Ajijic resident Thomas Shreve Morse died peacefully on August 27 in Montreal, Canada while visiting his family. He was 87.
Born in Beloit, Wisconsin on March 14, 1924, Morse moved to Boston, Massachusetts at an early age and attended Northeastern University, before enlisting in the U.S. Army in World War II.
Morse served in Europe with the 8th Armored Division, earning ribbons for three campaigns: the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Germany. He spent a year in the Army of Occupation in Germany after the end of hostilities.
Returning home, he attended McGill University in Montreal, where he earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree and Chartered Accountant designation. He married Lorna Main in 1947 and undertook a 30-year career with DuPont Canada, becoming the assistant treasurer and director of accounting and finance.
Morse was very active in various charitable organizations, serving (among other positions) as honorary secretary-treasurer on the board of directors of the Montreal General Hospital. He was a founding director of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, serving as Quebec vice-president and the first national treasurer of the organization.
Upon retirement, he and his wife moved to Nova Scotia, before relocating to Ajijic in 1998. They joined St. Andrew’s Anglican Church and Morse was active in community affairs, particularly with the Outreach Program of the church. Morse became a founding member of the Lakeside Presbyterian Church in 2008.
He was pre-deceased by his daughter Susan and last year by his beloved wife of 60 years. He is survived by his daughter Brenda, sons Keith and Craig, granddaughters Robin, Kristin and Kimberly, as well as four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service in his honor was held Saturday, September 17 at Lakeside Presbyterian Church.