Robert William Morrison  (Bob)

Robert William Morrison was born on September 16, 1933 in Fort Benton, Montana and passed away on April 1, 2024 in Wenatchee, Washington, surrounded by his three daughters at the age of ninety.   He will be remembered for his ingenuity (he could fix anything), helpfulness, intelligence, love of nature, humor, and most of all devotion to his family.

Bob graduated from Fort Benton High School in 1952. He attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where he joined the Gonzaga Men's Glee Club, a source of joy for him during his four years at university. Bob spent summers back in Montana working in his parent's store, Benton Hardware, and  graduated from Gonzaga University in 1955, majoring in English and History. His first teaching job was at the high school in  Brewster, Washington, and he then later taught at the US Army Information School in 1957-58. His love of teaching had him complete a Masters in English from Gonzaga University in 1958 and subsequently teach at the high school in Colfax, Washington. While teaching in Colfax he met the love of his life, Barbara Alyce Schuttler, whom he later married on July 31, 1961. Soon after marrying, Bob was awarded a Fulbright grant to Helsinki, Finland ( and subsequently a second Fulbright) and he and his new bride started their lifelong adventure by traveling by steamboat to Helsinki, Finland, where Bob was a lecturer at the University of  Helsinki. It was here that he first learned to cross country ski, which would be one of his passions throughout his life.  On his return to the United States, he was a Ford Fellow at  Indiana University in Bloomington where he studied American Folklore and then completed a PhD in  American Studies from Washington State University. Bob and Barbara moved to Bozeman, Montana, where they would raise their three daughters.  Bob taught at Montana State University in the  English Department from 1966-1991, specializing in Ernest Hemingway as well as Western Literature, and could always be counted on to tell great stories during his classes. He was well loved by students and colleagues alike who voted him Professor of the Month. He ended his professional teaching career with a third  Fulbright to teach at the University of Wroclaw, Poland.

After retirement, Bob and Barbara traveled extensively throughout the US, Europe, Mexico, and Costa Rica. For twenty years Bob and Barb spent their winters volunteering for the National Park Service and US Forest Service, and giving Elderhostel programs in Montana and Arizona.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ione (Doffing) Morrison, and his sister  Sharon Manchester. He is survived by his three daughters, Liisa Morrison (Quentin Reuer), Laurel  Morrison (Anita Rue) , Lynell Morrison-Nelson (Gary), grandson Louis Morrison-Nelson, and granddaughter Reily Morrison-Nelson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of life will be held for both Bob and Barbara on August 3, 2024 at Lincoln Rock State Park in Wenatchee, WA.