Obituary of Wilfred J. Morrish

Wil, 93, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2014 in Olympia, Washington, with his wife, Julia, by his side. He began his life on June 29, 1921 in Hinckley, Minnesota, as the third child of Florence and Richard Morrish. Along with his older brothers, Albert and Gilbert, and younger sister, Lorraine (Snow) (all deceased), the family moved to Port Angeles, Washington in 1936. He met the love of his life, Julia Fint, in high school. They were married in Dodge City, Kansas in 1943 during Wil’s Air Force pilot days. In 2013, Julia and Wil celebrated their 70th year together. Julia survives Wil, along with their daughter, Kristi Morrish, son-in-law, Mike Raich, and son, John Morrish. Wil turned his passions into careers. With a BA from the University of Puget Sound and a Master’s Degree from Eastern Washington University, his passion for public speaking became a career. He taught business and public speaking at Peninsula College in Port Angeles for over 20 years. He was a founder of several Toastmaster clubs on the Peninsula and remained an active member in at least four clubs for more than 70 years. Wil’s passion for flying turned into an active Air Force Reserves career for more than 30 years. Wil and Julia were a great team as they traveled the world to Julia’s Masters Swim competitions (Japan, Europe, Australia); Julia swam and Wil cheered. They loved the warm, spending winters in San Diego and Hawaii for over 30 years. They were always glad to return to their Lake Crescent home every spring. To Wil, strangers were just friends he hadn’t met yet. He loved to share laughter and friendly conversations wherever he went. He will be missed by many, loved by more, and held in precious memory by all of us. The family encourages friends to celebrate Wil’s life as you remember him best. Donations can be made to Peninsula College Foundation, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles, WA 98362. The web address is www.pencol.edu Please leave memories of Wil or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.