CALGARY, Alta. – It is with a heavy heart that Hockey Canada acknowledges the passing of Dr. Allan Morris, the chairman of Hockey Canada’s board of directors. Dr. Morris passed away early Tuesday morning at the age of 74.

“Dr. Allan Morris was the ultimate volunteer and the game of hockey in Canada is better today because of his devotion to the sport he loved,” said Hockey Canada president and CEO Bob Nicholson. “At Hockey Canada, we are all better off for having known and worked with Dr. Morris. Our condolences go out to Lorraine, Tom, John, Susanne and all of his extended family. He will be greatly missed. ”

A tireless contributor to Canada’s game, Dr. Morris spent more than four decades involved in hockey as a coach, administrator and dedicated volunteer, the last two years as the chair of the board for Hockey Canada.

He got his coaching start in his hometown of Wiarton, ON in 1961 at the age of 27 before moving to Thornhill, Ont. where he worked as a chiropractor. While in Thornhill, Dr. Morris led his team to four consecutive Ontario championships (1975-78) at the Peewee, Minor Bantam, Bantam and Minor Midget levels.

He also ran hockey schools in the Town of Markham for a number of years in the late 1970s before beginning his administrative career as a member of the Ontario Hockey Association board of directors in 1981, serving as chairman of the board from 1993-96.

Dr. Morris also served as president and chairman of the Ontario Hockey Federation from 19 before joining the Hockey Canada board of directors, where he rose from vice-chair at large (2001-06) to executive vice-chair (2006-07) and finally to chairman of the board, replacing Rene Marcil in 2007.

During his distinguished career as a volunteer at the highest levels of hockey in Canada, Dr. Morris was recognized a number of times for his efforts. He was named the Town of Markham’s sportsman of the year in 1978, received a Gold Stick from the OHA in 1997 – the highest honour given by the organization – and received Hockey Canada’s outstanding volunteer service award in 2001. He also received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and was named a life member by the Ontario Hockey Federation in 2005.

Canada’s national teams will pay tribute to Dr. Morris at upcoming international events (the IIHF World Women’s Championship, IIHF World Under-18 Championship,IPC Sledge Hockey World Championship and  IIHF World Championship), with all players wearing a special decal commemorating his contributions to hockey in Canada.

Funeral services have been set for J.S. Jones and Sons Funeral Home in Georgetown, Ont. on Saturday, April 11. The service is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET. Visitation will take place on Friday, April 10, from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. ET.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic Fund, Hockey Canada Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Hockey Canada sends its condolences to the friends and family of Dr. Allan Morris.