Ken Morrison

KEN
MORRISON, 92

BABSON PARK - Ken Morrison of Babson Park passed away peacefully at his home on March 4, 2011. He thoroughly enjoyed life until his death of natural causes at age 92.
Ken was born April 1, 1918 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from Carleton College with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. In 1943, he married his high school sweetheart, Helen Curtis. The family moved from New York where he was the Editor of Audubon Magazine. They settled in Babson Park, Florida and for 25 years Ken was the second Director of Bok Tower Gardens. He was President Emeritus of the Florida Audubon Society and on the Board of Trustees of the Defenders of Wildlife and the Nature Conservancy's Florida Chapter. His lifelong love of nature grew out of a childhood fascination with birds. With his enthusiasm and knowledge, he inspired many people to appreciate and protect Florida.
He served for 17 years on the Polk County Zoning Advisory Board and led the effort to create the 5000 acre Tiger Creek Preserve. He was a founder of Ridge Audubon Society, Defenders of Crooked Lake, Green Horizon Land Trust, and Florida Conservation Foundation.
Ken's love of the English language was revealed through his public speaking abilities, his writing skills and his great sense of humor. For 10 years he wrote a weekly column "Ask the Naturalist" for the Daily Highlander and the Waynesville, NC Mountaineer. He authored two books, Mountain Lake Almanac and the Tonic of Wildness. Ken was also known for his musical talents. Although he had no training, he was a singer extraordinaire in the Vaudeville style and enjoyed music gatherings. He was a long-time member of Babson Park Community Church.
Ken and Helen Morrison recently celebrated their 67th Wedding Anniversary. Their family includes: sons Doug Morrison (wife Tricia Martin) and Steve Morrison (wife Sandy Greer), daughters Sally Morrison and Mary Morrison, and two grandchildren Maggie Skye Morrison and Ian Douglas Morrison, all of Babson Park.
There will be a celebration of his life at 3:00 pm April 2 at Bok Tower Gardens Visitor Center. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ridge Audubon, PO Box 148, Babson Park FL 33827, Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd. Lake Wales FL 33853, The Nature Conservancy - Tiger Creek PO Box 630 Babson Park FL 33827, or Green Horizon Land Trust 225 E. Stuart Ave. Lake Wales FL 33853. Arrangements are being made by Johnson Funeral Home (863) 676-1431.

(863) 676-1431