obituary of Basil Morrison,

Mr WB Morrison

The funeral took place on 15th November of Mr William "Basil" Morrison, aged 85, of Congleton, who died on 25th October at Astbury Mere Care Home, Congleton.

Mr Morrison was born in Karamea on the south island of New Zealand in 1933.

As with all New Zealanders, Mr Morrison was a keen rugby player in his younger days and latterly a proud supporter of his national team, and his son and grandson.

He moved to England in 1960, and worked for Cheshire county council as a clerk of works for 30 years, working on many of the major construction projects throughout the county. His skills in construction linked well to his hobbies, where an "if I need it, I'll build it" attitude prevailed.

His in-depth knowledge and love of gardening made his home a beautiful place to be. He would spend many hours in his garden at all times of the year.

After retirement, golf became an interest that gave a further connection to the outdoor life and many happy memories.

The Rev Murray George conducted the service at Congleton United Reformed Church where the eulogy was passionately delivered by Mr SJ Morrison. The hymns Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go and God Be With You were sung.

Committal followed at Macclesfi eld Crematorium.

Mourners were: Mrs NP Morrison (widow), Mr SJ Morrison (son) and Miss L Littleford, Mr SP Morrison (son), Mr JA Morrison (son), Mrs J Morrison (daughter-in-law), Mr JW Morrison (grandson), Miss H Morrison (granddaughter), Mr N Stott (nephew) and Mrs J Stott.

Mourners who met at the church included Mrs J Legg, Mr and Mrs K Jennings, Miss C Smith, Mr R Spicer, Mr and Mrs W Johnston (rep Miss L Holland), Mrs S Hill (rep Mr T Hill), Miss R Clarke, Mr C Gledhill (rep Mr and Mrs K Gledhill), Mr R Brindley (rep Linda and Wendy), Mr and Mrs R Brockhurst, Mr and Mrs J Kelly, Mr and Mrs R Knowles, Mrs C Barton (rep Mrs P McKeown), Mr G Weatherby (rep Mrs J Weatherby), Mr A Weatherby, Miss N Counsell, Mr P Copestick, Mrs T Beard (Astbury Mere Care Home), Mr and Mrs R Yates, Mr and Mrs M Farrington.

Mrs D Hinsliff, Mr M Greaves, Mr and Mrs GJ Vale, Mrs J Slaney (rep Mrs M Sherratt and Mrs N Slaney), Mr M Quayle, Miss E Hill (rep Mr C Hill, Asbury Mere Care Home), Mrs L Greenwood, Mr and Mrs W Reutter (rep Mr and Mrs HR Grice), Mr and Mrs S Clarke, Mrs J Heyes, Miss C Lowe (rep Mr P Lowe), Miss S Lowe, Mr R Tinsley, Mrs P Harding (rep Mr P Harding), Mr and Mrs S Kirkham, Mrs C Rhodes, Mrs S Baskerville.

Mr R Hill, Mr D Southgate, Mr I Brindley (rep Mrs K Brindley), Mr J Woodman, Mrs J Hodgkinson (rep Dr A Hodgkinson), Mr and Mrs T Smith.

Bearers were Messrs SJ Morrison (son), SP Morrison (son), JA Morrison (son), JW Morrison (grandson) and N Stott (nephew).

Messrs Alan Finneron Funeral Directors, of West Street, Congleton, were in charge of funeral arrangements.

Basil was a long standing member of Congleton Liberal Democrats and heavily involved in the Congleton Liberal Trust.