Written by Bernice Trick
Citizen staff
|
|
Thursday, 26 February 2009 |
John Morrison.
John Morrison, a blind paraplegic, died Tuesday in Prince George Regional Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was 63.
A celebration of his life will be held later in the spring, said his wife Cyndy Gosse.
Born in Winnipeg, Morrison, an only child, had been plagued with illness since childhood, having been diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes at age nine.
At 34 he totally lost his sight, and lost his right leg to amputation. He lost his left leg in 2001, but still, with artificial legs and seeing-eye dogs, he continued to advocate for disabled people.
He was instrumental in bringing talking crosswalks, curb cuts for wheelchairs and specialty equipment in the library to Prince George.
Two years ago when Morrison received the Courage to Come Back Award from a Vancouver organization, he described the win as "both surprising and humbling."
"I'm not the only guy that does this stuff," Morrison told The Citizen, referring to others like himself who are able to achieve despite adversity, and who are an inspiration to others to find strength to overcome obstacles.
He served on numerous advisories and councils for the disabled, as well as on boards for the CNIB, the public library, the College of New Caledonia, special-needs committees, in schools, and with the help of his guide dog, raised thousands of dollars for the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind and wheelchair sports.
That was his life until a fateful day in July 2004 when he miscalculated a step while walking on artificial legs that sent him careening down the stairs, landing on his back, which was broken in the fall.
He spent the rest of that year in the G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre in Vancouver with little hope he would ever live independently again.
But a large group of Prince George friends launched a "Bring John Home" campaign to raise funds to renovate and equip a house to allow him to continue living independently. Following a few setbacks, he finally made it home in early 2005.
"When I came back, it took a year to catch up to myself and deal with life. I live independently in a house that is remodelled courtesy of local organizations, service cubs and individuals who came through big time for me," he told The Citizen.
"John and I were amazed at the support received. Prince George is a wonderful place to live because we still have that close-knit community spirit," said Gosse.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the public library for unabridged talking books, or to the disability organization of your choice, are appreciated.
 |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 26 February 2009 )
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
