Albert Bruce Morgan

1932 - 2020

8-26-1932 - 11-6-2020 Long time Riverside, CA resident Albert "Bruce" Morgan, passed away peacefully from natural causes on November 6, 2020, at the age of 88. Bruce was born August 26, 1932, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, to Elizabeth (Kinsella) and Wallace Morgan. His family moved to Riverside in 1940, when his father accepted a position as a farming instructor at Sherman Indian School. Bruce spent his early years on the Sherman farm located at what is now the 91/15 Interchange. At the start of WWII, the family relocated to a home on the Sherman School grounds. Bruce regularly attended nearby St. Thomas Catholic Church, where he served as an altar boy for many years. He was also proud of the fact that he maintained both a morning LA Times and evening Press Enterprise paper route throughout his youth. Bruce was a dedicated musician and, during his high school tenure, played clarinet and saxophone in various jazz bands in the area. In later years he would proudly recall memories of playing with the Johnny Allen Band, and of marching in the Rose Parade with the Sherman Indian School Band. Upon his graduation from Riverside Polytechnic High School in 1950, Bruce's musical proficiency led to a full scholarship to Arizona State University. While at ASU, Bruce was recruited by the Army Intelligence Corps and upon graduation, spent his military career, as he would put it, "Protecting the country from communist infiltration." He was discharged from the military in 1957 as a First Lieutenant. Shortly thereafter, Bruce met a vivacious southern belle named Sandra Morris. They fell in love and were married in 1959. They settled in Los Angeles, where they began their family with the birth of their two sons, Matthew and Joshua. Bruce worked at Travelers Insurance by day, and attended law school at Loyola by night. In 1965, with law degree in hand, Bruce returned to Riverside to accept a position with the law firm of Thompson & Colegate. During his 15-year tenure with "T&C", Bruce established himself as a capable and admired member of the Southern California legal community. In 1980, he left Thompson & Colegate and started the Law Offices of Roberts and Morgan, with fellow attorney Bill Roberts. Bruce, known for his hard work and integrity, spent the next two decades building the firm into a prominent and well-respected defense firm. After 35 years and much success, he retired in 2000, having litigated more than 200 superior court jury trials. Bruce Morgan was a man of many interests, and he and Sandra were active members of the Riverside civic community. He was an avid tennis player, a jazz aficionado, and a voracious reader. He was a devoted auto racing fan, attending nearly every event at Riverside International Raceway and more than 30 runnings of the Indianapolis 500. He was a graduate of the Skip Barber Racing School, and, for many years, sponsored local speedway motorcycle riders. He was also a fan of local community sports, including RCC basketball and UCR baseball. Bruce was proud to call Riverside his hometown and often spoke of a bygone era that included small farms in Arlington, music lessons from Lester Oaks, smudge pots in the orange groves, Diamond Lil's, lunch at Pitruzello's, and Mexican food at Mac's, Gay & Larry's, and Francis's. In his later years Bruce could often be found downtown, enjoying lunch at Art's Bar & Grill with his collected cohorts. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Barry, two wives, Sandra and Kim, and his beloved dogs Rascal, Fuzzy, Mike, Lucy, Alfie, JP, Lizzie, Winston, Mollie, and Poncho (to name a few). He is survived by his younger brother Patrick, two sons, Matthew and Joshua, two granddaughters, Nicole and Rebecca, two great grandsons, Ben and Charlie, and many close friends. Bruce was a simple man of great integrity and old-fashion, conservative values. He was a wonderful father and we will miss his wisdom, guidance and companionship. An interment ceremony was held for the family at Riverside National Cemetery. A larger celebration of his life will be scheduled when circumstances allow. In the meantime, the family welcomes and appreciates your thoughts and remembrances, which may be shared at the newspapers online registry.