Peter Morrill

Capt. Peter A. Morrill

March 18, 1930--April 30, 2015

Bay St. Louis, MS

Capt. Peter A. Morrill USCG (ret)

Passed away peacefully at the age of 85, Thursday, April 30, 2015 at Allegiance Hospital in Jackson, Michigan with his family by his side. He was born in Winchester, MA on March 18, 1930, the son of Arthur G. and Kathleen M. (Shehan) Morrill.

Pete graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1952, a Commissioned Officer and enjoyed an exciting career. More notably, in 1965, he served as Commanding Officer of the US Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, the only active commissioned "Sailing Vessel", a 295-ft bargue, three masted square rigger, used for training future Officers of the United States Coast Guard. He sailed her from New London, Conn. to the west coast of California with a crew of cadets and retold those exciting events for the next 50 years. Pete then served as Executive Officer (1966-1967) on board the USCGC Westwind (WAGB-281), a Wind-class of icebreaker, which crossed the Arctic Circle 22 June 1966 at 52N 03W and crossed the Antarctic Circle 3 March 1967 at 67S 36W. His next assignment took him to Washington, DC where he worked on the NOAA Data Buoy Program and planned to move to the Mississippi Test Facility in 1969 but plans were delayed due to the arrival of Hurricane Camille. In 1970, Pete became the first Director of the NOAA Data Buoy Program at the MTF. He was a pioneer in the development and deployment of "ocean platforms" that provide early warning predictions for hurricanes, storms and other adverse conditions.

Pete fell in love with the people, climate, and activities of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He was a member and Past-Commodore of the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club and a member of the Gulfport Yacht Club. He first lived in Waveland, and in 1972 purchased the home of Babby and Jane Benvenutti located at 108 Leopold St., Bay St. Louis, MS, while at the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club, sight unseen. That same year, as Captain of the Sailing Team, Pete led BWYC to victory, winning the Lipton Cup Sailing Regatta. Pete loved sailing and judging races and was a Senior US Sailing - GYA National Judge. His Leadership and Guidance will serve as a benchmark for all that follow. He attained the rank of Captain in the US Coast Guard in 1974 and was assigned to the USCGC Westwind (WAGB-281), only this time as her Commanding Officer. Home ported in Milwaukee, WI. , Pete took the Westwind back to the Arctic Circle via St. John's Newfoundland, then to Thule, Greenland for summer ice breakouts. He also performed winter breakouts of the Great Lakes. Capt. Pete retired from the US Coast Guard on May 1, 1976 and returned to Bay St, Louis, MS. and lived in Cedar Point on Leopold St. until 2005, when Hurricane Katrina removed any existence of his sight unseen purchase some 33 yrs. earlier. With only a few personal possession and his 2 cats, Pete relocated to Diamondhead, MS and continued to enjoy his retired life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He was an avid car enthusiast and on his 84th birthday, purchased a 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible to add to the long list of his classy rides.

Pete was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Richard Morrill.

Pete is survived by his son's family, Dennis and Jean Reott of Munith, MI, 2 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a cousin, Patti (Ross) Webster of Newbury, MA and 2 step-sisters Janet Goudet of Groton, MA, Barbara Atkins of Pennsylvania and a step-brother Charles Sproat.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, 1pm at the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club in Bay St. Louis, MS conducted by Minister and Past-Commodore (BWYC) Ted Dawson with reception to follow. Edmond Fahey Funeral Services have interred Pete's remains at their Mausoleum on Longfellow Rd. in Bay St. Louis, MS.

The family has suggested that donations in Pete's memory be made to the "Gulf Yachting Association Foundation". These funds, in remembrance of "Capt. Pete", will be earmarked for supporting the GYA judging activities and the youth sailing programs. This is a tax deductible donation and will serve well to preserve the memories and appreciation of a "Great Man", Capt. Peter A. Morrill USCG (ret).

Donations can be sent to; GYA Foundation Treasurer, 1634 Marina Drive, Slidell, LA, 70458 please memo "Capt. Pete"

Donations can also be made online @ WWW.GYA.ORG with a credit card or PayPal acct. scroll down the home page to the" DONATE" button. After filling out your info please add "Capt. Pete" in the "Remarks" box.

May he rest in "PEACE".