Earl L. Morrison

Earl Morrison passed away peacefully after an almost 98-year run in an adventurous and fulfilling life. He spent the first ten years of his life on a prairie ranch in Wyoming where he raised livestock and rode his horse to school. Upon completing a tour of duty serving in the Navy during WWII, Earl enrolled at USC, earning a degree in Chemistry which he parlayed into a 35-year career as Chief Chemist for the L.A. Dept. of Water and Power. He established the lab from the ground up, retiring in 1985. Earl conducted extensive research on methods for reducing toxic emissions from steam-generating plants, writing several technical papers that had a major impact on the industry. He became a nationally recognized expert in electrical insulating materials and lubricating oils used in power plants. He was also recognized internationally after being appointed to represent the U.S.A. on task forces and subcommittees charged with setting pollution reduction standards around the world. Through this work, he and his wife Joycelyn, traveled yearly to many European countries, as well as Russia, China and Japan. Earl also served for 15 years on the Board of the DWP Employees Association and was elected President of the organization in 1970. Earl was an avid outdoorsman and traveler who loved fishing the Yellowstone River, clamming and dune buggy riding at Pismo Beach, touring the U.S. in the family camper, visiting Maui annually where he snorkeled up to the age of 90 (taking his last swims with his grandchildren), summering in Mammoth where he played tennis and fished, and backpacking the Sierras with his wife, sons and friends. He was an avid Dodger and USC football fan, and loved attending his grandchildren's choir and sports activities. Earl was active at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood where he met Joycelyn, served on the Deacon and Elder Boards, and ushered people to their seats for over 50 years, begrudgingly retiring at 90. He rediscovered swing dancing at age 91 and attended twice weekly dances in Burbank and Pasadena, enjoying his final turn on the dance floor on his 95th birthday.Known as a man of great integrity, faith, kindness and joy, his legacy will abide in his family for generations to come. He loved his family most of all and will be missed by many.Earl was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joycelyn, and sons, Rodger and Donald. He is survived by his daughter, Beverly Fullerton; sons, Dean and Brian (Annette); grandchildren, Duane Logan (Linda), Kyle (Katie) Morrison, and Lisa Morrison; and great-grandchildren, Ben and Reese Logan.