Richard T. Morrow

1926 - 2017

August 3, 1926 - July 4, 2017 Richard Towson Morrow passed away peacefully at his retirement home on July 4. Richard (Dick) Morrow was born in Glendale, California, on August 3, 1926, the son of Ray Leslie Morrow and Marion Elizabeth Towson. Several years later, his sister Lois was born, completing the family.Dick attended school in Glendale, graduating from Glendale High School in 1944. Upon graduation, he was accepted into the Navy Air Corps flight training program. The Navy assigned him to Occidental College. Two years later he was transferred to UCLA, where he received his diploma, as well as his commission as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve. He was an active member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity during his college years.Following graduation, Dick was admitted to Law School at the University of Southern California. At USC, he served on the Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif for outstanding scholarship. By practicing law, he followed in the footsteps of his father, who served as a City Attorney for the city of Glendale in the 1920's. After graduating from USC, Dick joined the law firm of Musick and Burrell. In 1953, he was hired to be the third member of the in-house legal staff at Walt Disney Productions. Much of his early work involved drafting talent contracts, including talent for "Wonderful World of Color," the "Mickey Mouse Club," and "Zorro." He became Vice-President of the company in 1964 and was named General Counsel in 1969. He also served for 14 years on Disney's Board of Directors and was a Trustee of the Roy Disney Family Foundation. During Dick's years of practice, he was active in the Bar Association at the city, county, and state levels. In 1984 he was selected by the Los Angeles County Bar Association as the Outstanding Corporate Counsel. He was also honored to be elected to the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts, and Sciences. In 1978 he was selected for membership in Who's Who in American Law. Dick met the love of his life, Virginia Alice Kaspar (Ginny), while at a high school church camp. They were married in 1947. Dick and Ginny had three children, Kathy, Randy, and Nancy. During his years in Glendale, Dick was actively involved in the Glendale Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder and Clerk of the Session as well as Chairman of the Endowment Committee. He also served many years on the Board of the Glendale YMCA, including a term as President, and was a member of the National Council of YMCA. In addition, he was a Board member for the Glendale Chapter of the Salvation Army. In his free time, he was an active member of Lakeside Country Club.After 32 years, Dick chose to take early retirement from Disney. Over the next few years, he and Ginny traveled extensively, including an around-the-world tour in the Air France Concorde.In 1993, Dick and Ginny moved to Solvang, a lovely community in the Santa Ynez Valley where they had vacationed for many years. Dick was active in the Santa Ynez Presbyterian Church and the Valley Haven Board, and enjoyed regular golf outings at The Alisal Ranch.In 2006, Dick and Ginny made the decision to move to a retirement community in San Diego, La Costa Glen. They created a lovely apartment with a view of the rose garden, made many new friends, and participated in a variety of activities. They also became involved with the Village Presbyterian Church in Rancho Santa Fe.After only a few years there, his beloved Ginny was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. He visited her daily until her death in October 2013. Dick spent the following year living in a private home in Rancho Santa Fe. His final years were spent in a lovely board and care in Escondido. Dick is survived by his children, Kathy (Kevin) Stumm, Randy (Debbie) Morrow, and Nancy (Scott) Ayers and his six grandchildren, Rick, Jeff, and Greg Stumm and Wes, Scottie, and Kellyn Morrow. He also leaves two great-grandsons, William Matthew Morrow and Kevin Lewis Stumm. A private burial was held on Friday, July 7 in Santa Ynez. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 6 at 3:00 p.m. at the Village Church, Rancho Santa Fe. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.