Randall Morris

1949 - 2014

Randall Morris

Randall K. Morris, 65 of Spearfish, SD was born on October 11, 1949 in Minot, ND. He passed away on November 08, 2014 in Mesa, AZ.

Randy graduated from NDSU in 1971. Upon graduation, Randy worked for the Northwest Area Schools in Lemmon, SD for one year. Randy married Phyllis (Hoffert) Morris in 1972. To this union two children were born, Tobin and Tarrah.

From Lemmon, Randy worked in the Department of Education as a consultant & later as the Assistant Director of Special Education for the State of South Dakota.

In 1980, Randy was hired to begin the first educational cooperative in western South Dakota, thus Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC) evolved. Under Randy's leadership and with his unique vision, BHSSC grew from 9 to 550 employees. BHSSC became a multi service organization addressing unmet needs of individuals, schools and communities throughout South Dakota. Randy through BHSSC, provided cutting edge, integrated programs for individuals with the most severe disabilities. Randy was an innovator in workforce development providing education, vocational training and employment services.

In 1985, Randy established Technology and Innovation in Education to assist schools and educators improve education through the integration of technology resources. Randy understood the connection between education and the economy. His efforts in economic development secured revolving loan funds and Small Business Administration loans to support new and growing businesses in western South Dakota. Housing projects further supported economic development efforts and affordable home ownership.

In 2001, Randy was appointed by former Governor Janklow to the Board of Regents. He was later reappointed to this board by Governor Rounds and current Governor Daugaard.

Those mourning his passing are his wife, Phyllis; son, Tobin (Jamie) of Pierre SD; daughter, Tarrah (Beau) Barbour of Los Angeles; three beautiful grandchildren, Alexia, Brooke and Cameron Morris; parents, Don and Ardys Morris of Bismarck, ND & Mesa, AZ; siblings, Sandra (Leroy) Peterson of Ryder, ND, Steve (Marge) Morris of Lake Charles, LA, Donnette (Kent) Strange of Colorado Springs, CO and Ronald (Bernell) Morris of Fort Peck MT; numerous nieces and nephews; staff at BHSSC and wonderful friends throughout the state.

A Celebration of Life to thank Randy will be held on Saturday, November 22, at the Spearfish Park Pavilion between the hours of 2:00 to 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to West River Foundation.

Online condolences may be written to www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com