There is some sad irony in the fact that the Morris Vee Maiden Plate was run at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday, just hours after the legendary bookmaker passed away at the age of 86.
He had suffered a stroke on 2 September, and was doing well, with the hope that he was to be discharged from hospital.
Described as a doyen of the profession in KZN, and a man that stood the test of time, Morris Vinik, widely known as Morris Vee, was licenced as a bookmaker in 1972, the year In Full Flight won the Durban July.
The Benoni-born racing man went into the hotel trade early on, his Uncle George Khan being active in the hospitality industry in Durban.
Morris Vinik married Bernice Meikle and the couple had two children, Bradley and Debra.
Friend and fellow racing man Selwyn Elk told the Sporting Post on Sunday that he met Morris while playing soccer in Johannesburg.
“I left home at the age of 17 and had no money. Morris told me to come and play for Maccabi and that I could stay at their hotel, the Carlton in West Street. I lived there – he wouldn’t allow me to pay – for eight months. Morris then moved on to his Uncle’s hotel, The Savoy,” recalled Selwyn who added that Morris Vee was a father figure and one of the best people to have crossed his path.
“We stayed in touch all the years. Even when my wife passed recently he was there for me. I am 75 years old. He treated me with the same kindness from my days as a cash-strapped teenager all those years ago. Life and success never changed Morris Vee. He will be truly sadly missed by many,” added Selwyn.
The funeral for the late Morris Vinik will be held at the Redhill Cemetery on Monday 7 October at 15h30. Tahara will be at 15h00.
The Sporting Post extends our sincere condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Morris Vinik.
