Walkabout: Remembering Bob Morrow

Walkabout: Remembering Bob Morrow

By Ken Hirter

 

Many residents of Hamilton remember the era between 1982 and 2000.  We remember a giant of a man standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, an old school gentleman of his generation. l recently attended the premiere screening at the Westdale Cinema of Golden era: the Legacy of Bob Morrow. Produced by Rosemary Baptista and Scott C. Newman the film won Best Documentary at the 2024 Touchstone Independent Film Festival. Fittingly at an event remembering a man who was a consummate musician there were live musical performances, including by the John Laing singers from the St. Patrick’s Church Choir opening the afternoon with Oh Canada in both official languages. Harpist Lisa Warren performed Gentle Giant, her musical tribute to Bob Morrow.

Producer Rosemary Baptista opened the screening with a reading, a beautiful Indigenous poem and her heartfelt words welcomed all who came out to celebrate the Life and Times of Bob Morrow.

Master of Ceremonies was Tony Agro, son of the late Vince Agro. Bob and Vince were friends for many years until Vince’s passing in 2000. Tony fondly remembers Bob from his childhood and shared the 3 steps of becoming a legend. It was so heartfelt and very touching what the human spirit can achieve and accomplish over a career that had spanned over 50 years.

Remember The Mayor’s Hour with Bob Morrow on Cable 14?  And Bob “The Walkabout Mayor” was everywhere – a very engaging man. He cared very much about the people – a staunch lover of Hamilton. His humble beginnings on Howard Street with his family was where he started his career in 1968 running for council in Ward 1.  Although he won the vote, he was disqualified as he was not on the voters’ list. He ran for council again in 1970, winning his seat. In 1982, he became Hamilton’s 53rd mayor serving the longest term in office in the history of the City, winning 6 elections for an impressive 18-year tenure until losing to Bob Wade in 2000. In 2014 he was appointed by council to fill the Ward 3 seat on the death of Bernie Morelli. Here he continued his support of neighbourhood initiatives. He identified a fund that Morelli had earmarked for a neighbourhood project and stepped up to follow through on that commitment. He ensured that a memorial bench was procured and placed in the Birch Ave. Greenspace to honour the community building legacy of Armando Palladino.

Bob brought music and the arts to Hamilton with a group of celebrity friends as well, from Martin Short to Eugene Levy whom Bob knew when both were 16 years old. He was an accomplished musician, serving as the organist and choir leader for St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church. Did you know that when Bob went to the hospital 12 hours before he died, he was on the phone with another organist to take his spot for that evening?

A proud Ti-Cat fan, and champion of many initiatives from pushing for the redevelopment of the waterfront to flowers along city streets Bob was always quick to defend Hamilton against any perceived slight. He even took a swim in Hamilton Harbour in the 1985 a feat that wouldn’t be done today.

He welcomed Royalty from King Charles to the late Princess Margaret and other notable dignitaries as well. 

After leaving office, He served as a Citizenship Judge, retiring in 2010.

Mr. Morrow was born on August the 09th 1946 and he passed away at 71 on February 04th 2018. His friend Eugene Levy delivered his eulogy to a packed house at Christ Church Cathedral for his funeral.

The Laing Choir and others at St. Patrick’s as well as countless family, friends and colleagues shared their fondest memories of Bob throughout the film.

Harpist Lisa Warren wrote and performed “Gentle Giant”. in Bob’s memory. It was so touching.

A portrait of Mr. Morrow by artist Cris Delara  (Fine Art www.cdelara.myporfolio.com)  was unveiled and will soon be hanging at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

In closing, it seems so fitting that this event took place on Father’s Day, as many citizens referred to him as “the Father of Hamilton” and after watching the documentary l can see and understand why.