executive.
A true "renaissance" athlete, Morris was an accomplished baseball pitcher who played in a world tournament in 1942, and he skated for the famous Waterloo Mercurys hockey team. Away from the field of play, he was an accomplished musician, artist and photographer.
Eskimo President and CEO Rick LeLacheur says, "Frank Morris's importance to the Edmonton Eskimos and indeed the entire Canadian Football League cannot be understated. We've lost a true Canadian sports icon and we extend our deepest condolences to Frank's family and many friends."
Former Eskimo President, General Manager and Head Coach Hugh Campbell says, "Frank contributed to the Eskimos in so many ways, most notably as a scout of Canadian talent. He had an incredible ability to project a young player's future development both on and off the field. As important as football was to Frank, his wife Dorothy and their wonderful family was always his first priority. He will be deeply missed."
Frank Morris is survived by his wife Dorothy Mae, six children, 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
For more information on the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club please visit our website at www.esks.com.
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Canadian Football League Stories from April 11, 2009
- Esks mourn the passing of Frank Morris - Edmonton Elks
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