Death of a Seed Exchange "giant" - Morris Wilson

[Maggi Young]

It is with sadness I pass on the news to members of the death of Morris Wilson, who for many years organised the seed distribution side of the SRGC Seed Exchange. Working with the late Jim Christie, Morris ruled over his team of "Seedlings" who beavered away over weeks and weeks at the St Andrews Botanic Gardens to send seed to thousands of SRGC members every year.
Morris was a giant of the Seed Exchange, but also a giant of a man.... tall , broad, a former Rugby player, this alpine loving farmer was a big man in every way. Certainly his kind heart was huge!

Many will remember Morris and his expansive hospitality: it was at Alpines 1991 that I first experienced it..... turning to a group of friends gathered in his room, Morris opened a bottle of whisky and threw the stopper away... "ah well, we shan't be needing that again", he beamed!

Morris and his wife Elspeth have lived in retirement in Cupar, Fife, for quite some time now and Morris was a tower of strength when Elspeth was seriously ill. Lately, though, it is Elspeth who has nursed Morris and he has now passed away peacefully, in his sleep.
He will be sorely missed by Elspeth and their family of children and grandchildren and by his myriad of friends in the farming community, at the St Andrews Botanics and in the Scottish Rock Garden Club, who held him in such affection and esteem.

Another good friend lost. Our fond condolences to Elspeth and their family.

[Maggi Young]

Here are details of Morris' funeral, from The Courier newspaper:

PEACEFULLY, at Adamson Annexe, on July 28, 2011, Alexander Morrison Wilson (Morris), aged 86 (formerly Newton of Nydie), loving and much loved husband of Elspeth, beloved father of Victoria, Jane, Alexander and Emma, caring father-in-law and grandfather to eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Memorial service at Rufflets Country House Hotel, St Andrews, on Wednesday, August 10, at 2 p.m., to which all family and friends are respectfully invited.


How many thousands of people were in receipt of hundreds of thousands of packets of seed from Morris ?
It's a sobering thought how many owe him gratitude for the flowering of their gardens. 

[ichristie]

Yes indeed Maggie, he was a giant of a man in every sense of the words we owe so much to the TEAM who sorted the seed in St Andrews, I myself am so gratefull that our paths of life crossed and made such a difference, cheers Ian the Christie kind.

[Maggi Young]

We've heard tonight from Liz, Madam Prezz and Ian the Christie kind about Morris's mem orial gathering today.

There were huge numbers of people there, as might be expected to remember such a chap as Morris.

In true "Morris" style, there was much rejoicing about his many exploits and typical Wilson humour.... on surveying the large assembly of friends it was announced that since the family had thought only around 90 people would attend, that everyone would be rationed to half a sandwich each!

The spirit of Morris lives on in strength in Elspeth and his Family... just a shame the Big Man missed out on his "dram" today!
Cheers, Morris !