RICHARD ‘DICK’ MORRIS
Richard “Dick” Morris had his final day on Friday, May 13, 2016. This one day is a small footnote to the other amazing 31,452 days, that is 86 years, he enjoyed.
Born to Opal Stenson Morris and Charles V. Morris on March 11, 1930, he lived with his brother Rutherford and his sister Virginia in the Butternut Valley on the generational family farm in Gilbertsville, N.Y. The Great Depression instilled a work ethic that pushed limits. He has said they had “everything but money”, meaning he found all he needed, a sense of purpose, a lot of laughs, all without having stuff or a cell phone.
After a year at Manlius Academy and two years in Cornell, Dick returned home to the farm and met an Oneonta State co-ed. He married Margaret “Peg” Chase, a teacher, on July 31, 1955. Together, they enjoyed making home improvements, travel and keeping the birdfeeders full at the cabin on the farm he built for Peg upon her retirement from teaching. Their loving union lasted until Peg’s death in 2007, a span of 52 years. They had four children; the first was a stillborn daughter. The other three, Thomas, who is married to Lynn, Carol, married Skip Bozzo and Brenda, who is married to Matthew Lagoe, all held their dad’s hands over his final hours. Dick’s family extends to six grandchildren, Cooper Bozzo, Marshall and Samuel Lagoe and Taylor, Sierra and Elijah Morris, all who have their grandpa’s smile. Two special nephews, Jim and John of Mt. Upton, help keep the Morris tradition alive in the Butternut Valley.
In 2007, a very special woman entered into Dick’s life. Lura Edwards Todd became a loving companion and shared his North Norwich home since 2011. They continued to travel, enjoyed ice cream at Gilligan’s, played cards and marbles, and spent hours together on the farm in Gilbertsville. A wonderful nine years, but not long enough. Lura’s extended family has been a beautiful addition, more loving and caring people in his life. Thank-you.
It is hard to list all of the accomplishments, honors and relationships that encompass a purposeful life. Dick’s life was realized by his hard work, ethical bearing and creative mind; however, it was his youthful spirit and endearing soul that we all admired. As far as the list goes, it is in no particular order; friend, father, husband, grandfather, direct descendent of Lewis Morris (Signer of the Declaration of Independence), Norwich Lion’s Club president, Master of the Butternut’s Masonic Lodge, stock car racer, pilot, carpenter, welder, mason, Chenango County Fair Board Director, farmer, farm machinery dealer, road construction foreman, sharpshooter and bulldozer operator.
He loved the smell of dirt and machines. He built a cabin from trees he planted 50 years earlier, flipped houses 30 years before it became a TV series, adapted to home computers, still had a flip phone and used his last Chevy Equinox as a truck that still smells like chain saws. Dick was a baseball player and tried out for the Phillies. He was a fireworks fan, Oakland Raiders fan and a good guy.
For all of you who knew him well, he would often stop by to “shoot the breeze”. We will all miss him. As a tribute, pass that on as you meet people, shake their hand, look them in the eye, ask about them and have a conversation. Be productive, go get something done.
Dick’s family will hold a memorial service at the Morris Family Burial Ground in the All Saints Chapel in Morris, N.Y. on June 4, 2016 at 11:00 am. Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a gathering at the Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Gilbertsville from noon- 4pm. Please come and share your stories you had with a great man, Dick Morris.
A fitting Celebration of Life will be held on the family farm in Gilbertsville, N.Y. for one more Bob-O-Lynx barbeque and fireworks on July 16, 2016. With a wave of his hand and a thumbs up, Dick Morris bids “Toot-a-loo”!
There will be no calling hours.
Donations may be made to Young Eagles of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) which gives youth, ages 8-17, their first free airplane ride.
Donations may be sent to the local chapter at EAA Chapter 1204, PO Box 903, Norwich, NY 13815.
Arrangements are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.