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1921
2021
Robert Rockwood Morris
1921 ~ 2021
Robert Rockwood Morris, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, ambassador, servant, neighbor, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on September 14, 2021.
Bob was born December 24, 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Richard Vaughn and Elnora Christina Rockwood Morris, and passed just three months short of his 100th birthday. He married Merci Ann Vickers, the love of his life, on September 28, 1945, while on a short leave from the Navy where he was serving during World War II. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple, making it eternal in nature. Merci preceded him in death on February 23, 2010. What a glorious reunion just took place between the two of them!
Bob will forever be remembered for his positive attitude and the many ways he served others.
He worked most of his life in sales, discovering and meeting the needs of his customers. Making sure they got what they expected was of utmost importance to him and led to his success. If ever the other party felt they were treated unfairly, he quickly agreed and fixed the situation. On weekends for many years he taught ski school at Brighton Ski Resort, patiently teaching others to become proficient at a sport he loved. In his personal life he was committed to completing volunteer assignments fully and as expected. "Because we said we would" was a phrase that he used when sons complained that perhaps a task was too hard. Many boy scouts benefited from his instruction, gentle nature and quick wit. Laughter filled his home and helped build an environment of love, trust and hard work.
He enjoyed his garden and planted twenty tomato plants with only he and his wife in the home. He delighted in giving vine ripened tomatoes to his neighbors and friends. He taught his sons to respect women by the caring way he treated his wife. Anyone that knew him understood that he worshipped her as his companion and best friend.
He especially loved his family and attended hundreds of sporting events, music and dance recitals and anything else where they were involved. He and his wife even got into a high school yearbook by being in a picture on the sideline of a soccer game. He was very proud of his family and supported them in all they did.
His last six years were spent at Pacifica Senior Living in Salt Lake City where the staff and residents became his family. When faced with the decision to move into this assisted living center he responded, "What are you going to do?" when it became apparent that it was impossible to continue to live on his own. While he missed dearly his friends near the home he built in 1954, he took his great attitude, moved in and quickly showed others how to serve and love one another. He was appointed a volunteer Ambassador and met any new resident the day they moved in. His desire was to welcome and orient them, making them feel like they were part of the Pacifica family. As a result he was often surrounded by others who wanted to sit at "the cool kids' table", as his grandkids called it. Bus trips, bingo and noodle ball were his favorite activities, in addition to talking with staff or visiting new friends. Peaches and apples bought at the local farmers' market replaced the tomatoes from his garden, and he delighted in sharing them with others. He loved watching sports on TV and reading but didn't complain when failing eyesight ended those activities. "Don't worry about me; I am just great" was the way he ended his phone calls and visits.
Bob is now with his beloved Merci, telling her the great things that have happened while they were apart, perhaps boasting about the family he was so proud of. His older brother, Richard Morris, who passed at age 100, preceded him. His son, Craig, is there also. His son Guy and wife Jane, daughter Suzanne (his favorite) and her husband, Don, remain behind, along with seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. All are trying to serve others, contribute positively to society, and be happy like their grandpa!
Funeral services will be help on Monday, September 20, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Germania Ward, 464 West Germania Avenue, Murray, Utah. Friends may visit the family and say goodbye to Bob beginning at 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. The funeral service will follow. Family members are invited to a luncheon following the funeral prior to driving to Vine Bluff Cemetery in Nephi, Utah for the internment.
Please observe Covid protocols by wearing a mask and social distancing as appropriate and if not vaccinated.
His family wishes to thank his wonderful family and friends. They enriched his life and blessed us all. His children are especially grateful for his Pacifica family and their selfless service and kindness towards him.
Well done, Pop. You finished the race in fine fashion!
To view funeral services live on Monday, September 20, 2021 at 11:00 am please go to www.jenkins-soffe.com
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center - Murray.
Susie, Guy and Jane,
I loved your parents! Cute Merci was my Primary teacher and was such a sweetheart. Bob was "the Man". I loved being in the ward with him. Bob was a great ward clerk and would tell me that he kept my address "hush, hush" because I was not in the ward boundaries! That made me feel like we were buddies because we shared a secret!!! Your dad was kind and fun and just a great all around guy! I know he will be missed by so many, but is very happy to be with your mom and brother again. All my love, Robyn
Robyn Bennett Walsh
September 24, 2021
I had a neighbor that moved to Pacifica a few years ago. Whenever I went to visit her I would see Bob and I would visit with him for a few minutes. He was such a happy, friendly, positive guy!
Since the Morris family had been a part of my ward growing up, I kew them as friends. I was saddened when he told me that Craig (who was my age) had passed away.
It would have been such a sweet reunion with Bob and Merci! One we can all imagine!
Love to Jane, Guy and Susie! You are all part of my growing up years!
Jill Whittaker Healey
September 22, 2021
When I was little I remember Bob as a really awesome grandpa that was good at spoiling my cousins (as he should have) and it often spilled into gifts and treats for me, too! He and Merci were so generous all of the time and made me feel special. As I got older Bob always spoke to me like a friend. I liked when he would lean into tell me something like it was a big secret just between us. I always felt important around Bob. Big hugs for all of the Morris family, who I love very much!
Julie Mulcock
Friend
September 20, 2021
Bob was the best! He was the best membership clerk our ward had or probably ever have. He loved that calling and served with several bishops. He would spare no resource to get records, ordination, baptism certificates correct and delivered in a timely manner, even if it required many in-person contacts to each individual. He truly loved serving others and made many feel that there are no "lost sheep".
Bob and Merci served many years in the Salt Lake Temple. Thier example and dedication has continued to inspire the best in us.
Bob was very generous. On one occasion, he noticed that our young family cupboard was filled with a big menagerie of only Flintstone, Disney and other character cups. Bob returned with a full set of glassware for our family. He and Merci frequently visited with other thoughtful gifts and were favorites of our family.
Bob loved the outdoors. We camped with his family on several trips. I remember a wood cutting trip with Guy in the Uinta Mountains. It was dirty work, the chain saw we borrowed from my National Guard unit was dull but his humor and optimistic charm made it a memorable trip. We love the Morris family.
Later, when unable to drive, I was privileged to provide weekly transportation to church. He dressed impeccably. We scooted together across a slippery driveway to the car. Relying on each other, arm in arm, we may have seemed like a couple of kids on the way to school.
Pacifica visits always left us cheered up and we left grateful for Bob´s friendship. After all, he was the Ambassador of goodness.
The Morris family is the best ! We love you all!
Brad Caldwell
Friend
September 20, 2021
I´m so saddened to hear of Bob´s passing. What an amazingly positive man he was! I am blessed to have known and loved him! He lived a full life and touched so many with his smile and laughter and cute jokes. When I was little, I remember seeing how he and Merci loved on their grandkids (ie. Ryan and Megan). I admired it so much because both of my grandpas had passed on. One camping trip with the Morris family in particular sticks out in my memory, not because it was my birthday, but because he was sweet enough to give me a crisp 5 dollar bill! I felt so special and from then on, we were great friends! He had that ability to show love and he will be sorely missed! My condolences go out to the Morris family.
Katie Caldwell Thalman
Friend
September 19, 2021
In remembrance of a special & faithful friend: Bob Morris was a uniquely good person whose presence was comfortable & pleasant on every occasion or a session on the tennis court. He was positively received & thoroughly enjoyed. He was competitive & caring. He added a special dimension to life & accomplishment. May our paths cross again in the eternities. much love, Chad & Judy Hamilton
Chad & Judy Hamilton
September 19, 2021
I´m so saddened to hear of Bob´s passing. What an amazingly positive man he was! I am blessed to have known and loved him! He lived a full life and touched so many with his smile and laughter and cute jokes. When I was little, I remember seeing how he and Mercy loved on their grandkids (ie. Ryan and Megan). I admired it so much because both of my grandpas had passed on. One camping trip with the Morris family in particular sticks out in my memory, not because it was my birthday, but because he was sweet enough to give me a crisp 5 dollar bill! I felt so special and from then on, we were great friends! He had that ability to show love and he will be sorely missed! My condolences go out to the Morris family.
Katie Caldwell Thalman
Friend
September 19, 2021
We were blessed to have Bob as our next door neighbor for many years. We are sad to hear of his passing, and thrilled he and Merci are together again! Bob´s vine fresh tomatoes, chipper attitude and friendly concern added sunshine to many of our days. He was a wonderful example of doing things well and living well by loving family, gathering friends, and serving those he met.
Tammi Michaelis
Friend
September 19, 2021
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Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center - Murray4760 South State St., Murray, UT 84107
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