Hope in Motion

Thomas Morris was born in Saskatoon in 1957. From an early age, he was always in motion – speedskating, swimming, playing football, and above all, cross-country running. Movement was how Tom experienced the world.

Through decades of study, research, and service, he continued running marathons around the globe. He studied physical education, physiology, and toxicology at the University of Saskatchewan, and built a 25-year career with Health Canada, finishing up his career as an Assessment Officer in the Clinical Trials Group. Tom understood the power of research to improve lives – a belief that took on new meaning when colon cancer became part of his own journey.

In 2021, as his illness progressed, Tom returned to Saskatoon to be close to family. Though cancer narrowed his world, it never defined him. Surrounded by his University of Saskatchewan memorabilia, favourite running routes, and his prized stereo system, Tom faced his final months with the same determination that had guided his life.

Tom passed away on June 23, 2022, but he left more than memories. In gratitude for the care he received at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, he chose to bequeath his pension and estate of $787,598 to support cancer research in Saskatchewan.

His brother David Morris shared, “Our family is immensely proud of Tom’s legacy.”

Tom’s story reminds us to keep moving forward, to live fully while we can, and to leave the world better than we found it.