ExploreNorth, your resource center for exploring the circumpolar North
Return to the Home Page The ExploreNorth Blog About ExploreNorth Contact ExploreNorth

Search ExploreNorth

Joseph Chauncy "Joe" Morrison (1894-1945)
Highlights of History from The Whitehorse Star

The Whitehorse Pioneer Cemetery

The Whitehorse Star

June 29, 1945

J.C. Morrison, Whitehorse PAA Station Manager

    Probably no one has been more closely associated with aviation in the north or more continuously identified with the development of the Whitehorse airport since its inception than "Joe" Morrison. During his long years of service with the PAA Mr. Morrison has conducted the company's operations in the north with conspicuous success, whilst the manner in which he has discharged his multifarious duties has won the unstinted acclaim of the travelling public. Take a bow, Joe. You deserve it.

The Whitehorse Star

September 14, 1945 Tragdey at Whitehorse Airport - Local PAA Manager Dies By His Own Hand

    We much regret having to report that mid-day Wednesday J. C. Morrison, local manager for the Pan American Airways Inc., was found dead in his car at the local airport with a self-inflicted gun-shot wound in his head. An inquest has been deemed unnecessary.

    Born in March 1896, "Joe", as he was familiarly called by his wide circle of friends, was one of the most popular and best known men in the north connected with air transportation. Associated as he had been with the operation of the PAA system since its early days here, Joe played a major role in the company's raid development, especially in recent years.

    It is known that for sometime past he has been in ill health and recently was a patient in the local hospital; for a short time. It is presumed the tragedy is the result of mental aberration and his passing will be much regretted by a large circle of friends who knew him intimately.

    The funeral service will be held in Christ Church, Saturday, at 1.30 p. m., the Rev. Canon L. G. Chappell L.Th., officiating.

    We join with their many friends in extending to Mrs. Morrison, and her son Ross, sincerest sympathy in their bereavement.

    Mr. Morrison's full name was Joseph Chauncy Morrison. The date of his death was September 12, 1945.

    These articles are copied in their entirety. The first one was part of an article entitled "Pan American Operations Into Alaska Presents a Story of Great Achievement and a Faith in the Northern Route to the Orient Which is Justified".

    Mrs. Morrison was popularly known as "Tennessee" - see Nettie Dell "Tennessee" Morrison (1897-1956).
Northern Aviation History