Yolo County CA Archives Obituaries.....Morris, Bobby Gene January 24, 2006 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/cafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: K T bluewolf@onemain.com February 1, 2006, 11:59 pm The Woodland Daily Democrat Morris, Bobby Gene "Bob" Bob Morris passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006 at the age of 72. He was at home surrounded by his loving wife and children. Bob was born Nov. 11, 1933 in Gore, Okla. to John and Ruby Morris. He was the eldest of five children. His family moved to California and eventually settled in Woodland when he was in elementary school. He had many fond memories from his childhood and loved to talk about his family and friends from the old neighborhood. He attended Woodland High School, graduating with the class of 1951. In high school he participated in Future Farmers of America, serving as president in his senior year. He also took part in athletics and was a member of the Thespians. In February of 1951, during his senior year in high school, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve. After graduation he attended a semester at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo before requesting active duty in the Navy. He served as a hospital corpsman during the Korean War until he was discharged in February 1954. After he returned to Woodland, he took a position at International Minerals. That summer he met the love of his life, Audrey. They were engaged at Christmas and married the next July. Last summer they celebrated their 50th anniversary. Together they raised a family of four and in 1975 they added another daughter through the American Field Service exchange program. In 1958, Bob began working at UC Davis in the Department of Veterinary Medicine. Over the next 24 years, Bob and the research team developed the technology for animal blood typing. When the technology matured, Bob co- founded Stormont Laboratories with his professor and research associates to transfer the technology to private industry. Bob was President/CEO of Stormont Labs for 23 years. With his expertise and as a member of the International Society of Animal Genetics, Bob had a chance to travel and establish friendships with international colleagues. His love of travel was a source of great stories and memories. One of his greatest joys was to travel with his family. He would pile everyone into the car for camping trips throughout the western states. Montana was one of his favorite destinations. Bob trained to be a pilot with UC Cal Aggie Flying Farmers. He had dreamed of being a pilot from an early age and was proud when he earned his pilot's license. He had ownership in two planes and only recently retired from flying. He had many adventures with fellow pilots and cherished his flying days with them. Bob always loved music. He tried to master the ukulele and guitar, but his love of singing led him to join the Woodland Chamber Singers. The years he spent with them and their director filled the last four years of his life with a new challenge. When Bob was not traveling or flying, he was either gardening, enjoying music or involved with local organizations. He was president of the Kiwanis Club and served three terms as president of the Yolo Employment Services Board of Directors. When his family was young, he participated as a Chief of the YMCA Indian Guides with his sons and coached Little League for many years. He was also active in the 20-30 Club and Mr. and Mrs. Dance Club. He as proud of his Cherokee Heritage and was a member of the Cherokee Tribe of Oklahoma. Bob was a loving grandfather who encouraged his grandchildren in all of their endeavors. His pride in their accomplishments, big or small, brought joy to his life. He told them to finish what they started, and strive to be the best. Reach for the stars! Bob will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Audrey and their children. Sons, Larry and wife Sherri and their children Kyle, Amanda and Kevin; Dale and his wife Diane; David and fianc?e April Martinez and his children Hayleigh, Chloe, Natalie and Grayson. Daughters, Kathleen Beatty and husband John and their children Chelsea, Rachel and Hannah; Wilma Holgerson (AFS daughter) and husband Kreg and their son Tucker. He is survived by his sisters, Jonna Huff and her husband Hugh, Thana Ratliff and her husband Buck, Deanna Isenhower and her husband Spencer, all of Yuba City and his brother Darrell Morris of Arma, Kan. He is also survived by Audrey's sister, Lois Fernandez and brother, Bill Coombs and wife Nonnie and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. at the Hotel Woodland. The family requests donations are to be directed to the Yolo Community Foundation Ð Bob Morris Family Community Fund, P.O. Box 1264, Woodland, 95776. This fund will carry on his desire to give to his community. A scholarship will be established in his name and funds will be available for youth education programs in the community. McNary's Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the guest book at www.dailydemocrat.com. Published in the Daily Democrat from 1/27/2006 - 2/1/2006. Additional Comments: Volunteer submission - No relation to the deceased. No other information available from submitter. http://www.legacy.com/dailydemocrat/LegacyHome.asp File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/yolo/obits/m/morris1939gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/cafiles/ File size: 5.7 Kb