Kenneth M. Morrison

Kenneth M. Morrison on November 9, 2016 of Needham after much loving care at Avita of Needham with hospice care provided by Good Shepherd Community Care. He is survived by his devoted wife, Frances, of 51 years, his loving daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly & Timothy Lysaght of Wellesley and his adoring grand children, Coleman and Kathryn and pet, Cletus. He leaves his extended families, the Walsh, Wojciechowski and Miller families with numerous nieces and nephews. Ken entered the navy on his 18th birthday and was a WWII veteran. He graduated from University of Rhode Island and was a Major in the United States Army Reserves. He worked at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Smithkline Beecham and Quest Diagnostics. Ken was involved in many philanthropic groups. He was a Mason and a Shriner for sixty years and past Master of Norfolk Lodge. He participated in the Scottish Rite Valley of Boston Princes of Jerusalem. He was also a member of the Elks in Brunswick, ME and a member of the Needham Exchange Club. In October 1985 Ken was appointed General Chairman of the Aleppo Temple's 100th Anniversary by the Aleppo Shriners Potentate, Paul Miller. As part of that celebration Ken commissioned an artist to paint a mural commemorating the work done by the Shriners to provide medical care for crippled and burned children. The mural hangs at the Aleppo Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington. The artist, was art teacher Richard Rourke from Needham High School. In his earlier Shrine days, Ken was a member of the very first Aleppo Motor Patrol in 1967. In more recent years, Ken was honored by the Shriners and awarded the rank of Lieutenant Emeritus of the Arab Patrol. Ken was faithfully active at Christ Episcopal Church in Needham for fifty years. His many roles included Vestry member, chalice bearer, shelter cooking worker, Sunday School teacher, lay reader and usher. Ken and his wife, Fran, along with Marjorie and Jack Swanton of Needham, were responsible for organizing the 100th anniversary celebration of Christ Church in 1994. Ken enjoyed playing bridge, swimming in the ocean, reading, skiing, photography and magic tricks. He and his wife Fran loved dancing and won some dance awards on their many ocean cruises. He was always a true gentleman and caring of people who were less fortunate. A memorial service, interment and reception will be held on Saturday, November 26, 10:00AM at Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Avenue, Needham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church Needham or the Shriners Hospital for Children.