We mourn the loss of Corporal George Morasch, the Calgary Highlander’s oldest veteran who passed March 2, 2026 at the age of 102.
Son of Adam and Elizabeth Morasch, George was born in Calgary, AB, but at a young age, moved with his parents to a farm, eight miles east of Didsbury, AB, where he helped with the farming. He attended school in Neapolis, AB, east of town, until he graduated high school.
In 1942, after the outbreak of the Second World War, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and was told that “he would be a Calgary Highlander forever”.
He was posted to England, where he joined the rest of the Regiment for further training. This was a unit he was so proud to serve with. About a year later, he was deployed to Normandy, France, with the Highlanders on July 6th, 1944, onto a small beach held by the Allies. After several days of so-called rest, the regiment was ordered to capture the strategic Hill 67, outside of Caen, France, and hold it at all costs. Casualties were heavy and severe, but the hill was secured for the Allies. George was wounded and sent to the hospital. He served in Normandy, France, and then in Belgium and Holland. Later, as part of the Army of the Occupation, into Germany. From there, he went to London, England to work in a wing of the pay office and was later sent home for discharge from the Army to civilian life.
He purchased one half section of land through the Veterans Land Act (VLA), but after years of farming that was not to his liking, he started work with the Alberta Treasury Branch. There he met the love of his life, Fern Minderlen. She was also an employee of the Treasury Branch. They were married on December 5th, 1969. This is a story of true love, never leaving each other’s side. Fern and George were and are a true statement of love, now and forever.
George was predeceased by his ever-loving wife, Fern, on October 24th, 2020. They enjoyed true love, joy and kindness for over 50 years of true and faithful marriage. It was a gift that God gave them to cherish forever. He was also predeceased by his father in 1969 and his mother in 1971, and by eight sisters and five brothers.
He moved into the Colonel Belcher Retirement Residence in 2023 and enjoyed outstanding compassionate care and personalized attention until his passing.
Since his retirement, George has spent his time educating others in the losses incurred during the Second World War resulting in the freedoms that much of the world, especially Canada, enjoy today. He was a speaker at many public commemorations and at many schools. He also represented Canadian veterans at a number of overseas events.
He appreciated the service of the Royal Canadian Legion, and in lieu of flowers, he requested donations to be made directly to support the repair of the roof of the No. 1 Branch in downtown Calgary. Please e-transfer to rcl1main@shaw.ca or send a cheque to 116 7 Ave NE, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2G 0H5, in memory of George Morasch.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, George will be laid to rest beside his ever-loving wife, Fern, in the Mausoleum at Queen’s Park Cemetery in Calgary, with members of The Calgary Highlanders being both the active and honourary pallbearers. At 1:00 PM, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (1566 Northmount Dr NW, Calgary, AB). Reception to follow.
Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Corporal Morasch’s service streamed live on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with George’s family here.
In living memory of George Morasch, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.
