The Realtor Who Refused to Sell: A Fight to Save an Edmonton Couple’s Historic Home from Foreclosure

In a refreshing departure from typical real estate narratives, an Edmonton real estate salesperson is making headlines not for closing a deal, but for actively hoping not to sell a particular listing. Ken Morrison, a dedicated agent with Re/Max Excellence, has embarked on an extraordinary mission: to help Eric and Jean Bishop, an elderly couple in their 80s, keep their beloved home in the Edmonton real estate market from being foreclosed by the bank and the courts. His unique approach involves setting up a GoFundMe campaign, a testament to his compassion and commitment to community.

As of early May, the crowdfunding initiative had already garnered an impressive $15,000 within just 28 days, showcasing the rapid outpouring of community support. The ambitious goal is to raise $325,000, an amount Ken believes will secure the Bishops’ future in the home they’ve cherished for over half a century.

A Legacy Rooted in History: The Bishops’ Beloved Fulton Place Home

The story began in January when Ken Morrison was assigned the challenging task of selling a foreclosure property in the serene community of Fulton Place. However, upon investigating, Morrison uncovered a profound history: Eric and Jean Bishop had called this house their home since 1967. More than just a residence, the property itself holds historical significance for the area, standing as the original homestead where a dairy farm was established around 1905. This deep-rooted connection to the land and the house immediately resonated with Morrison, shifting his perspective from a mere transaction to a humanitarian cause.

During his initial meetings with Eric Bishop, Morrison was moved by the couple’s palpable passion and love for their home. Eric shared vivid stories of the area, painting a picture of its past, and proudly showcased a mural he had personally painted of the original dairy farm, a vibrant piece of art prominently displayed across the wall of their sitting room. These details underscored the irreplaceable sentimental value of the property for the Bishops, far beyond its market price. For them, this house isn’t just bricks and mortar; it’s a living archive of their lives, their family, and the community’s heritage.

The Unforeseen Predicament: Technical Glitches and Mounting Arrears

The Bishops’ heartbreaking predicament stemmed from an unexpected disruption in their direct withdrawal monthly mortgage payment system in 2017. What started as technical issues, likely a series of administrative errors or system malfunctions, snowballed into a significant financial burden. Due to these unforeseen problems, the couple found themselves facing arrears estimated between $40,000 and $50,000. As an elderly couple living on a fixed income, they simply did not possess the immediate funds to cover such a substantial and sudden debt.

Adding another layer to their financial situation, years prior, the Bishops had taken out another mortgage on their home after initially paying off their first one. This second mortgage was secured to fund essential home repairs and maintenance, a common practice for homeowners looking to preserve their property’s value and comfort. This prior financial decision, made with good intentions, unfortunately complicated their ability to swiftly resolve the new arrears when the technical issues arose, pushing them further into a precarious position with the bank and the courts.

Ken Morrison’s Compassionate Intervention: A Realtor’s Moral Stand

“This foreclosure has deeply affected myself and my wife Richelle, as well as other Realtors and friends I’ve shared this story with,” Ken Morrison explains, his voice tinged with emotion. “It has touched many hearts, and I just can’t sit back and do nothing.” This profound sense of empathy ignited his unconventional plan. Morrison believes firmly that the Bishops, after decades of contributing to their community and maintaining their historic home, do not deserve to be forcibly removed from it.

His vision extends beyond merely delaying the inevitable. On the GoFundMe site, Morrison passionately outlines his ultimate goal: “I would like to raise $325,000, which is what the bank is asking for the home to stop this nonsense. These sweet people should be allowed to remain in their home as long as they please, and I would like to help that happen by raising enough to buy the home and give the Bishops free title. At that point, they can stay, sell, or do what they wish with the home on their terms, not the bank/courts.” This innovative approach seeks to empower the Bishops, restoring their dignity and autonomy over their future.

Navigating the Legal Landscape and Garnering Community Support

The legal process for the foreclosure had already advanced significantly. Morrison reveals that the court order was signed last June, granting the Bishops a six-month window to rectify their financial situation. Despite the property officially being listed for sale on the market on March 12, Morrison confesses, “We listed the property, but I didn’t really push it. It wasn’t a house that I was really excited to sell.” This sentiment highlights his moral conflict and his unwavering commitment to the Bishops’ well-being over a typical real estate commission.

His focus quickly shifted to the crowdfunding effort. “We decided to start a GoFundMe, and we’re going to try and buy the house for them and give it back to them,” he states. “I set the GoFundMe at $325,000 because that was the list price. Whatever I get is going to them. In the meantime, we found out that the arrears is between $40,000 and $50,000. So, my goal right now is to raise that and just get it out of foreclosure… I can continue to try and raise more. Ultimately, I’d like to give them the house. I think they deserve it. I think they deserve to leave that home by choice and not by force.” This tiered approach, first addressing the immediate arrears to halt the foreclosure, then working towards full ownership, demonstrates a pragmatic and deeply compassionate strategy.

Morrison, with nearly two decades of experience in the Edmonton real estate market, emphasizes the uniqueness of this situation: “I’ve been doing this for 19 years, and I’ve said this on the news and I’ve said it elsewhere, this is the only house I’ve ever not wanted to sell.” The widespread support he has received from colleagues, friends, and the public underscores the universal appeal of his mission. “Everybody’s been supportive,” he adds, reflecting the positive ripple effect of his actions.

The Bishops’ Perspective: A Lifetime of Memories at Stake

The emotional toll of the impending foreclosure is deeply personal for Eric and Jean. In a poignant television interview with Global News, Jean Bishop shared her feelings: “It’s been a lovely old house. It’s been a home for our children and our grandchildren too.” She expressed a profound sense of bewilderment and insecurity, stating, “I always felt secure that we always paid the mortgage.” This sentiment is echoed by Eric Bishop, who added in the same interview, “The money has always been there for them (the bank) to take, and if they didn’t take it, we don’t know why they didn’t take it.” Their words paint a picture of confusion and betrayal, highlighting the frustration of being caught in a bureaucratic nightmare despite their diligent efforts to meet their financial obligations.

The Bishops’ story serves as a stark reminder of how easily life savings and cherished homes can be jeopardized by administrative oversights, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly. Their home is not merely an asset; it is the repository of countless memories, family gatherings, and the quiet comfort of their golden years. To lose it would be to lose a significant piece of their identity and security.

A Call to Action: How You Can Help Save the Bishops’ Home

The GoFundMe campaign initiated by Ken Morrison represents a beacon of hope for Eric and Jean Bishop. It is a powerful example of how individual compassion, amplified by community action, can challenge the impersonal forces of financial institutions and legal systems. This initiative is more than just about raising money; it’s about preserving a legacy, upholding a principle of decency, and ensuring that an elderly couple can live out their days in peace and dignity within the walls of their cherished home.

Every contribution, no matter the size, moves the Bishops closer to their goal of retaining their historic residence in Fulton Place. Beyond financial donations, spreading awareness about their plight by sharing their story and the GoFundMe link can significantly impact the campaign’s success. This is an opportunity for the Edmonton community, and beyond, to rally together and demonstrate the profound impact of collective kindness.

To support Eric and Jean Bishop and help Ken Morrison achieve his noble goal, please visit and share their GoFundMe campaign: Save Eric & Jean Bishop’s Home. Let us join forces to ensure that this compassionate realtor’s unusual mission culminates in a victory for humanity and the preservation of a precious home.