Kenneth W Morrison (1931-2022)

OIC Mawson 1966

Ken Morrison (M66) passed away peacefully in his sleep last August in the Dorset Lodge aged care home east of Melbourne, aged 90. He was born in Bendigo, Victoria, on 27 October 1931. His professional career was spent at the petro-chemical complex in the inner Melbourne suburb of Altona.

Ken was an excellent leader of men: always firm without appearing bossy and always willing to help others achieve their goals. In 1966 Ken served as Officer-in-Charge at Mawson station, keeping in touch with his wife, Edna, through helpful amateur radio operators. Edna became a founding member of the Antarctic Wives Association, joining their first committee as treasurer (see Dec 2022 Aurora article).

Unfortunately, in 1969 a morning fire destroyed their Ringwood house; they lost Edna’s pet Dachshund dogs, but their photographs
were saved and restored by a friend. Rather than re-building, they purchased an existing house and flat in the adjoining suburb of Croydon, where they lived for the remainder of their lives, raising their three children: Ian, Peta and Phillip.

Following their retirement Ken and Edna travelled widely. They obtained a four-wheel drive, going north to Cape York and the Kimberleys, also trying adventure sports overseas. In later years Ken joined the Manningham Woodworkers’ Club and became a passionate devotee to the craft of fine carpentry, making wooden boxes which are treasured still by his family. Edna became an enthusiastic researcher of their family history.

Both Edna and their only daughter, Peta, predeceased Ken, who was cared for in his later years by his son, Ian.

Acknowledgement: I would like to thank Ian for his invaluable help providing details of Ken’s life and offer condolences on behalf of Ken’s many friends in ANARE.

Phillip Tuckett (M70)