Robert "Bob" Morris
August 14, 1929 ~ April 30, 2016
Robert E. (Bob) Morris, 86, passed away on April 30, 2016 under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was born on August 14, 1929 in Decatur, Illinois, to Stanley Ellsworth O’Moore and Lucille Ellen Hatfield. He lived in Chicago, Illinois and after a brief period in a Chicago orphanage he and his two siblings were brought to Jamestown, North Dakota and raised by their grandmother, Mary Ellen Hatfield. Bob attended school in Jamestown, graduating from high school in 1947.
Bob enlisted in the Air Force in 1947 and proudly served his country for four years stateside as a communications instructor. He was honorably discharged from Keesler Air Force Base on July 13, 1952. The time he spent in the military and the lifelong friends he made profoundly impacted his love of country and the American flag.
Bob returned to Jamestown where he met Carol G. Williamson. They were married on September 4, 1953, and spent 51 wonderful years together before Carol’s death in 2004. Shortly after they were married Bob worked on the railroad for one winter. Although he decided that was not the career for him, his love of trains continued with his passion for model railroading, primarily Lionel Trains. Bob and Carol then moved to Cooperstown, North Dakota where Bob worked for Standard Oil Company. Thereafter, he worked for Nash Finch Company before moving to Fargo in 1957 and commencing his long and successful 31 year career with Procter and Gamble Company as a salesman in the food division. He retired on December 31, 1988, one year after receiving the Salesman of the Year award. Bob was active in the Grocery Manufacturers and Retailers Association, serving as its President in 1968. His other interests and hobbies included dance club, bridge club, bowling and roller skating.
After retirement Bob and Carol enjoyed spending winters at Carriage Manor Resort in Mesa, Arizona. Retirement did not slow Bob down. He loved attending spring training, fall ball and ASU baseball, and especially enjoyed watching ASU Women’s softball. In retirement he commenced a second career of volunteering. He was very active in the Red River Zoo, American Legion Baseball, the Fargo Air Museum, the Mesa Fine Arts Center, the Bobcat and Phoenix Open Golf Tournaments, and calling bingo at Carriage Manor Resort. He also enjoyed travel with his family, Dixieland Jazz and a good game of cards with family and friends. Bob ended every phone conversation with “I love you” or his signature line “It’s good to hear your voice.” He will be dearly missed by so many.
Bob is survived by five daughters, Candice Morris-Thompson (Rick), Moorhead, Minnesota, Sandra Trudel (Jean), Bremerton, Washington, Kathy Morris, Richland, Washington, Sheri Thoemke (Jamie), Fargo and Nancy Morris (Joe Aas), Fargo, nine grandchildren, Rob (Sara) and Genna Thompson, Jamie (Paul) Trudel-Payne, Joel Trudel, Jason and Benjamin Schwartz, Amanda Thoemke, and Ellen and Grace Aas, two great-grandchildren, Carson and Calyn Thompson, and brother Del Morris (Dawn), Lewes, Delaware.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Carol, grandson Tyler Thoemke, and sister Dee Drager.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, North Dakota, on May 6, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. A luncheon will be held at Boulger followed by burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
The family asks that memorials be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley or the Red River Zoo in Bob’s memory.
When I think of Bob I think of his warm, happy smile. He always had a twinkle in his eye! We were lucky to have just seen him at Grace’s prom. He gave me a warm hand shake and was excited to tell of his winter in Arizona.
We hope that you will find comfort in remembering all of the special times with him. He was so proud of his daughters and grandchildren and loved attending all their events. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
I was blessed growing up on 16th St, next door to Bob & Carol & girls. I have fond memories of the nice gentle man Bob was. Sorry for your loss. I hope Clarence is still his neighbor in Heaven! Love Michelle Walks
Peace and Prayers to your family! Bob and Carol were very special to Mom. I am sorry I am unable to
bring her to the funeral.
Bev Molbert
Kristi Molbert Benz
Seeing the picture of your Dad brought back so many happy memories from the time at St. Mark’s. I am sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Jana Blakeway Steffan
I will miss his kind and gentle smile, his twinkling eyes, and how he always seemed so glad to see you. I’m so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories he was so good at making. Prayers for all of you during this journey and the months ahead!
Julie and John Thoemke,
John and Katie, Jake, Joe, Jared, and James
I had the extraordinary privilege of mentoring under Bob following his footsteps for nearly a year as his eventual P&G replacement. During that period we developed a good friendship, one that was as loyal as his commitment to likely all his relationships. “Goose – it’s good to hear your voice!”, I’m going to miss you Bob.
My condolences, thoughts & prayers are with all of Bob’s family.
I will miss you Robert!
Girls and families, I’m so sorry to see in The Forum that you lost your dad. I enjoyed him and your mom at the many functions we attended together. Both were so talkative, friendly and had wonderful smiles. Ed, my husband, and Bob worked, golfed, and spent a lot of time together at GMR activities. I can’t make it to the funeral but know that he was loved so much, and had a marvelous life. I totally remember your family and mine winning grocery bags full of food and fun stuff at the GMR picnics. Such good times.
I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob became a special friend of mine many years ago when I was Booster President for Fargo American Legion Baseball. One of my duties was to find volunteers during our many tournaments. I was truly grateful whenever I called Bob and he willingly volunteered to work in the press box. Bob loved baseball! Bob was such a kind man who helped us for many years at Jack Williams Stadium.
Ann Marie Schutz
Kathy, I remember your Dad taking us to the grocery stores to help with displays! Remember when Pringles came out and your Dad had a trunk full and gave them to us to see what we thought of them! How funny we thought they looked! What a fun neighborhood to grow up in. How fast time goes by. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was so special-having you daughters stay close to him, was his greatest blessing. Cherish all those wonderful memories each of you have-and keep them close to your hearts. My prayers go with you all.
To our Dear Morris Girls.
Time goes by so fast. Only a few years ago Carol and I were enjoying Blue Birds with you. Remember ?? Your parents were always so Special on our 16th Street neighborhood. We are sending our Deepest Sympathy to you and your families..Love, Bill and Jerry Lechner.
So sad to hear of Bobs passing. I had lost contact with him over the years, but do remember his visits to the Hatfield family in San Diego. He and my brother Bob sure had a passion for their model trains for sure. My condolences to his family.