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William Morse Obituary
March 8, 1953 - July 18, 2010
Bill Morse, Chair of the Department of Theatre at Cal Poly Pomona, suffered a heart attack and died Sunday, July 18th 2010, in Los Angeles, CA. Bill worked internationally as an educator and theatre designer, notably in southern Africa. He was an avid SCUBA Diver, and his love of travel took him and his family to over twenty countries across five continents. Bill was an inspiring professor, a beloved father and husband, and a superb waffle-maker.
A celebration of the life of "The Dude" will be held at The University Theatre at Cal Poly Pomona at 4pm Sunday, September 19th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bill Morse Scholarship Fund (909-869-3900). He is greatly missed by his wife, Joyce Kohl, and his sons, L.B. and Matt Morse.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Morse
Gerald Herder
July 29, 2010
I'm sorry to say I never got to know Bill well. As fellow department chairs at Cal Poly Pomona we typically only met at a monthly meeting, however his friendly nature and concern for his students and program was very apparent at those brief encounters. He will be missed by many of us who knew him only a little. My heartfelt condolences to all of you who knew and loved him much more.
Jeffrey Beecroft
July 28, 2010
Dear Matt,
I could pick your father out in a crowd, he was tall and always had a smile on his face and some how looked like the friend you grew up with. Bill made you feel welcome and was the guy you had to talk to. He asked me to speak to one of his classes and it was there I saw his great compassion and generous spirit. One of those rare teachers that inspires rather then supplies facts, it was by his presence we become different people. We would sit together and watch our sons play basketball. We all will miss him.
"Death ends a life, not a relationship."
Bill staffing the fire at our braai in Harare
Wes Beal
July 28, 2010
I met Bill in Harare, Zimbabwe in 2005. I was there with my wife who had a Fullbright and was teaching theatre at UZ. Bill and Bernardo, and a couple students came out for a few weeks and were our neighbors during their stay. Bill was very easy to meet and enjoy time with. Hearing that he was considered "The Dude" is no surprise. We all had a great time together, and co-hosted a braai (Zimbabwean BBQ) which was a great success.
My wife and I were thrilled to reconnect with Bill last year when I relocated to L.A. for a job. It didn't take long for Bill to have my wife and I over for a BBQ at his place.
I was absolutely shocked to learn he had passed. My condolences to his family, and everyone else he touched.
July 27, 2010
It is with profound sorrow that I hear of Bill's passing. Bill, other friends and I spent many good times together through high school and college. It is gratifying to know that Bill spent his life pursuing his passions. My condolensces to his family. Old Friend, Kevin Brown, Flagstaff AZ
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July 27, 2010
We all were saddened and stunned to learn about the death of Bill. Richard and I both cried. He was such a big presence. A man you don't forget easily. My heart goes out to our old friends, Joyce, Lb and of course "Baby" Matty. We live in West Covina now and Crystal lives in Long Beach. Lorelei lives in Berkeley. We are all on Face Book. If you find time to respond or if their is anything we can do please let us know.
It is with much love and deeply felt grief that this message is being sent. The Klein Family
Nicholette Kominos
July 27, 2010
I knew Bill through his wife Joyce, and my work at LA Artcore. I enjoyed working with him, and was most impressed and enchanted by the wonderful relationship he had with his family. My family and I send our sympathies, and our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
July 27, 2010
My friend, Bill. One of the first faces I always looked for at the conference. You will remain one of the first faces I will look for as long as I can keep going. To his family and loved ones my deepest condolences. Bill was a truly wonderful guy and I will miss him greatly.
-Travis DeCastro, State College, PA
Karyn Grasse Chen
July 26, 2010
My heart and prayers are with you, LB, Matt, and Joyce. Bill was more than a teacher, he was a mentor and a friend - I felt more like his apprentice than his student. We will all deeply miss him, but I'm sure we are all glad that we got the chance to work with him and know him, and our lives are so much the better for it. For that I am thankful.
Lauren Hruby
July 26, 2010
My heart felt condolences to Bill's family and friends. Bill was always such a kind, patient and easy going instructor. I so enjoyed the time I spent with him as a student at Cal Poly. I learned a lot about set design and lighting and about generosity.
Mark Valdez
July 25, 2010
My condolences to Joyce, LB and Matt.
I was lucky to work with Bill on many projects over several years. Our first collaboration was at Summer Arts--he designed lights for a play I directed, "Growing Home." I also worked with him at Cal Poly Pomona and at Cornerstone Theater. In each instance he was a fantastic collaborator, not only bringing a high level of artistry to the work but also lots of humor and joy.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elynmarie Kazle Zimmerman
July 25, 2010
A valued colleague and all-around great guy. Bill will most definitely be missed. My prayers and good thoughts go with his family at this difficult time.
from Shakespeare --
"This passion, and the death of a dear friend, would go near to make a man look sad."
Midsummer Night's Dream
Roxanne Rosas
July 25, 2010
Bill, you were a great teacher. That was obvious by the turn out from yesterday. So many students were emotionally affected by your passing. But I heard great news about what will be done to honor you. More alumni returning to participate with the department and a scholarship that is going to be so helpful in recruiting new talent to the school . You rock Bill. I'll keep reading plays, I promise!
Tim Harder
July 25, 2010
I send you my condolences, LB, Matt, and Joyce. As one of his design students (class of '96), he made me a better person emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Hundreds of other students feel the same way and hopefully can pass on his wisdom to further generations.
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