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Michael Morrison Obituary
Dr. Michael A. Morrison, 68, of Lafayette, formerly of Michigan, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2017 at his residence.
Born July 2, 1948 in Wyandotte, MI, he was the son of Alfred Morrison and Joan (Mohan) Morrison. Michael honorably served in the United States Air Force as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War era.
Michael served as a professor in the Department of History at Purdue University from 1991 to 2016, retiring after 25 years. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier High School in Ecorse, Michigan in 1966. Following his military service, Michael received an A.A. from Henry Ford Community College; a B.A. from the University of Michigan, Dearborn; and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. A beloved educator, Michael designed and taught History 371: Society, Culture and Rock & Roll. He also taught courses on 19th and 20th century U. S. political history. He was the recipient of the College of Liberal Arts Teaching Excellence Award and Purdue University's Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award. In 1998, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching named him Indiana Professor of the Year.
Michael's research specialization was 19th century U. S. and American political history. He was the author and editor of several books, anthologies, and encyclopedias. Michael was co-editor of the Journal of the Early Republic and was president elect of the Society for Historians of the Early American Republic.
His marriage was to Nancy Gabin on August 4, 1984 in Rockport, MA. She survives.
Michael was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and enjoyed punk rock and rock & roll music, researching and writing family history, crossword puzzles, cooking, and traveling. He loved Michigan Wolverine football, the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers. Most of all, Michael loved and cherished his family.
Surviving along with his wife, Nancy Gabin of Lafayette, and his parents, Alfred Morrison of Stuart, FL, and Joan Morrison of Dearborn, MI, are his children, Natty S. Morrison (partner: Kellie) of Indianapolis, and Katie M. Morrison (partner: Eric) of Lafayette; two sisters, Christine Kosdrosky (husband: David) of Wyandotte, MI, and Nancy Morrison Jenuwine (husband: Al) of Sterling Heights, MI; and two brothers, James Morrison (wife: Andrea) of Allen Park, MI, and Anthony Morrison (wife: Elizabeth) of Dearborn, MI.
A memorial gathering and mass will take place at St. Andre Bessette Catholic Church in Ecorse, Michigan on Monday, May 22, 2017. Interment will follow at Michigan Memorial Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in Lafayette, Indiana at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Almost Home Humane Society, Lafayette IN. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Morrison
Sponsored by Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc..
Jan Cover
May 10, 2021
I sure to miss seeing Michael strolling to and fro in the vicinity of University Hall, where we'd usually encounter one another and stop to chat. What a good soul (and a damned fine teacher: it's sad that students now don't -- can't -- know what they're missing). But we remember him with much fondness, and feel special gratitude for the chance to have known him. My best to his wife and daughter [w/ apologies if there are others of the immediate family I hadn't known].
John Contreni
May 13, 2020
When you reach a certain age you get used to losing colleagues, friends, acquaintances.... I think of Mike often and hate the thought that he is no longer with us. Mike was a very special human being.
Jan Cover
May 12, 2020
Mike was always ready to stop for a quick chat, in my usual interruption of him jaunt from one building to another in our chance meetings every few weeks. He was a fine historian, and an even finer man, and campus seems all the worse without him here. I sure miss him.
Jayne Flynn
May 24, 2017
Dr. Morrison was an amazing and inspirational professor. He will be greatly missed. I am so glad that I got to know him.
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Paige G
May 22, 2017
He was an inspirational professor and truly made learning a wonderful experience.
Beth (Trondle) Berry
May 21, 2017
I was and still am so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was a few years older than I so, unfortunately I can't share any meaningful memories of him when we were younger. I do, however, remember how thoughtful and sweet he and his wife Nancy were about sending my mum, Gertrude (nee Enright) Trondle, pictures of their family as the years went by. They meant so much to her. (My mom and his were first cousins) My heart aches for all of Mike's family, mother and father, sisters and brothers. I wish you and your families strength and peace for the time ahead. You're in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
Mary Kay Hollobaugh-Stanton
May 20, 2017
Michael corresponded with my mother, Kathryn 'Kate' (Enright) Hollobaugh, regularly during her lifetime. She lived in Ecorse and he wrote to her from his home in Indiana, keeping her up to date on his family and his professional activities. Michael brought joy into our mother's life as she looked forward to this close relationship with her cousin Joan Morrison's son. Michael did the same for our Aunt Genevieve/Jenny (Paluch) Enright during her later years. He surely was a special relative. He valued family.
Loving sympathy,
Mary Kay Hollobaugh Stanton
John Contreni
May 18, 2017
Mike was one of those rare people who made you feel better for just being in his presence. He is sadly missed, but leaves behind many, many good memories.
Marty Hershock
May 17, 2017
Thank you Mike for being such a wonderful friend and colleague. You were always willing to give your time, your advice, and a smile. Thanks for inspiring me and so many others. May your family find solace in knowing that you were greatly admired and well loved, and that your legacy will be an enduring one.
Alice Anderson
May 17, 2017
My condolences to Nancy Gabin and family at the passing of Prof. Morrison...I am a BA graduate of the History Dept. and attended some of his lectures...he contributed greatly to the History Dept. and College of Liberal Arts...my thoughts and prayers are with you....
Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc.
May 18, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Ken Stevens
May 17, 2017
I am deeply saddened by this news. We have lost an excellent scholar and teacher and one of the most humane and kindest persons I've ever met. Sincere condolences to his family.
Robert and Jill May
May 16, 2017
Bob and I have such fond memories of Mike during our careers at Purdue. We are mourning his death. He was one of those people we hate to lose while we are still on earth. Our hearts go out to Nancy and Katie!
Marcia Hawkins
May 16, 2017
Will miss our early morning talks at Pay Less.
Deanna Bush
May 16, 2017
Michael was a wonderful person. I enjoyed working with him when I worked in the CLA Dean's Office and the great work he did with SHAN. He often talked about the squirrels he fed and the funny stories that entailed. He will be missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Jan Cover
May 16, 2017
Mike was a good egg -- one of the best: a fine scholar, a great conversationalist, devoted to students and to Purdue, and just a bright light around here (on campus). I'm hugely saddened by this -- but as I stroll near University Hall, his light will still be burning, there, in so many good memories, and in the legacy of countless students who were very fortunate indeed to have studied and learnt under his good direction. // With my sincerest condolences to Nancy and all the rest of family: God bless you during this hard time of grief.
Kelly Denham
May 16, 2017
Great Professor! I learned so much from him.
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