Roderick Morrison, Tarbert

6 July 1945
Much sorrow was occasioned at Tarbert, and all over Harris, when it became known on Saturday, 16th June, that Roderick Morrison (Roddy), a son of Mr DA Morrison, Belmonth, Tarbert, had passed away at Edinburgh that day. Roddy joined the Army in June 1942, and served for two and a half years in the Royal Artillery. For two years he did continuous duty as one of those who manned the guns of the Dover defences. No doubt, owing to the strain and exposure experienced by him on these duties, his health was affected, and in November 1942 he was invalided out of the Army.

In civil life he followed the calling of a banker. His apprenticeship was served at the Leverburgh sub-branch and the Tarbert Branch of the Bank of Scotland. He afterwards served with the Bank of Scotland at Grantown on Spey, Saltcoats and Brodick. At all these places he was esteemed and respected by all who came in contact with him. His courtesy, gentleness of disposition and eagerness to help and oblige in all circumstances, earned for him an almost unique place for such a young man to enjoy, in the affection of those who came into contact with him. He was the type of young man rare perhaps in these days, who refused to offend, but was ever ready to use the kind word and act the kind part. His attitude to life generally and to those he came in contact with, was on a Christian pattern, and this is the reason why his passing at the age of 31 has caused so much sorrow in the community. His remains arrived at Tarbert on Tuesday and were interred at Luskentyre on Thursday. His funeral was largely attended. In the absence of Rev Duncan Macleod, DD, the funeral service was conducted by Mr W. Duncan, missionary, Grosebay, assisted by Mr John Macleod, missionary, Marig and Mr Angus Morrison, missionary, Uig, Skye. Much sympathy is felt for the sorrowing father, surviving brohters, sisters and other relatives, but they will have consolation in the knowledge that Roddy has left behind him a memory which deserves to be cherished.