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BILL MORRELL Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for BILL MORRELL
Kevin Potasky
November 2, 2010
One of my fondest memories of my years in band occurred during my Junior year when our stage band went to Spokane and played at Expo 74. I can still see and hear Mr. Morrel on his Flugal Horn playing his rendition of “When Sonny Sings Blues.” An artist himeself, you didn’t want to let him down which motivated you to play better. He often saw things in us we didn’t see in ourselves - and then he was able to bring that out. And as it has already been mentioned, Mr. Morrell’s presence will be missed and all of those who were lucky enough to have been taught by him are better because of it.
Michael Knaack
October 27, 2010
I only had Mr. Morrell for one year(82), but that year had a lasting influence on me. I remember his grin and his passion for music. I had him for stage and pep band and I can only imagine how many times he heard us do "Tequila". I now work for a school district and one of the things I tell kids when I see them in band class is for them to stick with it--and enjoy it. Music is one of the things that I still use (and enjoy) from high school and that is the result of Bill's teaching and influence. My condolences to his family.
"Uncle Bill" perched on his famous stool
Tonya (Miller) Watkins
October 26, 2010
Tonya (Miller) Watkins
October 26, 2010
It has been many years since I have seen “Uncle Bill” Morrell, but clear as day I can see him casually slouched on his stool with that just-swallowed-a-canary smirk on his face before counting off, “12! 9! 2! 8!” (you know, in lieu of “1,2,3,4…”). He was my band director in 7th and 8th grade when Rogers High School was brand spanking new, and then throughout high school for Symphonic Winds Ensemble, Stage Band, and the BEST pep band around. (I remember the 1973 Rogers basketball team during my junior year heading to state finals and the booster club, teachers, students, and community petitioned our band to return early from our Vancouver, B.C. road trip so we could play at Hec Ed Pavilion for the games. It was heady!) Like so many others who have written their words here, the impact he had on my life is immeasurable. I adored this man who constantly cracked me up, who kept me on my toes, and who believed in me.
Jena, Jenny, and Jason — I’m sure you won’t remember because you were all very young, but I used to babysit for you!
Thank you for sharing your father and your husband throughout all those years. I am very grateful to have had the honor of experiencing the amazing Bill Morrell as my band director, and I’m so sad and so sorry for your profound loss.
Diane (Olson) Audorff
October 26, 2010
I was an orchestra student at Rogers in 1974 who longed to play in the band - Mr. Morrell filled the longing by making me his teacher assistant during my senior year. I'll never forget his passion for music, great talent and "cool" style. We had the best bands around and it was because of him. Praying for God's comfort for all of his family and for happy memories of the man we called "Uncle Bill"
Kim Markum (Canny)
October 26, 2010
From the time I could remember, it was always the Morrell's and Markum's. The Morrell family were our first neighbors in the valley and we were all very close. I will always remember the trips to Grayland every year, the late night get togethers, the Christmas Eve gatherings. Watching myself around school so "Mr. Morrell" wouldn't "see" anything and my parents finding out. I have very fond memories and will always hold Bill Morrell close to my heart. Carol, Jeni, Jana and Jason, I'm so sorry for the passing of dad.
Kelli Davy
October 26, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Morrell was a huge part of my high school experience in the mid-80s. Stage band, concert band, pep band, band trips...he provided constant, positive influence at a time where everything in life seemed to be inconsistant! Some of the lessons he taught were not easy to learn at that age, but they have stayed with me to this day.
Tim Stein
October 25, 2010
As many others have already said, Mr. Morrell nurtured my love of music. It started when I was not yet in school and he allowed me to sit with, play with, hang out with, and direct the band. It continued in elementary school where he was my first band teacher and then later in high school where he taught me to play jazz. Music is still a cherished part of my life. I owe much of this to Mr. Morrell - Thank You! His spirit continues in the many individuals whose lives were touched by him.
Garry Olson
October 19, 2010
Carol & family, I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a grand trumpet player. I enjoyed having him as teacher at Rogers. I also enjoyed him more taking private lessons at your house, I got to see more of private side of Bill & family. He did make you want to play better but also wanted me to enjoy what I was doing. That enjoyment has stuck to this day with wide array of music I listen to. As the years went on I was also able to see him play with different bands at local venues.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Play on Bill !!!!
Jeff Nelson
October 19, 2010
Dear Morrell Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Morrell's passing. I was one of the fortunate people to enjoy him as a band director...and of course as Jeni's dad (and Jana's and Jason's). A wonderful, enthusiastic, and gifted teacher. A man with a great sense of humor and a real 'kid' person. He had the ability to get a ton of music into and out of his students. I hope that your family will find some consolation in knowing what a huge, positive impact he had on literally thousands of peoples' lives. Not many people have that opportunity and ability. He did and will be greatly missed. My family will keep your family in our prayers during this tough time.
Scott Krippaehne
October 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family - I am so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I had the privilege of being taught by Mr. Morrell both in elementary (Sunrise) and high school (Rogers). He was a huge influence on my love for music and his belief in me gave me some much-needed confidence in my early years. I am grateful to have been a student of his, and also have played music with him. I will always look back at the 2 summers I got to play with that band at "The Village" and smile. Some great memories. A great player, teacher, and friend - Bill Morrell will be missed. My heart goes out...
Shawn Kain-Freeman
October 15, 2010
Jeni and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad. Your dad left wonderful memories to many who attended Rogers High, those in the band and those on the side lines watching the many great performances. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sandy Murray-Bicheray
October 15, 2010
Carol, Jeni, Jana & Jason-
I just learned of Bill's death and wanted to let you know how sorry I am. I have such great memories of my high school years and spending time with the whole family especially all of our boating adventures
Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you...
Tony Beaulaurier
October 15, 2010
This was stunning news that just heard of yesterday. Mr. Morrell had a huge impact on my career as a musician. I was a student of his at Rogers HS from 1970-72, and had the great honor of playing guitar in the jazz band for two years. During this time I became interested in composing and arranging for jazz band. Mr. M. was very encouraging of my efforts, and programmed many of my pieces during my senior year. He also turned me on to many great performers, bands and writers whose work still influences me to this day. He also suggested that I attend Central Wa. U. to continue my work, and I did so. His guidance and friendship through this period of my life was priceless. Even into the mid-80's he would occasionally call me up for jazz and marching band arrangements. And of course I always agreed, because I knew that the quality of my work would improve under his supervision.
He also recruited me to play bass in the Tacoma Symphony Brass Quintet school concerts, as well as bass and percussion in the wind ensemble. He provided me with many opportunities for growth in my chosen career, and for that I will be eternally grateful.
My sincerest condolences to Carol and family. "Billy Band"
(a term of endearment from my years there) continues to be a positive influence in my life. I just wish I could have said 'thank you' one more time.
Eric Iverson
October 14, 2010
"Mr Morell" taught music at Rogers when I was there... As a trumpet player, he had a big and and lasting impacting on me. He was a great player and definitely inspired me to play. I was just thinking about him this week... I wish your family the best. Eric Iverson (Thousand Oaks, CA)
My inspiration
Martha Bertucci
October 14, 2010
Gayle Corbit
October 14, 2010
Blessing you - Carol & family. Fond memories of the 70's: The band room (Stars and Stripes Forever), parade routes, half-time shows, concerts and contests - 'Uncle Bill's' much younger face graces every one. Jenny, Jana & Jason, your folks told you to obey me as your babysitter. Now I'm asking you - take care of your mom and dance - even when his music has faded.
Brandi Arnhold
October 13, 2010
One of my favorite things was marching around the high school playing our music. Mr. Morrell was an excellent teacher and had passion about his career! He knew what he wanted from us and pushed us to be better than we thought capable. His presence will surely be missed and I think that all of those who were lucky to have been taught by him are better people because of it. Sleep well my friend!
Jay Taylor
October 13, 2010
Dear Carol, Jenny, Jana and Jason,
I just learned of Bill's passing and I am ever so sorry to hear the news. I cannot begin to convey how much he meant to me, how much I learned from him and what an inspiration he has always been, as far back as I can remember... How lucky was I that he took me on as Dad's sub at The Village two days a week? -THAT was a trial by fire! When he counted off 12th Street Rag I wanted to run and hide! -I knew I'd been thrown into the deep end! But he was so patient with me. He kept encouraging me, teaching me and building my confidence. My sense of tempo was forged those summers by watchin' his foot tap, -as I was ordered to do! LOL! Every time he put his lips to the mic between songs I was halfway to laughin' because you never knew what story or joke he was about to pull out of his hat! He was SO funny, so wonderful with people. The consummate entertainer... To this day I hear his trumpet solos, how he'd rip into 16th notes at crazy tempos... As Dad put it: "Ferocious..." And the feeling with which he played...
-Magic. The way he could lay back on a phrase. He made every song he played his own.
Oh gosh... I will miss him dearly. A couple of Christmases back we met for lunch and it was so special.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and I am just so sorry.
Thank-you Bill...
Love,
Jay
Martha (Olson) Bertucci
October 13, 2010
I don't even know where to begin. This man literally changed my attitude back when I was his student and his teachers aid in the 80's. I was a smart mouthed kid and very rebelious. I held first chair clarinet and played various other instruments in band so I thought that I was the cats PJ's. When one day during my senior year, I mouthed off to Mr Morrell one time too many, he kicked me out of band. The steps that he made me take to beg my way back in was his way of teaching me some important lessons in life. He inspired me to be a better person and not to take my talent for granted. He was a HUGE inspiration to me because of this to the point I spent years trying to hunt him down so I could tell him that. I finally got my chance last year and I am so grateful for that. Mr Morrell, your music, soul, inspiration and love will live on through all of the kids that you helped and taught.
Christopher Holst
October 13, 2010
Bill, you were not only a teacher and mentor, but a friend. I can hear your smooth horn there in the not so far off, and with a steady back beat...you and Jim are jammin Take 5 in heaven... Thank you for all the memories and encouragement, you always told me I had good "swing" in my drumming and you are one of the reasons that I am still passionate about my playing... bless your family and may they take refuge in the arms of our Creator...
Jack & Beverly Ward
October 13, 2010
Carol & Family. We are very sorry to hear about Bill. We got to be Friends thru the Puyallup Elks and Puget Power with Carol. Our prayers are with all of You.
Doug Preston
October 12, 2010
Carol, Jenny, Jana, and Jason, I was very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I will always have great memories of my time in the class room as a student and TA, and the times I was able to be a chaperon on a few trips to Canada. Bill was a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dave Hackett
October 12, 2010
In the 70's at Rogers HS I took every class I could from Mr Morrell. He inspired me to practice my trombone 100s of hours so we could tackle the great music he chose for us. Some of my favorite HS memories are of his laid-back conducting (with his finger) and the outstanding jazz and stage bands he made us into. I love remembering the great music he got out of us for the pep band at school games, and the fun it was to be in his marching band in the Daffodil Parades or on the football field. He loved music and made others love music. He is a grace note in the lives of a lot of us!
Shireen Ainsworth
October 12, 2010
Bill was a committed and talented teacher. It was a privilege to work with him and to be his friend. He inspired so many students to follow their musical dreams. He will be missed by many of us. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and many friends.
Kelly Severson-Welter
October 12, 2010
I had the pleasure of being a band student in the early 80's. First period of the day. Always got my day off to a good start. I am glad I was able to visit with him at Mazatlan last year. He was one of my favorite teachers at Rogers. He will be missed.
Michael Steele
October 12, 2010
I was a student in 1980 and have fond memories of Mr. Morrell teaching our class. He was a fun teacher and he made a lasting impression on myself and fellow students.
Mike Steele (Puyallup, Washington)
Kim and Mike
October 12, 2010
Although I was not a band student of his, many people have shared their stories over the years of my friendship with this family! Mr Morrell will be greatly missed but his legend will live on forever! All our love to you and your family Jana <3
Tony Cables
October 12, 2010
Having sat next to Jenny for many years while her dad taught was truly a memory cherished. My thoughts and prayers to the family as Bill heads to the great Band in the Sky.
Randy Dary
October 12, 2010
A classmate told me about Bill's passing. My sympathies are with his family. Bill was teaching in Puyallup while I was in high school. He was not my teacher but I got to play music with him then and later professionally. Great guy, great player, always seemed younger and cooler than other teachers. I am sorry to hear he is gone.
Sherry Haviland
October 12, 2010
I was one of his band students in the 70's. He was a very talented musician who made a big impact on the community through his music.
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