Howard J. Morrison

Howard J. Morrison, 92, happily married for 53 years to his soulmate and love of his life Pauline, née Triffler; loving father of Lori Morrison Boswell, Scott (Chris) Morrison, Julie Morrison, Debbi (David) Weil, Mark (Carin) Wishne and Wendy Wishne Levy; cherished Poppy of Orion, Jeff (Mimi), Tracey (Omri), Tyler Michelle, Jason (Sarah), Jessy (Nick), Jamie, Justin (Alana), Emily, Matthew, Melanie (Joshua) and Lauren; devoted great-grandfather of 10 amazing great-grandchildren; dear brother in-law of Barbara Morrison; preceded in death by his brother Marvin Morrison; Howard was a treasured uncle and friend to many.
To know Howard was to love him. His infectious smile, quick wit and genuine personality filled every room he entered, leading to lasting impressions and lifelong, loving friends. He embraced the joys and wonders of nature, technology and culture and never shied away from new adventures and experiences. He was extremely devoted to his loving wife and soulmate Pauline and a strong role model and proud father to his six children. Howard was also incredibly disciplined and maintained an exhausting routine and regimen of exercise and strength training that kept him healthy, fit and medication free throughout his life.
Howard was a lifelong inventor, innovator, and problem solver. At an early age he needed transportation, so he built a motorcycle from salvaged parts. He sold yarn dolls on the street and when demand rose, he created a machine to make six at a time. When TV commercials annoyed him, he made a remote-controlled mute button long before such a thing existed.
This innovative problem-solving ability led him to a phenomenal career as a prolific toy designer and inventor, creating dozens of successful and iconic products that have touched the lives of millions. His visionary gift turned gyroscopes into race cars and stuffed animals into talking companions. He created the iconic Simon, the light and sound memory game which sparked the electronic toy market. He designed the Mickey Mouse telephone, which launched a worldwide novelty phone craze. He added electronic mechanisms to stuffed animals that have become an industry standard. Howard's significant achievements led him to be inducted into the Toy Industry Association Hall of Fame in 1998 and received a Toy and Game Inventor Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
In 2006 a motorcycle accident nearly ended Howard's life, but he fought back and recovered against incredible odds. Despite his injury, his sweet and endearing personality persisted, enjoying his favorite activities and family and friends until his final days.
Chapel service will be held Monday, Jan 27, 2025, 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment following at Shalom Memorial Park. For information, including a link to view the service online, shiva, and to leave condolences, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Anshe Tikvah, www.anshetikvah.org..