Lusher employee and Norwich Boys' Brigade leader dies at 86

These were the three pillars of Brian Morton’s life, which he spent as a “tall man, with a loud voice, and a keen sense of right and wrong”.

From protecting colleagues at risk of redundancy to helping inspire young minds, Mr Morton was a man who could easily be described as living a life devoted to those around him.

Brian Morton pictured with his wife Ann, who he married in 1960 (Image: Courtesy of Morton family)

Born in Sprowston on June 4, 1936, Brian John Morton grew up in the area with his sister June and parents and attended the local schools. 

After meeting and marrying his wife Ann, the couple moved to Hellesdon in 1960 and remained there until last year after moving to be closer to their family. 

His son, Andrew, said: “Dad was very much a 1970s parent; a planet around which we orbited, often making something in his workshop, digging the garden in his suit and tie, or at the kitchen table preparing for a Boys' Brigade meeting."

Mr Morton had lost hearing in his left ear after an army doctor perforated his eardrum during a National Service medical. (His family say he wanted to join up, but was rejected for his flat feet.)

It meant he had a loud voice.

"He also had strong opinions and a keen sense of right and wrong,” his son said. 

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Mr Morton was involved with the Boys’ Brigade for more than 50 years and worked as an officer within the junior section for children aged eight to 11. 

The youth movement was “central to his life” and saw him give up almost every Wednesday and one week’s holiday for the camp each year, despite only having little more than two weeks of annual leave to take.

He took pride in seeing the boys grow up, going onto be leaders themselves, and often recounted how those described as “difficult” would find a home there.

WS Lusher when the firm was first opened (Image: Archant © 2011; 01603 772434)

During his career, he worked at WS Lushers, a firm which had built up a reputation for restoring churches, stately homes, and historic buildings.

The firm was founded in 1924 by William Lusher at his home in Tillett Road, Sprowston, and was bought by Melton Constable-based property developer Roger Gawn in 2016. 

Mr Morton was also a craftsman and created eye-catching pieces of furniture from his garage. Some of his work saw him involved with projects at Norwich Cathedral.  

After leaving Lushers, he managed a grant-funded project for some close friends, who described him as their “rock” after council officers had refused to pay for some work - a decision he was able to overturn.

Happy times: The Morton family, with Brian Morton pictured in the middle at the back (Image: Courtesy of Morton family)

Andrew added: “A few years ago, I had the privilege of working on the Britons Arms on Norwich’s Elm Hill, where Lushers were the contractor. 

“Many of the tradesmen knew dad, and I was touched by the affection and respect with which he was still held some 20 years after leaving Lushers. 

“He cared for the men who he managed and admitted that if he knew that redundancies were possible, he would hide men away on a church job somewhere. He knew that a good manager serves those under their authority.” 

He was devoted in his service to others and inspired by and rooted in his Christian faith, something he shared with his wife.

Brian and Ann Morton celebrating at a special family occassion (Image: Courtesy of Morton family)

The Boys’ Brigade was founded in Glasgow on October 4, 1883, by Sir William Alexander Smith.  

It was the first voluntary uniformed youth movement in the world and many organisations for young people can trace their roots back through history to the brigade. 

Today, it has grown into a worldwide movement and has worked with millions of children and young people for more than a century. 

Mr Morton died on December 13 following a diagnosis of dementia and subsequent ill health.

He leaves behind his wife, sister, sons Andrew and David, and five grandchildren.

A private family funeral took place on Saturday, January 7, followed by a service of thanksgiving in Aylsham.

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