Norman H. Morse

Norman Harding Morse -86, of Oakland, Lunenburg County and formerly of Grand Pré, Kings County, passed away Monday, August 13, 2007 in the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Born in West Paradise, Annapolis County, he was a son of the late Harris Harding and Annie Marion (Longley) Morse.

As a boy, he enjoyed rural Nova Scotia farm life in West Paradise helping his father in the apple orchards, logging, raising foxes, then mink and training his team of oxen. After obtaining a BA (1940) from Acadia University and a MA (1942) from the University of Toronto, he joined the RCAF and was co-pilot of Canso aircraft on night patrol over the North Atlantic. After active duty, he returned to the University of Toronto to complete his PhD (1952) as a student of Harold Innis. From 1945 to 1964 he was Professor of Economics at Acadia University, becoming head of the Department of Economics and Sociology and Acting Dean of Arts from 1964 to 1965. From 1965 to 1984 he was Professor of Economics at Dalhousie University serving as chairman of the Department of Economics from 1968 to 1972. During his academic career, he produced several publications and articles. As well as being an economic historian, he was an avid gardener, breeder of German Shepherd dogs and enjoyed boating on the waters of Mahone Bay on his boat, "Thingabob". His pioneering work in growing grapes
established the basis for a new industry in Nova Scotia. Norman had the vision to plant the first grape vines on his Grand Pré property that evolved, through changes of ownership, to what is known today as Domaine de Grand Pré. He will be remembered by family and friends as a gentle, humble man.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sybil Blanche (Douglass); daughters, Ruth Anne (David) Nicholson, Martins Point; Margaret Ellen (John) Zirbel, Montreal; sons, Douglass "Doug" (Cora Mae), Grand Pré; Robert "Bob" (Christine), Mahone Bay; sister, Alice Miner, Boston, Mass.; brother, Arthur (Claire), Beaconsfield, P.Q.; grandchildren, Erika Nicholson, Anna Zirbel, Katherine Zirbel, Jonathan Morse, Peter (Molly) Morse, Andrew Morse,Benjamin Morse, Jenny Morse; great-grandchildren, Emma and Anderson; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by son, Brian Gordon Longley Morse; brother-in-law Clarence Miner.

Visitation will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, August 15, 2007 in Mahone Funeral Home, Mahone Bay. Visitation will also be held 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, August 16, 2007 in White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, where funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, August 17, 2007, Pastor Stephen Kristenson officiating. Reception to follow. A private family burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Lawrencetown, Annapolis County. Family flowers only please. Memorial donations may be made to the Dr. Arthur Patterson Centre for Restorative Care (Fishermen's Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg); MICA (Mahone Islands Conservation Association) or Valley Regional Hospital - Carey-Me Program. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to White Family Funeral Home.