​

Morley Conrad Kaufman

 

March 8, 1936 – December 25, 2021

​

Passed away peacefully with his family by his side at GBHS, Owen Sound on December 25, 2021. Beloved husband of Ruth Isabel (McRae) for 60 years. Loving father of Karen (Brian) Marcell, Desboro, Kimberly and her husband Kent Harbinson, of Kilsyth, and Peter and his wife Kate Kaufman, of Balmy Beach. Cherished grandfather of Greg Harbinson, of Waterloo, Amy Harbinson, Owen Sound and Briten Marcell, of  Waterloo and great-grandfather of Clinton and Lilian Beckett of Owen Sound. Morley will be dearly missed by his sisters Emily McLean, Laura Schultz and Mabel (Tom) Ruff, sister-in-laws Lois (Grant) McRae and Hazel (Allan) McRae and brother-in-law Basil Wark. He was predeceased by his brother-in-laws, Roy, Grant, and Allan McRae, Ross McLean, John Schultz, sister-in-laws Jean Wark and Hazel (Roy) McRae and his parents Martin and Alvena (Engel) Kaufman.

​

Morley was born and raised on the family farm in Sullivan Township. He was a bright and talented student, but as was the custom of the era, he finished his education after grade 8 to work on the farm. He and Ruth would marry in July of 1961 and begin farming adjoining his parents' land. It was here where they were blessed with three children: Karen, Kimberly, and Peter. The 100 acre farm was a busy spot raising cattle, pigs, ducks and chickens. Beginning his day preparing Red River or Cream of Wheat cereal for his family, there were always chores to do from the spring maple syrup run (where everyone annually signed the sugar shack door), summers of hayfields and cemetery-yard grass to cut, pig slop to gather, and harvests and hog butchering. Everyone was expected to pitch in and Morley was pleased to share his love of farming with his kids but was content to have them away from the barn during his alone time. Morley was a religious man, and Sundays were always reserved for church and family time of fellowship and games, like 500 in a freshly cut hay field, board games, cards and of course visits from the Kuhl and Wathke families. The kids' birthdays were always celebrated with their godparents, grandparents and cousins. After too much time spent indoors, Morley would tell the kids to “go outside and get the stink blown off you”. Sometimes he would be heard saying, “what in the sam hell”, just to get a rise out of everyone. Morley was typically a quiet and private man, but a “good morning” as the kids entered at 7 am after they returned from a late-night party, would be the only reminder needed of his expectations. His typical quiet side was transformed, however, when a microphone was placed in his hand. He was a comical and comfortable public speaker and enjoyed acting in the Desboro Agricultural Society plays, and no secrets were off limits while he made his toasts at his children's weddings. The stories of the Fiat car wreck, the Bush Pig parties and arriving home exactly at 2:01 am would delight Morley as he had a secret to share.

In quieter times, he tended his potato and vegetable gardens, where Ruth was the designated 'snake killer'. He was extremely athletic, played hockey and baseball, coached his children in sports, supported their 4H clubs, and taught them to drive stick-shift in the old red truck. His rare trips into town were usually to deliver eggs to Norma Jeans restaurant, and though he didn't like shopping, his annual purchases at DC Taylor's did result in giving him his nickname, “the Rhinestone Cowboy” during his first few Christmas gifts to Ruth.

Although he was resistant to change, later years would see Ruth retiring from teaching in 1993, and Morley began a decade of bus driving the following year. He enjoyed the grandkids, Greg, Amy and Briten but when asked what he wanted for Christmas he replied, “peace and quiet”. Tapping trees, caring for orphaned raccoons, and playing with Romeo and Blacky the cat were fun activities. He delighted in their visits and his eyes lit up to see great grandchildren, Clinton and Lily come to visit with hugs and chats to no end. Trips to Mexico, Florida, Cuba, Washington, New Brunswick, and Oliphant’s trailer park, were among his favourite memories. Morley loved to open presents at any time of the year.

Morley will be truly missed by his family and a loving community that was so dear to him. ‘Till we meet again.

​

​

Arrangements have been entrusted to Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 29 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. at the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home chapel. Online booking for the visitation is required and is available through the funeral home website. All attending the visitation must wear a mask and follow social distancing protocols. A  funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, Desboro, on Thursday, December 30 at 2:00 pm. Pastor Brian Dunlop presiding. All attending the service must provide proof of double vaccination. If desired, memorial donations to Heart and Stroke, Faith Lutheran Church, and GBHS Owen Sound would be appreciated by the family. Spring interment at Faith Lutheran Church Cemetery, Desboro. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com