The city of Calgary has lost its oldest veteran with the passing of George Morasch at 102 years old. Morasch, who served as a Calgary Highlander during the Second World War, died on Monday at the Colonel Belcher Retirement Residence, where he had resided since 2023, according to an obituary from McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes.
A Life of Service and Education
Morasch enlisted as a Highlander shortly after the outbreak of the Second World War in 1942. He was posted to England with his regiment for training before being deployed to Normandy, France, in 1943. His regiment was ordered to capture the strategic Hill 67 and hold it "at all costs," as detailed in his obituary.
During the battle, Morasch sustained injuries and was hospitalized. After his recovery, he continued to serve in Normandy, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. His final military assignment was working in a pay office wing in London, England, before being discharged to civilian life.
Dedication to Sharing War Experiences
Following his military service, Morasch dedicated his life to educating others about the war. He spoke at numerous public commemorations and visited schools to share his experiences with students. In November of last year, he visited an elementary class at Rideau Park School in Calgary, where he recounted his journey aboard the RMS Queen Elizabeth in early 1943.
Morasch described how the ship, falsely claimed sunk by Germany, was followed by U-boats, forcing it to disembark in Scotland. Passengers then transferred to smaller boats to complete their journey.
Memories of Battle and Comradeship
The year prior, Morasch recalled digging slit trenches on Hill 67 with his comrade Bob Harbot to protect themselves from shell and machine gun fire. "We crawled up, snuck our way through a field of grain... Hill 67 was a field of slaughter, it was horror," Morasch said.
Harbot invited Morasch to share his slit trench, an act that saved Morasch's life that day. This story highlights the bonds formed during wartime and the sacrifices made by soldiers.
Personal Life and Funeral Arrangements
Morasch was predeceased by his wife and longtime companion, Fern, who died in October 2020. The funeral home will hold a service to remember Morasch on Friday, March 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturday, he will be laid to rest next to his wife in the mausoleum at Queen's Park Cemetery.
Members of The Calgary Highlanders will serve as both active and honorary pallbearers. A funeral mass will be hosted at St. Luke's Catholic Church at 1 p.m., followed by a reception.
Legacy of a Centenarian Veteran
George Morasch's life spanned over a century, marked by bravery in war and a commitment to peace through education. His efforts to share his stories ensured that future generations would remember the realities of conflict and the importance of remembrance.
As one of the few remaining Second World War veterans, his passing represents a significant loss for Calgary and the broader veteran community. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched with his firsthand accounts of history.
