Please see the obituary for Scotty Morrison below. Canoe FM was so very lucky to have Scotty as a member of our Board of Directors from 2010 to 2013. He was a member of our Fundraising Committee and held an Honourary Chair position after leaving the board.
Ian "Scotty" Morrison Obituary
Ian Park "Scotty" Morrison passed away peacefully at Columbia Gardens in Invermere on Thursday morning, February 25, 2026, in his 96th year. Born in Montreal shortly after his parents' arrival from Scotland, sport was the first love in Scotty's life. Scotty enjoyed playing and officiating baseball and hockey. It was while officiating in the Western Professional League that he met the love of his life Margaret Joan Perry during a memorable 20 minute flight that would change the course of his life. Scotty and Joanie built a remarkable life centered on faith and love while raising a beautiful family of eight, Ian (Sue), the late Perry 1982, Kathy (Bernd Gutgesell), Don (Valerie), Cam (Carla), the late Karen 2023, Joanne (Rob Gray), Carolyn (Dean McIntosh).
Predeceased by his beloved Joanie and his son Perry and daughter Karen. Many would suggest that he had too many grandchildren to count but the official number was 26 who loved and adored him, along with 5 great grandchildren. Scotty is also fondly remembered by his sister Cindy and her family.
While family was always his focal point, Scotty’s contribution to hockey was extraordinary. He became the youngest official in the NHL, later serving as the NHL Referee In Chief and Vice-President. In 1986 he was appointed to develop and open the new Hockey Hall of Fame. His dream came true when the new ‘Shrine of Hockey' opened in 1993 in downtown Toronto. He was inducted into the Hall in 1999 in recognition of outstanding contribution to the world of hockey.
Despite his demanding career, Scotty always made time for what mattered the most. Summers were spent at the family cottage on Kennisis Lake, where lifelong memories were made with Joanie, their children, and grandchildren.
After Scotty retired from the NHL, he devoted his retirement years to volunteer work, raising money for the Hospital in Haliburton and spending time with his cherished grandchildren.
Scotty’s greatest and most enduring Legacy was his family. A legacy filled with love, humour and his dedication to his faith. These qualities continue to guide and inspire his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew him.
To truly remember & honour Scotty, be sure to thank a coworker today; give your child a tight hug and let them know you love them; Thank your kid’s coach; be respectful to a sports official and/or count your blessings.
God Bless and Keep you safe.
Funeral Mass
Friends and family are invited to call on July 24, 2026, at ST. ANTHONY’S ROMAN CATHOLIC MISSION CHURCH, 27 Victoria St. Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 for a Funeral Mass beginning at 11 a.m. Reception to follow at THE PINESTONE RESORT, from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. The burial will take place at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Cemetery following the reception. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Scotty's memory can be made to the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundations. Donations can be arranged locally through the HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME, 13523 Hwy. #118 Haliburton, Ontario K0M 1S0 (705) 457-9209.