Milton Morris, affectionately known as Mr Maitland, has died.
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The former long serving Member for Maitland died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday night.
The former Liberal politician was Member for Maitland from 1956 to 1980, the NSW Transport Minister from 1965 to 1975 and, among a strong of personal accolades, was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1988.
He has been remembered as a man of great integrity who was popular on all sides of politics.
Mr Morris suffered a major stroke about four years ago and had two subsequent strokes since.
His daughter Karen Morris described her father as someone "who made a difference".
"He was an incredibly strong man, and we are incredibly proud of him," she said.
"He will be remembered as someone who always tried to make a difference, and it was something he taught his family."
Ms Morris added a private service would be held for Mr Morris next week with a public memorial at a later date.
Former Maitland mayor Peter Blackmore said he would remember his long-time friend as a "wonderful man" committed to his community and state.
"He was an outstanding man, and I am proud to hold him up there as his mentor," Mr Blackmore said.
"I virtually fashioned my political career off Milton Morris.
"He did so much for young people in job skills and training that he was asked by former a minister to run a Hunter Valley training company.
"He will be terribly missed."
Leave your tribute for Mr Morris below
Mr Morris' distinguished political career included a 24 year stint in Macquarie Street for the Liberal Party, between 1956 and 1980.
By the time he left parliament, he had won nine elections.
His offsider at Hunter Valley Training Company, Kay Sharp, also worked as Mr Morris's electorate secretary for six years.
"He was understanding, compassionate, inspirational," she said.
"Whenever he had an announcement to make as minister, he always made sure the local member was present, regardless of what side of politics they were on. He always showed them respect.
"He was founding chairman of Hunter Valley Training Company and stayed in the position for 30 years before becoming patron in 2011.
"It was to give young men and women from disadvantaged and high unemployment areas around the state the chance to get an apprenticeship.
"When he finished we had helped 21,000 young people get apprenticeships get work."
During his tenure, he became the longest serving Minister for Transport in the state's history - a record that has not been broken.
He was also Maitland's longest serving state member, with more than 20 years under his belt.
Messages for 'Mr Maitland'
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian
I am saddened by the passing of former NSW Minister for Transport, Milton Morris AO. On behalf of the people of NSW, I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to Mr Morris’ family.
Mr Morris was a tireless advocate for his community as the Member for Maitland between 1956 and 1980, and was a giant of the Parliament of NSW and the Liberal Party.
Mr Morris also served Minister for Lands, Minister for Forests, and Minister for Decentralisation and Development.
During World War II, he served with the Royal Australian Navy and the Volunteer Defence Corps.
As Minister for Transport, Mr Morris was instrumental in the introduction of road safety initiatives we take for granted today, such as compulsory seatbelts and breathalysers.
Road safety measures introduced in more recent years, such as ‘Towards Zero’, are grounded in the pioneering work of Mr Morris.
The son of a railway guard, Mr Morris forever left a mark on Sydney by reviving John Bradfield’s vision of an Eastern Suburbs Railway, initiating the planning and building of this transformative project.
During my tenure in the transport portfolio, Mr Morris was generous with his time in providing me with wise counsel and practical advice. His indubitable legacy is the thousands of lives his road safety reforms saved.
Paterson MP Meryl Swanson
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Milton Morris today.
I worked closely with Milton from 1993-1996 as the Business Manager for the Hunter Region Organisation of Councils.
He would go on to be a mentor and dear friend.
As a Baptist Minister, he married my husband Nick and me, and christened our children.
He taught me many things and although we came from different political persuasions, we shared many beliefs and a deep commitment to the Hunter.
I will forever be indebted to him and his wisdom –
“You catch more flys with honey than vinegar”.
Vale Mr Maitland.
Hunter Valley Training Company
Hunter Valley Training Company (HVTC) is very sad to hear of the peaceful passing of our beloved Patron, Director and Founding Chairman, the Honourable Mr Milton Morris AO.
According to HVTC Chairman Robert Cameron AO, Mr Morris was an inspiration to all at HVTC.
He was devoted to creating skills training and employment opportunities for more than 22,000 young people across NSW for the past three decades.
HVTC was established in 1981 for a six year term to create a skilled workforce for the construction of the Bayswater Power Station in Muswellbrook.
“It is a testament to Mr Morris’ passion and commitment to the value of vocational education and training that, three decades on, the Company continues to provide skills training and employment outcomes for young people across its ten regional divisions in NSW,” Mr Cameron said.
The former Member for Maitland and the State’s longest serving Minister for Transport devoted his life to serving his community and continued to be involved in championing, advocating and supporting countless organisations.
Seeking no special recognition, Mr Morris personally raised thousands of dollars through business and industry connections to establish disadvantaged youth training and employment programs which provided significant outcomes and benefits to regional communities.
“Mr Morris was highly respected and well regarded by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him. He was an inspiration to all his colleagues, students and employees at HVTC and will be deeply missed,” Mr Cameron said
April 2, 1924:
Born in Mayfield.
1954:
Joined the Liberal Party.
1954 to 1958:
Became a councillor on the Lower Hunter Shire.
1956 to 1980:
NSW Member for Maitland
1965 to 1975:
NSW Minister for Transport
1980:
Resigned from his seat of Maitland on August 29 to contest the NSW Federal Seat of Lyne for the Liberal Party.
1988:
Awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his contribution to politics, youth and the community.
1989:
Awarded Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (Poland) for service to Poland and its people.
2013:
2014:
Rutherford $5 million Hunter Valley Training Centre unveiled as 'The Milton Morris Building'.
2015:
