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Brian Morse Obituary

Morse, Brian devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather and adored coach, passed away early Saturday morning in Seattle at the age of 73. Brian was a native of New Orleans, where he attended Newman and Fortier High Schools. After earning his Bachelors Degree from Principia College in 1961, he married Jo Anne Heltzel and joined the football coaching staff there. In 1963, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as an artillery forward observer in Vietnam, rising to the rank of Captain. Upon returning home, Brian coached varsity Football and track, and taught US History at The Principia School for over 35 years. May 18, 2002 was proclaimed Brian Morse Day in Town & Country, in honor of his decades of education and service to the community. He was inducted into the Missouri Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003 and the St. Louis Metropolitan Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2005. He moved to Tacoma, WA in August 2002, where he coached and taught at Charles Wright Academy and served on the Board of Directors of Sunrise Haven, a care facility for Christian Scientists. Brian is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jo Anne; his son Kevin and daughter-in-law Lora, of Evergreen, CO; his son Eric and daughter-in-law Kristi, of Maplewood, NJ; six grandchildren; and the countless students and players who he loved and nurtured as his own. Services: A Memorial service will be held at Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma on Saturday, September 22 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to establish a scholarship fund in his honor at The Principia: 13201 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, MO 63131 Attn: Development Office. Please sign his online guestbook at www.tuellmckee.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Sep. 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Morse

Sponsored by Eric Morse.

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Don Meyer

September 14, 2024

I recently watched a football game at Principia High School and of course I thought of Brian. His teams were outsized, outmanned but always put up a fight and that was because of Brian´s superior coaching. More importantly, he helped turn his players into great men.

Don Meyer

September 14, 2022

I still think of Brian often. I also compare other coaches to him since he was among the great ones.

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Sabina Schlumberger

Planted Trees

Dan Sellers

October 16, 2013

In short, Brian Morse made and is STILL making the world a MUCH better place. You didn't have to play football for him to understand and admire his greatness. If you break down the game film of how he lived his life, it's easy to see that he focused on the basics. He was consistent, fair, and demanding. He LIVED his religion, he didn't preach it. He gave HIS best, and in turn, he demanded the best from his players. I know I loved giving HIM my best and I learned the meaning of what a whole-hearted effort was all about. He inspired his teams to be physically and mentally tough. Most important, I will always remember the way he made others stand and walk a little taller, by taking a sincere interest in THEM. He served his school, his church, and his country. I know as a Dad, I am trying to teach my boys the same tough love lessons that I learned from him. In the eyes of this former player, Coach Morse was undefeated.

Alan Bashor

November 7, 2012

Brian was ever "the coach" to me. Never more important than the player. Always looking for the best response to the situation. Instructing with force or softly as needed. A leader. Interested in how it's going long after the season is over. An inspiration. An example. A true friend who lives on with us in our hearts.

Bill Scott

November 3, 2012

Brian was a great help to me and it was always a pleasure working with him. My deep condolences to the Morse family.

Betty Shays

October 18, 2012

Tony and I have wonderful memories of Brian (and Joanne) from our time together in college and a few visits through the years. Brian was a man's man, but also gentle and empathetic. Loved his sense of humor! Two of our three kids were fortunate to have him for U.S. history. What a special guy! We'll miss him.

Edward Dyck

October 17, 2012

It was a privilege to have Brian and JoAnne atend our Coach Crafton Football Reunion this summer. Brian was the senior man--and as such--had the time of his life! God Bless.

George Hilbish

October 7, 2012

The Marines and Corpsmen of the Pierce County Detachment #504, Marine Corps League share in your loss. Semper Fi

Andrew Laggart

October 4, 2012

Coach Morse guided and provided a role model for so many boys on their passage into manhood. He is loved and missed by people literally all around the world. Goodbye, Coach.

Nancy Sellers

September 28, 2012

Brian was a giant among men, and all of us who knew him have been blessed by his wisdom, his foresight, his love, and his great sense of humor. JoAnne, I know you have been right beside him every step of the way. I'm glad we were neighbors and friends.

Stuart Jenkins

September 27, 2012

The accomplishments of Brian Morse will live forever in the lives of his players and their children and grand children. Brian taught life lessons. The players won and lost games but the scoreboard of their lives is bright with victory and success because of the lessons that Brian Morse instilled. We will honor Coach Morse by how well we live our lives.

Skip & Nancy Mange

September 27, 2012

Brian was a great colleague, a great teacher of our four children, and a great coach of our two boys!

Mary Shays

September 26, 2012

Brian lived what he taught, giving us an example of his strength of character. Yet what I most associate with Brian was his caring and nurturing outreach to those who needed it. Thank you, Brian and Jo Ann, for 50+ years of unfailing friendship. Mary (and Peter)

Jim Day

September 25, 2012

Brian Morse - devoted family man, inspiring coach, dedicated teacher. I always found that Brian taught by his example and that example was all about loyalty, integrity and caring. I was privileged to be a colleague of Brian's for almost 20 years.I'm sure Brian was raised up on "Eagle's wings." Love to all.

Gary Dail

September 25, 2012

Sir, football at Principia is 48 minutes of hitting, blocking, tackling and guts. It is football played to win and winners we are...we love it, we love it, we love it! You made an impact in my life coach!!

Byron DeLear

September 24, 2012

Best life coach a young man could have. He taught us to play football through love of the game, love of the competition—love of life. So often competition is framed as act bolstered by animosity—Coach Morse worked hard to keep us from ever going to the dark side, so-to-speak. He repeatedly emphasized competing hard without over-aggressiveness, a great lesson in leadership and restraint. As Duane Thomas touched upon, Coach Morse had the capacity to explain over-arching philosophies of the game, or of life, in a concrete manner. He made us think about it, really think. We were all blessed to have Brian Morse in our lives. He was the best life coach anyone could have ever had.

Tim Brown

September 24, 2012

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the Morse family. Coach was incredible person in every sense of the word. My prayer is that his memories, and God's love are providing you comfort during this difficult time. God bless you.

Paul Ellis

September 24, 2012

am so sorry to learn of Coach Morse' passing. He gave me one of my first jobs at his summer camp that he used to run. You will e missed. Thoughts and prayers are with the entire family

September 24, 2012

May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief, may all Brian's memories stay close to your hearts. Psalms 46:1 Joanna

Allison Raynor

September 23, 2012

Brian had a smile that could light up a room without effort. He was a very kind man, and everyone felt comfortable in his company. What he did, he did with great love, and that made all the difference.

Duane Thomas

September 22, 2012

Even though we coached different sports, Brian Morse probably taught me as much about coaching as anyone I have ever been around. Just the conversations in the coaching locker room about ideas and philosophy are some of the best learning times for me. A quality man and a great example. Thank you Brian Morse

David Heckel

September 22, 2012

Coach Morse was tough on you because he demanded your best and he only saw the best in you and he let you know when you didn't bring it. I still remember my lessons...with a smile!

Ruth Mange

September 22, 2012

Brian Morse was one of my favorite High School teachers! I thought I hated history - but I loved attending his US History class. He was an inspiring teacher and coach and will always be remembered fondly.

Jim Evans

September 22, 2012

I had the great privilege of coaching and teaching with Brian for a number of years in St. Louis. I admired his way with his players and his fatherly talks with them about what was important in the game of football. Not winning or losing, but trying your best and constantly overcoming limitations put on them by themselves, others, or circumstances. In my opinion, his greatest contributions to these young men was in guiding them to see their true identity and to make good choices in their lives. I like to imagine that as I write this, Brian is getting his new team (the Saints!) ready for whatever lies ahead.

Winston chad Mckenzie

September 22, 2012

Thank you Coach for your lessons on and off the field. Much love to your family. But life is a game that's played to win and a winner you are we love you we love you we love you.

jim hertlein

September 22, 2012

Coach was a main reason that I went on and taught and coached for over 30 years as a career. I thank him for all he did for all of his players.

Don Meyer

September 21, 2012

I had the honor of getting to know Brian through officiating football. I always looked forward to a beautiful Saturday afternoon on October on the Principia campus. It seemed Principia was always the underdog but Brian had his team prepared. I grew not only to admire but have the deepest respect for Brian not only as a coach but as a person. He was always a gentleman. He is the kind of man a father would want their sons to play football for. I heard a story that when he left Principia, there was a dinner in his honor and his past athletes rose and chanted what Principia football was. A great testimony to an even greater man.

September 21, 2012

Brian was the manifestation of love and dedication. He loved his family, friends, students, atheletes and country.He went the extra mile in every endeavor. Brian's legacy has inspired us all.
Tommy Coleman

Paul Lawrence

September 21, 2012

Mr. Morse helped me grow up and learn what was important in playing and in life. He was a great leader. My condolences to the whole family.

siiri wilson

September 20, 2012

Brian was my first boyfiend. I was a year behind at Fortier. He was a most kind and individual person. I adored him then and have so many fond memories. He was simply great. So hard to believe he died. However,his many kindnesses to all of us will never be forotten.

Sharon Carper

September 20, 2012

Brian was a teaching colleague and a great friend. When our son became an officer in the USMC, Brian, like a true "dad" gave our son his own 1st Lt. Bars for our son's promotion, sharing a little of himself from the Vietnam war! Wow, what a guy!

Keith Coleman

September 20, 2012

Brian was a great cousin and a terrific counselor at Sky Valley. He will be missed. My deepest condolences and much love to Jo Anne, Eric and Kevin.

Johanna Welt

September 20, 2012

I was a Junior at Principia when Brian student taught my history class - AmBack with Mr. Fisher and Mr. Edwards; he coached my brother Tate in high school; and, he coached my son Bruno as well in high school. I shall never forget Brian and all he did for so many. His life defined courage, real manhood and LOVE - he was UNBELIEVABLE! Thank you Brian for your giving so much to so many! The Morse family is in my prayers.

Melvyn Fourmaux

September 20, 2012

Brian and I attended Fortier Senior High School in New Orleans, LA together. Although I was a year behind Brian, we participated in the same school organizations and activities. I always looked up to Brian. He set an example for all who came in contact with him. My condolence goes out to his wife, Jo Anne, and family.

Carl Merlin

September 20, 2012

So sorry to hear news. I will email Fortier Class 1957 and let all know our class president has passed away

Donald Thomas

September 20, 2012

Brian, Coach, every one of your guys have the very fullest respect for you. Thanks for teaching us what manhood is all about, how caring, compassion and toughness all fit withing that scope. For living life to its maximum, you will remain as strong and vital as ever in our hearts.

September 20, 2012

Semper Fi Marine!! Thank you for your service and for keeping our Country free

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