Passing of Morrie Goetjen #2464

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Sadly, I have learned that our friend and brother, Morrie Goetjen, passed away on June 23, 2025 from complications of Glioblastoma at the age of 63. You may recall that on December 19, 2024, Morrie’s family and good friend, Tom Barrow Jr., let us know that a tumor was discovered in Morrie’s brain and he was undergoing surgery the next day. 

After the surgery, Morrie was recovering at home and was able to participate in some much cherished social functions such as the Friday breakfasts with CPS vets and RCMP vets at the Cochrane Hotel. Unfortunately just recently, Morrie became ill again and had to be taken back to the hospital. Last week, I visited Morrie at the Foothills Hospital and we had a very good conversation about our early days in the police and the changes in our lives over the years from proud young men in uniform to seasoned police veterans. 
 
Morrie joined the CPS in August of 1979 and retired in January of 2005. He served in a variety of Districts and Zones including D3, 2-4, 1 District walking the beats of 1-2 and 1-3, 3 District, the Executive Office, the Citizen Complaint Unit and District 4 where he was a District Sergeant for the remainder of his career. 
 
I spoke to our brother, Tom Barrow Jr., who was one of Morrie’s best friends and asked him to quote a few sentences that describe the man that he knew Morrie to be. The following is an paraphrase of what he wrote to me:

“Morrie was a cowboy, through and through, both in uniform, where his strong work ethic and unwavering sense of justice guided him and on the ranch, where he carried on the Goetjen legacy of raising cattle.
 
And then there was the poetry. If you were ever lucky enough to hear Morrie recite his poems, you’ll remember his sharp wit and boundless creativity.
He took great pride in his three daughters and he loved talking about coaching their hockey and ringette teams.
 
Morrie taught me how to police, how to be a cowboy, and how to hunt. For that, I will always love him. Today, I wish him God’s peace.”

 
A Celebration of Life for Morrie is currently in the planning stages and when I know the details, I will be sure to pass this information on. 

In the meantime, if you would like to express your support, condolences or any stories you may have to Morries sisters, Leslie and Heather, as well as his daughters, Miranda, Katie and Jojo, please feel free to email them at:  morriememories@gmail.com 
 

Mike Turcotte 
turc11@telus.net

 

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