Morrow, Laura

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MORROW: Laura Louise 1958-2021. It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Laura Louise Morrow, at Burnaby General Hospital on March 12th, 2021. Laura is survived by her husband Dave Davies, brother Robert Morrow, three sons Julian Gray (Carolyn) (grandchildren Ryan, Liam, Rowen, Louis), Anton Gray and Brendan Gray (Jenna). A celebration of life will be held at a convenient point in the future when gatherings are again permitted. Laura was born in Virden and grew up in Virden and Brandon, moved first to Winnipeg for work and then settling in Vancouver where she proceeded to build both a career and family. She originally trained at Assiniboine Community College in Brandon and worked as a carpenter, which she found in conflict with her desire to connect with and care for people. She then moved into the restaurant and service industry in various roles as a waitress, bartender and assistant manager until she had children. The next decade was spent working and volunteering in the local community with the Trout Lake Community Centre, Vancouver Parks Board, Mount Pleasant Community Centre and Central City Mission foundation. Throughout these roles she passionately pursued local improvements. She returned to school first at Douglas College and then to the Vancouver Community College Culinary Arts Program, to learn both the business and culinary sides of the hospitality industry. There she earned 11 Golden Plates awards and a scholarship. Graduation ultimately led her to achieving her dream of owning and building a successful foodservice operation of her own. This dream stemmed from her desire to extend her table and to provide a continuing opportunity for her children. As one door closed, she found a way to barge through another one. With the wind-up of her first pub, she pursued an opportunity to buy a second one and embarked on a successful catering venture. Throughout business she gained loyal supporters along the way by treating her staff, suppliers and customers like family. She was a strong willed, values driven person all her life. She never hesitated to defend herself, her family, her friends or anyone she knew. She set out to achieve success in what she did, not for the monetary rewards but rather to build her network and legacy. She loved life and chased joy, pleasure and happiness. She pursued work, parenting and life in general with passion, intensity and vigor and demanded this from those around her, be they family, friends or coworkers. Laura had a talent for feeling comfortable in a crowd and for making others feel the same way. It was amazing to watch her in a room of strangers, make friends and make it easy for others to feel both welcome and engaged. She loved, guided and protected her children while encouraging them to chase their dreams and to make their own choices. She will be missed. Please consider a donation to the Starlight Foundation in her honour.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 29, 2021