Robert Joseph Morris

1952 - 2018

Robert Joseph Morris Robert Joseph "Bob" Morris (66) of Mill Valley, CA passed away surrounded by love in San Rafael, CA on Saturday, November 24, 2018. His wife of 40 years, Alison, their two daughters, Jessica and Janean, son-in-law Marcel, sister Vicki, sister-in-law Jan, and his first grandson (to be born in early 2019) stayed by his side until complications from multiple myeloma took him from us. A fourth generation Marinite to his core, Bob was born at Marin General Hospital to Wanda Langston and Robert Joseph Morris, Sr. on July 3, 1952. He attended Redwood High School, and later married his treasured Alison (née Barnwell) at the Marin Art and Garden Center on April 9, 1978. In the early years of their marriage, Bob and Alison lived in Kentfield and San Rafael, eventually settling in Novato to raise their cherished daughters. Bob enjoyed few things more than a drive along the winding West Marin roads and coastline with his loved ones. An avid and artistically skilled photographer and graphic artist, Bob's nearly 50-year career reflected his unique eye for compositional harmony in natural and industrial settings. His early years as a Pacific Union railroad photographer took him across the American West, often dangling from helicopters to shoot rail lines and yards. Among his more recent commercial, residential, and aerial work, it is his portraiture that best reflects his own spirit and the remarkable ability he had to put anyone he encountered at ease. The fine art photography that he began to focus on in recent years is a more introspective study of his craft and of the personal and broader evolutions he observed on his "home turf". His photographic legacy will live on in publication (including San Francisco: A Photographic Portrait, published in 2014) and through his family's efforts. Besides his life's work, Bob had many passionate interests, including a "gearhead's" mind for cars that he inherited from his mechanic father, a lifelong obsession with "tinkering" and improving his guitar skills, and decades of participation in the Marin Bocce Federation. Much more than simple hobbies for Bob, these activities helped define some of his most treasured friendships over the years and brought him great joy. His endless optimism, humor and generosity will be missed by all who were lucky to have known him. A public celebration of Bob's life and the love he shared will take place at the Marin Bocce Federation 550 B Street, San Rafael, CA on Sunday, December 9, 2018 from 11AM to 2PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Save the Redwoods League www. savetheredwoods.org.