Following the service, the Memorial Service for Morris & Betty Anderson can be viewed from the church's YouTube page. Please click here

"WHO, BY THE VISION SPLENDID, IS ON HIS WAY ATTENDED" William Wordsworth

Morris passed gently into the arms of God on May 10, 2025, at the age of 94, following his beloved wife and life companion Betty, who predeceased him in April 2024. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Susan (Glen) Gatin of Brandon, MB, and their daughters Ingrid (Christian Morris) and Anya; his son Stephen (Jennifer Bush) of Wolfville, NS, and their children Sophia (Jesse Potter) and their children Ajla and Alora Mita; Ben (Kaia Singh) and daughter Elena; and his son Philip of Prince Albert, SK.

Morris was predeceased by his brothers Ray (Marjorie), Cliff (Betty), Russ (Audrey), Alton (Joan), and by his sisters-in-law Ruth and Greta (Eugene Dahlman). He is survived by brothers-in-law Andrew Zelinski and David Parker, along with loving nieces, nephews, and their families.

Born August 12, 1930, Morris was the fourth son of Clarence and Alma Anderson, of Norwegian descent, who farmed in the Langham district near Saskatoon, SK, where the family helped found the First Saskatchewan Lutheran Church. They later moved to Saskatoon, where Morris and his brother Al became star basketball players. Morris would go on to be the first person inducted into the University of Saskatchewan Athletic Wall of Fame.

After earning a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and teaching at Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon, Morris joined Luther College in Regina as an English teacher in 1956. It was soon apparent that English was not his only skill, and in addition to his teaching duties he spent considerable time coaching basketball and contributing to the development of the sport across Western Canada, and the growth of LIT (Luther Invitational Tournament) in particular.

While a faculty member, Morris continued his academic pursuits, earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan, a Master of Arts from the University of Oregon, and undertaking further studies at the University of Washington and Columbia University. He became Vice-Principal of Luther College in 1963, Principal in 1964, and President in 1974, while also serving as Professor of English from 1971–1986.

Morris's leadership saw Luther grow in vision and scope. He led the founding of its university campus at the University of Regina and established the college's development program, securing its future independence from church subsidy. Under his guidance, Luther High School became the first in Saskatchewan to offer the International Baccalaureate program. Morris was dedicated to academic excellence, Christian development and service. In 1977, Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, recognized this work by awarding him an honorary doctorate. Morris always viewed his work with Luther as his life's calling.

Morris's deep commitment to education was matched by tireless service in church and community. He chaired or served on numerous boards, including the Regina Public Library Board, Provincial Library Development Board, Saskatchewan Association of Private Schools and Colleges, Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, Canadian Arthritis Society, Lutheran Educational Conference of North America, Lutheran Life Insurance of Canada, Lutheran Merger Commission, and Canada World Youth, among others.

After retiring in 1986, Morris served as President of Augustana College in Camrose, AB, before returning to Luther in 1987 to lead a successful capital development campaign. One of the resulting new buildings bears the name of Morris & Betty: the Anderson Wing. In 1994, he once again served as Acting President during a time of transition.

Morris was not just an administrator; he was a genuine advocate and friend to students. Affectionately called "Moe," he was known for his affable and warm personality, his sense of humour – willing to be undignified in the service of a bad joke – and his sincere interest in each student and their development. He never forgot a name. He and Betty were a hospitality team, with graciousness and warmth their trademark.

In retirement, Morris and Betty moved full time to their cherished family cottage at Christopher Lake in northern Saskatchewan. They built a lifetime of beautiful memories that are treasured by their children and grandchildren. It became the family gathering place, where Morris swam, fished, BBQed, played cribbage, and occasionally snuck a cigar.

Through all his achievements, Morris remained a compassionate, grounded, and joyful man. He personified the Anderson family qualities of calm, fairness, and warmth, alongside a competitive edge on the basketball court. He was our rock.

In his old age, Morris's nurturing spirit shone ever brighter. The staff at his care home in Brandon grew to love him deeply, and his passing was profoundly felt. He had that effect on people. Even as we grieve his loss, we are so happy that he's at peace and we believe, smiling down at us with Mom.

As one family friend wrote:
"Morris and Betty embodied humility and humanity in equal measure — a combination that gives them the respect and reputation that are the hallmarks of truly great people. We miss them in life and now treasure them in memory."

We extend heartfelt thanks to Gail and the caring staff at Daughter on Call for their extraordinary care during Dad's final years.

A memorial service for both Morris and Betty will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 4825 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a private family interment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Luther College, Regina, SK:
https://www.luthercollege.edu/highschool/giving/donate-now