Marvin Richard Morrison

Marvin Richard Morrison Marvin Richard Morrison, a native Arizonan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and longtime Gilbert area dairyman, rancher, cotton farmer, and philanthropist, died on February 5, 2007 at the age of 83. Marvin returned from WWII and started a farming business, known simply as Morrison Brothers Ranch, with his brother, Kenneth, in 1946. The business eventually grew to include a 2,650 acre cotton farm, the Arizona Dairy Co. in southeast Mesa, and the Windmill Ranch in Coconino and Yavapai counties. Marvin was deeply committed to the agricultural community and was twice recognized as Man of the Year in Arizona Agriculture. He became a of the Year in Arizona Agriculture. He became a community leader for the Gilbert 4-H Club in 1947 and eventually became President of the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation. He received recognition from the United States Department of Agriculture in 1985 as a National Partner in 4-H. He was elected as President of the Arizona Farm Bureau Federation in 1957 and served in that capacity until 1962. He also served on the national board for the American Farm Bureau Federation during that time. Marvin was known by many for his civic and charitable involvements outside of agriculture. He served on the Gilbert school board for 14 years, serving also as President of the Maricopa County School Boards Association during that time. He was appointed to Arizona's first Atomic Energy Commission, and later served for 29 years on the board of Arizona Public Service Company. He was also one of the founding members of the Arizona Town Hall, served as President of the Chandler Rotary Club, was an active member of Toastmasters International, was President of the Chandler Community Hospital board, and served continuously on the administrative board of his church for 43 years (20 years as Chairman). Marvin had a passion for education. Because his undergraduate experience at University of Redlands was interrupted by WWII and years passed during the growth stage of his businesses, it was not until 1984 that Marvin was able to finish an undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from ASU. He enjoyed the experience so much that he continued in school and completed a Master of Science degree at ASU in 1986. In the meantime, he developed a passion for assisting ASU in the development of new programs. He and his wife, June, endowed the Morrison Institute for Public Policy at ASU in 1982 and in 1997 initiated additional gifts for both the Institute and the School of Agribusiness at ASU Polytechnic (now renamed the Morrison School of Management and Agribusiness). In 1992, ASU awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Marvin is survived by his wife, June, by his sons Richard (Elaine), Scott (Stormy), and Howard (Jana), by nine grandchildren, and by his sister, Betty Seymour, who resides in Tucson, Arizona. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Gilbert, 331 South Cooper Road, in Gilbert, Arizona on Friday, February 9, 2007, at 10: 00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. on that date, at the church. Graveside services will follow the funeral, with internment at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center, in Mesa. Memorial gifts are suggested to: First United Methodist Church of Gilbert; Arizona FFA Foundation; Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation; Morrison Institute for Public Policy at ASU; or Gilbert Historical Society. Services entrusted to Falconer Funeral Home.

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