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STEPHEN MORRIS Obituary
Stephen B. Morris, left his devoted family, abundant vegetable garden, John Deere tractor and countless friends on July 19th, 2017, after a two year battle with prostate cancer. A graduate of Yale and Harvard Business School, Steve balanced an ambitious and gratifying career with a deeply rewarding home and personal life. His compost building expertise, dominating top spin serve, love of wine and intellectual curiosity were almost as extraordinary as his skills as a friend, father and delicious husband. Steve retired in 2009 after a 40 year career in marketing and media information that included two start-ups. It concluded with 18 satisfying years as CEO of Arbitron, where he stewarded the company from a time of great difficulty to one of strength. Characteristically, he felt especially proud of Arbitron being voted one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies To Work For and the #3 best company for women to work. Because his interests were broad, he enjoyed serving on boards as diverse as Stetson; Welches Grapes (where he realized that if reincarnated, he would like to return as a grape farmer); New York Theater Workshop; Neighbors Link of Mt. Kisco and Parsons Dance where he was Chairman for nearly ten years. Chairing New York Public Radio's Digital Innovation Fund was another project dear to his heart. Family was essential to Steve. His wife Vickie was his life-long love and best friend for over 50 years. He often joked that she infused "red blood into his wasp'y blue blood veins". His children, Robin and Chris, were also extremely close to him. Steve and Vickie traveled the world together (often bringing their children and grandchildren), created meals based around what came fresh out of their vegetable garden, made legendary raspberry jam, and whenever possible, made time for what was important in life. Though Steve's family will miss him beyond words, they are deeply grateful for all of the time, memories and love that they shared (they would also happily return as grape farmers if they could spend another lifetime with Steve!) If you would like to delight Steve, please consider donating to WNYC Studios at New York Public Radio (cgreenberg@ nypublicradio.org) or pledge3.wnyc.org/donate/ memoriam/onestep or Neighbor's Link of Mt. Kisco neighborslink.org/engage/ donate). Steve's life celebration is still being planned.
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Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN MORRIS
Monique Knowlton
June 27, 2022
Dear Vicky and children. I just discovered the
beautiful obituary for Steve. You must all miss
him so much. I am truly sorry that you lost such
a wonderful husband and life long love. Monique K
Keith Darcy
August 19, 2017
I was deeply saddened last night when I learned of Steve's passing. We played tennis together for over 25 years. Often before or after a match we would sit and talk about family, business, worldly events and life in general. He brought a calm and reasoned brilliance on so many subjects. You always knew where he stood on issues, and he never wavered from his deeply embedded values and beliefs. Steve was truly one of the finest, kindest individuals I ever had the privilege to know. I have been blessed by his friendship, and will hold him in my heart forever.
Miller Taylor
July 29, 2017
Steve Morris was a class act as CEO of Arbitron. He set the bar high and the company's performance said it all
John Panicker
July 29, 2017
I was fortunate to work with Steve in Arbitron. I will always remember him as a person with high integrity, love for the people and truly a great leader. Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.
My deepest condolence and prayers to the family especially to Vickie.
John Panicker
July 29, 2017
I was fortunate to work with Steve in Arbitron. I will always remember him as a person with high integrity, love for the people and truly a great leader. Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.
My deepest condolence and prayers to the family especially to Vickie.
July 29, 2017
I was fortunate to work with Steve in Arbitron. I will always remember him as a person with high integrity, love for the people and truly a great leader. Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.
My deepest condolence and prayers to the family especially to Vickie.
Bill Walsh
July 29, 2017
I feel truly blessed to have worked with Steve. He was a decent, hard working, intelligent leader - he was a good man. My prayers will be for Steve, Vickie and his family.
Richard Carmichael
July 27, 2017
Condolences to his family. He was a great inspiration to everyone who knew or worked with him.
ALAN TOBKES
July 27, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Morris family. Steve was a true visionary and brought Arbitron to new heights during his 17 years as CEO. I was very fortunate to be an Arbitron employee during his tenure and shared his support of Public Radio.
Paula Odom
July 27, 2017
To the Morris family and Friends . . . I worked with Steve at Arbitron for alot of years. I remember the first time I met Steve when he came on board, that I had to really look up to him since I'm short. Steve always remembered your name and was great to work with. My thoughts and Prayers are with you.
July 26, 2017
Sending lots of prayers and love to your entire family. So many wonderful memories to hold on to forever. Love, Terry and Brenda Wiechmann
Dennis Seely
July 26, 2017
Look up "Classy" in the dictionary, and you will find a picture of Steve Morris.
He inspired so many people to do great things. He was one helluva good man.
July 26, 2017
To the Morris Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Roberta Davies
July 26, 2017
I had the privilege of working for Steve for three years before he retired from Arbitron. He was one of the finest CEOs and nicest gentleman I ever worked with. My prayers go out to him and his family.
Gregory McGowan
July 25, 2017
We have lost a pioneer and a friend!
Bethanie Reidinger
July 25, 2017
Steve always made me feel equal to him in every way. I didn't know he wished to be a grape farmer but could see this in him! I wish he had realized this dream, but yet selfishly he was soooo good at what he did. His leadership was genuine and nurturing. He cultivated a fantastic team of people who, as I know personally, loved one another and cheered for each other. So, the grapes he may not have had, but he did have us. Thoughts with all his family. Great man.
John Kelly
July 25, 2017
I started at Arbitron just before Steve did. He showed me what a leader should be: decent, steady, respectful, consistent, dedicated, intelligent. I only remember him angry once, though he didn't suffer fools. I was thinking recently about people I respect and whose approaches and energy I can try to reflect. Steve is one of the best I can think of. Condolences to his family.
John Dimling
July 25, 2017
A person of real substance and decency. I had the good fortune to know, and occasionally to work with him, for many years. I will miss him. My heartfelt sympathies to Vickie and his family.
Chris Kinney
July 25, 2017
Steve was a lifelong friend and I witnessed the moment he met Vickie. No doubt where that was to go. My wife and I have been blessed to have been close friends of theirs for so many years. May our Heavenly Father embrace Steve for us and may He bring us peace.
Michael Frazier
July 25, 2017
I was a lobbyist for Arbitron helping the company transition to its Portable People Meter (PPM) method of audience measurement. I enjoyed Steve's intellect, warmth and strong leadership during a challenging time for the company. He will be fondly remembered.
Jed Laird
July 25, 2017
A life to celebrate indeed...! A friend professionally and personally for more than 30 years; a relationship I treasured because he was such a good, good person. I'll miss you dear friend...
Aaron McIntyre
July 25, 2017
A life that has positively impacted MANY, and will truly be treasured! Peace and love blessings to the family!
Jim MacLeod
July 25, 2017
Steve was the best business parter we could ever have hoped for as we worked together to being PPM to life. His dogged determination and absolute faith in the technology were an inspiration and audience measurement around the world is so much better off for it. Top that off with the fact he was a terrific person and it is easy to see there is a big hole left in his passing. There are no words that are adequate for his family, but we are thinking of you and share in your loss.
Warren Kurtzman
July 25, 2017
I was fortunate to be at Arbitron when Steve took over as CEO and I got to witness the positive transformation he led at the company. He was a great guy who will be missed. Best wishes to his family on this sad occasion.
Mandy Adams
July 25, 2017
I worked at Arbitron while Steve was the CEO. He always had a warm smile and a genuine greeting for everyone who worked there. I send my thoughts & prayers to his family & dear friends that they will have peace, and always carry his bright smile in their hearts.
Mike Seymour
July 25, 2017
Your friends at St Paul's School will miss you Steve. You were a good man and a dedicated rower.
Diane Woodard
July 25, 2017
Steve Morris was a tremendous boss. He encouraged passion among his employees and always treated them as if they were essential to the company's success. I was but a mid-level manager at Arbitron, and yet he always made me feel as if my group of researchers and customer analysts were capable of handling any issue. I will never forget talking about raising our families and keeping a good life balance. His supportive notes to me, once when my son had a serious health issue, and again when that same son served two tours in Iraq with the Marines. Arbitron was such a fantastic company to work for, and he was a gifted leader who led us to a high we were all proud of. Best wishes to his wife and family, and I hope you feel all the warmth and respect so many of us had for Steve.
Melanie Thompson
July 25, 2017
He was a very kind person, and did great things for Arbitron. I truly enjoyed working on his Arbitron team.
July 25, 2017
My deepest condolence to the family, Steve was a true leader and remarkable person!
-Jaime
Barbara Mcfarland
July 25, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Steve. I respected him and enjoyed working with him during his leadership at Arbitrol
Sue
July 25, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
S.A.
July 25, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
July 25, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
RF
July 25, 2017
My deepest condolence to the family for the loss of such a wonderful, caring and loving man as your Stephen. May God grant you peace and hope, and supply you with an abundance of his mercy and love. Jude 2:1
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