THEY DIDN’T FORGET THE BIG MAN WHO HELPED

By Joe Barkovich
Tribune Reporter

[Welland Tribune, 1982]

He was the “champion of the little people” and in the end, they showed they did not forget what he had done for them.

Thousands passed by his casket to pay respects in the three days after his death, Sunday. About 150 cars made the last journey with him, from Knox Presbyterian Church on Fitch Street to Fonthill cemetery on a sunny late-winter afternoon.

Ellis Price Morningstar, the 24-year Welland Riding MPP, was eulogized yesterday as “a great teacher and constant advisor” by Ontario Deputy Premier Robert Welch and compared to Old Testament prophet Isiah by Rev. Norman Hutchinson because both, he said, were “ordinary men,” given special messages from God.

The little Fitch Street church was filled to overflowing as people occupied narrow aisle ways and the vestibule. Others watched the service over closed circuit television in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

There was no room in the church long before the 2 p.m. service got under way.

Legion members formed a color party and firefighters were in attendance as an honor guard.

Premier William Davis had been scheduled to attend the service but, said government house leader Thomas Wells, Mr. Davis could not attend because of illness, Mr. Wells offered the scripture readings in his place.

Mr. Welch, the deputy premier described Mr. Morningstar as “gregarious and a dedicated political figure.”

“No one was ever turned away from his door,” Mr. Welch said, because Mr. Morningstar was a man who “cared deeply for others.”

His friends were at the church yesterday for two reasons, Mr. Welch said –the general sense of loss of a man “loved by family and a wide circle of friends” and a feeling of “deep appreciation for having shared in the celebration of life” with Mr. Morningstar, a man known throughout the province.

Mr. Morningstar, said Mr. Welch, “loved life, he loved people and we loved him. He brought joy, purpose, meaning into the lives of people.”

Mr. Welch said, “Even though the flame has gone out, the glow of our memories of Ellis will keep us warm, for he was a big man in many ways.”

Former Tribune managing editor T.N. Morrison reminisced about some of Mr. Morningstar’s early political days.

Mr. Morrison said his long-time friend was talked into running for Crowland township 48 years ago by a politician who told him: “You have the qualities ideal for representing people. They like you and by being yourself, you’ll be successful.”

When a proposed arena project in post-war Welland seemed headed for defeat by the municipal council, Mr. Morningstar steered a $15,000 grant for the arena through Crowland council and “shamed” the Welland council to do its share, Mr. Morrison said.

Mr. Morrison was often called to Mr. Morningstar’s 97 Alberta St. home where the MPP worked on speeches and policy. “He’d enquire,” Mr. Morrison said, “is it right, is it fair, is it decent?”

Mr. Morrison recalled of his friend: “He could never be heard to speak ill of anyone.”

“Many of our lives were brightened for knowing him.”

“Page-Hersey co-worker Gene Reece said Mr. Morningstar, a 44-year employee of the pipe-making plant, was a “great leader” who was highly respected by employees.

“His cheery hellos created a friendly, but respected, atmosphere,” Mr. Reese recalled.

“He liked young people and he was always ready to help them, whenever possible,” he recalled.

Mr. Morningstar was an original member of the plant’s Quarter Century Club and regularly attended the once-a-year dinners, said Mr. Reece.

“I can still hear him telling us-“We should appreciate this wonderful opportunity of breaking bread together,” Mr. Reece said.

Mr. Morningstar, he said, “was missed at the pipe mill when he retired and he’ll be missed now.”

“There are some things in life that are inevitable and that is why we are here today,” said Rev. Hutchinson, the pastor of Knox Presbyterian Church, where Mr. Morningstar was a member.

If there is one word which sums up this man’s life, it’s the cry that emanated from his life and work and hands-comfort,” Rev. Hutchinson said. …..