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BORN
1945
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Randolph Sharpe Obituary
June 22, 1945 - January 13, 2025
Randolph "Morgan" Sharpe grew up in Beloit WI with his parents, Robert and Lois, and three younger siblings, Craig, Barbara and Jon. Morgan excelled academically; anyone who knew him quickly realized he was wicked smart! He spent his senior year of high school in Denmark and carried that experience through his entire life, maintaining several relationships with his Danish companions and was briefly married to a beautiful Danish woman, Anne Marie. After graduating from Harvard he spent two years in India in the Peace Corp, which influenced his values and appreciation of other cultures. Morgan was a polymath, fluent in numerous languages (his copious journals were written in a combination of English, Danish and Tamil), a connoisseur of poetry, literature, history, political commentary and natural history. He also had a passion for the visual arts and music. He was part of an improv dance group for decades, led by his dear friend, Ellen Moore, and many of his closest friends were part of that dance group. Morgan loved nature, and he worked tirelessly on environmental and social issues. We all learned from him the importance of pausing to marvel in the beauty of the natural world.
Morgan was, in many wonderful ways, an unconventional man. Most of his life was spent in the Madison area, where he worked primarily as a finish carpenter. He earned enough money for his basic needs, leaving plenty of time to write, read, walk and bike through the countryside and talk with friends.
Morgan's final years were challenged by the onset of dementia, which eventually robbed him of his much-cherished independence and freedom. His siblings, and particularly his sister Barbara, along with his closest friends, most notably Bill & Bob, helped guide him through the difficult final years. We will miss this generous, big-hearted lover of beauty, this man full of passion.
Please see: obits.cremationsocietyofmadison.com to leave condolences.
Memories and Condolences
for Randolph Sharpe
Sponsored by Cremation Society of Madison.
4 Entries
Rob Wood
May 28, 2025
Randy or Morgan was a member of the Peace Corps group India-48, in Tamilnadu, South India 1967-69, training in Woodleaf, CA and Bhavanisagar,India
Randy came to our first 50 year anniversary gathering at Spoutwood Farm in Glen Rock, PA in 2017. Randy was an esteemed member of the group and remembered well by all.
Richard Androne
May 28, 2025
I was shocked to learn of Randy Sharpe's death earlier this year. Such a bright, original, and enquiring mind! Randy (I never heard him called "Morgan") was a year ahead of me at Beloit High School and Harvard, and I remember visiting his rooms in Adams House filled with evidence of his wide interests and, in particular, a beautiful black and white photograph of a sea beach taken. from a great height and showing the advancing waters looking like human wrinkles. His father was a professional photographer, but Randy may have taken this photo himself. He could be very kind, and I remember his inviting me to his house in 1964 after my college acceptances to fill me in on what Harvard "was really like."
Noel Zinn
May 28, 2025
Met Randy in Peace Corps training in 1967 and served with him in India for two years. Remarkable guy. Some contact with Morgan in recent years, but mostly he remain secluded in Wisconsin. Much appreciation to those who cared for Morgan.
Michelle Miller
April 10, 2025
I loved dancing with Morgan! He was tall and strong and perceptive, making it easy to 'share weight' with him. I miss seeing him about town and exchanging heart felt pleasantries. But most of all I miss moving with him - no talk, just movement.
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Cremation Society of Madison2810 Crossroads Drive Suite 4000, Madison, WI 53718
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